Researcher in Plant Ecology

QBG has introduced a new concept in the world of botanical gardens, as it is the first garden of its kind in the world that exhibits the plants mentioned in the Holy Qur'an and the authentic Sunnah of the Prophet (PBUH) . It aims to enhance and spread knowledge about these plants, the terms associated with them, and how they are cared for and preserved.

Position

To support the management of the conservation center in Qur'anic Botanic Garden (QBG) in relation to the Seed Bank, Herbarium and Botanical Museum by performing field studies, conservation programs, and coordinating other activities to ensure successful implementation.

Job Role Description

• Manage, guide and undertake conservation activities by preserving seeds, collecting herbarium samples and handling germination experiments for the plants in the Qur'an the Hadith, Flora of Qatar and other Arab countries.
• Responsible to assure that the Herbarium, Seed Bank, Seed Lab, and Germination rooms in the Botanical Conservation Center is operating as per the QBG policy and business procedures.
• Conduct studies (In-situ and Ex-situ) on the QBG's plants and plants of the natural Flora of Qatar, suitable environment for cultivation, geographical distribution in Qatar, Arab countries and the whole world.
• Generate a dictionary and/or guidelines for data collection and documentation defining QBG's and Flora of Qatar plants by conducting vegetation studies for the evaluation of Flora of Qatar according to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
• Manage the QBG restoration program for the plants of the QBG and the Flora of Qatar by maintaining the "Rawdat" desert ecosystems to return healthy wildlife to nature.
• Manage the plant material collections required for running herbarium activities and prepare specimens according to international rules.
• Conduct and manage experiments for testing the propagation of plants and finding the suitable conditions for their propagation.
• Manage and undertake the field trips needed for ecological studies for the In-situ conservation, including restoration, evaluation of the natural habitats, vegetation mapping in Qatari habitats.
• Conduct the research needed for the QBG Botanical Museum, including item identification, documentation, curating of collections and special exhibitions, content interpretation, and dissemination of knowledge with the presentation of items.
• Suggest updates for enhancement of the corresponding business procedures.
• Prepare scientific articles annually to reflect the work of QBG's conservation research activities for the scientific occasions inside and outside Qatar.
• Present QBG during scientific occasions by providing lectures, webinars, and workshops, inside and outside Qatar.
• Develop a sustainability-based curriculum and provide conservation-based education for students and the public involved in QBG programs, including scientific martials, practical sessions, and relevant tools for the educational and community engagement programs throughout the year.
• Submit quarterly and annual reports of QBG's technical programs, such as the conservation program, restoration and Seed Bank, and support other administrative duties that require ecology and science knowledge.
• Support the preparation of the documents required for submitting the budget and the material requisitions for the conservation center requirements of QBG.
• Research and gather information from the internet and other secondary sources regarding botanical gardens and prepare write-ups for publications on the website and brochures. Other reasonable tasks as assigned by the director.

Minimum Knowledge, Skills & Experience

• Bachelor’s or B.Sc. in botany or a related field from a recognized university.
• Minimum of 3–5 years of experience in environmental-related organizations and familiarity with horticulture.
• Ability to plan and organize work and meet deadlines with attention to details.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing in both Arabic and English.
• Excellent writing skills with the ability to draft and edit a variety of written reports and communications and to articulate ideas clearly and concisely; Arabic proficiency is an advantage.

How to apply

To apply, please follow this link.
Additional documents may be solicited from short-listed candidates.

Deadline

Applications will be reviewed immediately and continue on a rolling basis until the position is filled.  Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews. 

Remuneration

HBKU offers an attractive compensation package that includes a tax-free salary and additional benefits such as an accommodation allowance, annual paid leave, and medical insurance. 

Hamad Bin Khalifa University is an equal opportunity educator and employer. We are committed to maintaining culturally and academically diverse staff of the highest caliber.