Postdoctoral Position in Public Participation in Digitization of Biodiversity Collections

A postdoctoral position is available with iDigBio in the research group of Prof. Austin Mast (Department of Biological Science, Florida State University; http://www.bio.fsu.edu/faculty-mast.php [1]) to study engagement of the public in the digitization of biodiversity research collections, especially as it relates to the community’s Worldwide Engagement for Digitizing Biocollections (WeDigBio) Event. iDigBio (www.idigbio.org [2]) is the US NSF's National Resource for Advancing Digitization of Biodiversity Collections, and it is located at the University of Florida and Florida State University. The WeDigBio Event (www.wedigbio.org [3]) is an annual, 4-day event that mixes onsite engagement at museums, universities, etc. with engagement of distributed participants to produce an exciting, educational global data campaign for science. New developments that could be a part of this postdoc’s activities include the build-out of the nascent WeDigBio virtual science festival, creation of virtual reality biocollections tours, and completion of a strategic plan for the WeDigBio Event. The WeDigBio Event has a history of innovation, including in the area of augmented reality.

A Ph.D. in a relevant field (e.g., biodiversity research, biodiversity informatics, science education, citizen science) is required, as is demonstration of (1) familiarity with (or interest to learn about) biodiversity collections and their digitization, (2) successful collaboration and time management skills, (3) successful written and oral communication skills, and (4) enthusiasm for trailblazing for the benefit of science and society. Desired, though not required, qualities include familiarity with relevant principles of biodiversity informatics, experience in marketing (especially social media marketing), fluency in a second language, and experience with immersive (AR and VR) technologies. The postdoctoral scholar will be expected to interact positively and productively with a wide range of people (more so than in many other postdoctoral positions), including other members of iDigBio, members of the large collections community (e.g., in working groups and workshops), software developers working on digitization tools, educators, and other members of the citizen science community of practice.

Annual salary starts at $48,000, and the position is expected to be for one year. It is based in Tallahassee, Florida, a small state capital bordered on the south and west by the Apalachicola National Forest and on the north by the historical hunting plantations of the Red Hills Region. White-sand beaches, clear freshwater springs, and hiking and biking trails are within easy driving distances of town. The region is one of North America's biotic hotspots.

To apply, send a cover letter and CV with contact information for three references in a single pdf file to Austin Mast (amast@bio.fsu.edu [4]). In the cover letter, please cite past activities that demonstrate each of (1) through (4) above as well as provide the date on which you could start the position and a paragraph or two on your long-term career goals and how you see this position fitting into them. Applications will be considered beginning on Nov 15 until the position is filled. Florida State University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.