Urban Tree Pathologist Position Description
The Morton Arboretum invites nominations and applications for a full
time Urban Tree Pathologist, to conduct innovative, practical and
comprehensive research on diseases of urban trees using a plant health
care approach.
S/he will establish an internationally recognized research program and
national leadership role in urban tree pathology and plant health care
that takes advantage of the Arboretum’s strategic location in the
Chicagoland metropolitan area. Research topics may include cultural,
chemical and biologically based management of pathogens; development of
forecasting and diagnostic tools, including molecular diagnostics;
predisposition of trees to biotic and abiotic disease development from
urban stress and climate change; invasive diseases; and/or related
subjects. Expectations include publishing in scientific, professional
and popular journals; obtaining extramural funding; working
collaboratively and effectively with Arboretum colleagues in research,
education, and living collections, and other scientists in the region;
contributing to the management of the Arboretum’s 900 acres of plant
collections and natural areas; interacting with plant health care
professionals; and supporting the Plant Clinic and Plant Health Care
Report. The Urban Tree Pathologist will work especially closely with
researchers in root biology, soil science, and stress physiology. There
are opportunities for collaboration in natural areas research; and
academic teaching and advising, with potentially adjunct faculty status
at area universities. Modern laboratory space, support staff, and
operating budget are provided.
Qualifications: Ph.D in plant pathology or closely related field;
training and demonstrated interest in applied plant pathology research;
strong background in experimental design; command of modern statistical
analytical methods and of appropriate general and specialized software;
a record of excellent written and oral communication, and interpersonal
skills; familiarity with regional woody plants, diseases and their
management, and an interest in root system diseases and symbionts is
strongly desired.
Review of applications will begin November 1, 2008, and will continue
until the position is filled. Applicants should send a letter of
application, curriculum vitae, statements of research and related
interests and experience, and contact information for three references
to: The Morton Arboretum, Human Resources, 4100 Illinois Route 53,
Lisle, IL 60532 or jobs(a)mortonarb.org. For further information or to
nominate candidates, please contact Dr. Gary Watson, at 630-719-2415 or
gwatson(a)mortonarb.org .
The Morton Arboretum is a 1,700-acre public botanical garden, featuring
one of the world’s most diverse collections of woody plants, over 900
acres of natural areas, a comprehensive research library, modern
laboratories and herbarium, and outreach education for professional and
public audiences. Research at the Arboretum has focused throughout its
85-year history on finding practical solutions to the challenges of
selecting and maintaining healthy trees in developed landscapes and
natural woodlands, and on communicating results to practicing
professionals and general public as well as the research community. The
three principal areas of emphasis in Research and related programs are
tree health, tree improvement, and woodland conservation. See
www.mortonarb.org. Equal Opportunity Employer.
Glen R. Stanosz, Ph. D.
Department of Plant Pathology
Department of Forest and Wildlife Ecology
University of Wisconsin-Madison
1630 Linden Drive
Madison, WI 53706
voice: 608-265-2863
fax: 608-263-2626
email: grs(a)plantpath.wisc.edu
FOREST PATHOLOGY: research, teaching, and outreach to keep Wisconsin's
trees and forests green and growing!