Eli Kirk Price Plant Science Apprentice; Morris Arboretum & Gardens

University Overview

The University of Pennsylvania, the largest private employer in Philadelphia, is a world-renowned leader in education, research, and innovation. This historic, Ivy League school consistently ranks among the top 10 universities in the annual U.S. News & World Report survey. Penn has 12 highly-regarded schools that provide opportunities for undergraduate, graduate and continuing education, all influenced by Penn’s distinctive interdisciplinary approach to scholarship and learning. As an employer Penn has been ranked nationally on many occasions with the most recent award from Forbes who named Penn one of America’s Best Large Employers in 2023.

Penn offers a unique working environment within the city of Philadelphia. The University is situated on a beautiful urban campus, with easy access to a range of educational, cultural, and recreational activities. With its historical significance and landmarks, lively cultural offerings, and wide variety of atmospheres, Philadelphia is the perfect place to call home for work and play.

Posted Job Title

Job Profile Title

Job Description Summary

Job Description

Key Responsibilities

• Assist in managing botanical specimens in the nationally significant PH Herbarium at the Academy of Natural Sciences, including filing, repairing, imaging, and annotating specimens.

• Participate in ongoing botanical research activities within the Morris Arboretum Plant Science Department, which may include field work, laboratory research, data analysis, and herbarium-based work.

• Contribute to herbarium work in the Herbarium of Morris Arboretum (MOAR) and virtual platforms such as the Mid-Atlantic Herbaria Consortium portal.

• Follow established safety protocols and best practices in laboratory, field, and collections-based environments.

• Perform additional duties as assigned in support of research and collections management activities.

Qualifications / Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Botany, Biology, or a related field, with coursework in botany required.

• Demonstrated commitment to pursuing a professional career in botany.

• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.

• Self-motivated, reliable, and able to work independently with minimal supervision.

• Ability to adapt to varied work settings and responsibilities.

Work Environment

Work time is divided between:

• Morris Arboretum Plant Science Department (approximately 3 days per week), and

• Botany Department at the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University (approximately 2 days per week).

Both departments are academic research units, and successful candidates will demonstrate intellectual curiosity, a familiarity with the primary scientific literature, data analysis skills, and an ability to write scientific papers for publication. Laboratory work may include molecular research related to phylogenetic or population genetic studies; prior experience in molecular techniques is desirable but not required.

Work may occur outdoors, in laboratories, herbarium spaces, or other research environments. Occasional travel may be required, including multi-day trips.

About the Division of Business Services

The Business Services Division (BSD) supports the individual and collective needs of the Penn community by promoting a hospitable, customer-friendly campus environment and providing mission-critical services and essential operations. BSD is dedicated to delivering high-quality service in a fiscally responsible manner.

For more information about the Division of Business Services, visit:

https://www.business-services.upenn.edu

About Morris Arboretum & Gardens

Morris Arboretum & Gardens of the University of Pennsylvania inspires an understanding of the relationship between plants and people through education, research, and horticultural displays. Located in the Northwest section of Philadelphia, the Arboretum is home to a collection of more than 13,000 woody plants and serves as a hub for botany, horticulture, and urban forestry.

For more information, visit: https://www.morrisarboretum.org

Job Location - City, State

Department / School

Pay Range

Salary offers are made based on the candidate’s qualifications, experience, skills, and education as they directly relate to the requirements of the position, and in alignment with salary ranges based on external market data for the job’s level. Internal organization and peer data at Penn are also considered.

Equal Opportunity Statement

The University of Pennsylvania is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates are considered for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, creed, national origin (including shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics), citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status or any class protected under applicable federal, state or local law.

Special Requirements 
A background check may be required after a conditional job offer is made. Consideration of the background check will be tailored to the requirements of the job.

University Benefits

• Health and Life: Penn offers comprehensive medical, prescription, behavioral health, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits to protect you and your family’s health and welfare.
• Retirement: Penn offers generous retirement plans to help you save for your future. Penn’s Basic, Matching, and Supplemental retirement plans allow you to save for retirement on a pre-tax or Roth basis. Choose from a wide variety of investment options through TIAA and Vanguard.

Please note that benefit eligibility is determined/based on ACA guidelines.