Director of Science, Gothenburg Botanical Garden

Are you our new Director of Science? 

Are you interested in working as Director of Science, with responsibility for our unique plant collections and conservation work, together with a team of highly committed colleagues? With us, you will have the opportunity to be a key contributor to the development of the Gothenburg Botanical Garden's activities and collaborations, both nationally and internationally.

As Director of Science, you will lead a department where passion and professionalism go hand in hand. You will be responsible for staff, finances, and development, while advancing Gothenburg Botanical Garden’s research and conservation agenda. You will be involved in decision making – as a member of the senior management team, within international networks, and at the very heart of our work on biodiversity.

At Gothenburg Botanical Garden, we view the garden as an integrated whole in which all components are essential. Research and practical work are closely intertwined in our daily activities, and the entire garden is regarded as a platform for research. Gothenburg Botanical Garden is a major visitor destination, and new greenhouses and a visitor centre are currently under construction. Don’t miss the opportunity to become part of one of Europe’s most dynamic botanical gardens!

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as head of the Conservation and Research Department, taking responsibility for operations, staff, finances, and work environment. The department comprises approximately 10 employees.
• Lead the development and implementation of the collections policy and research strategy.
• Lead work related to collection curation, research expeditions, and fieldwork.
• Work strategically to increase external research funding.
• Identify and develop external collaborations, both with research- and conservation-focused organisations and with relevant professional and industry bodies.
• Demonstrate and communicate the botanic garden’s expertise and relevance in the field of biodiversity conservation.
• Promote the utilisation of botanical garden expertise within national and Nordic conservation frameworks.
• International travel is a regular part of the role.
• Be a member of the organisation’s senior management team.

Qualifications

You hold a PhD in botany with a focus on vascular plants (or another field deemed equivalent). You have at least seven years of professional experience post-PhD and experience of working with scientific collections. You also have a minimum of five years’ experience of strategically leading people.

Additional required experience

• International experience, for example through collaborations and projects in an international context.
• Experience of managing and leading research projects.
• Proven success in applying for and securing funding for projects and research initiatives.

It is considered an advantage if you:

• Have worked in a botanical garden.
• Have previous managerial experience.
• Have worked abroad and/or led fieldwork outside your home country.
• Possess a relevant professional network in Sweden and internationally.
• Have knowledge of international legislation and frameworks (such as the Nagoya Protocol and the Convention on Biological Diversity).

Personal Profile

You are expected to be highly proficient in both spoken and written Swedish and English. If you do not speak Swedish upon appointment, you are expected to acquire sufficient proficiency within two years. You possess deep and broad knowledge of plants and plant diversity, and you are highly comfortable using digital tools and data systems in your work.

We are looking for a person who is outgoing and enjoys leading others. You take satisfaction in supporting the growth and development of your team. You are strategic, forward-looking, and innovative, with strong networking and collaboration skills in an international context.

Additional Information

Management recruitments follow the Västra Götaland Region’s executive recruitment process, which is based on the region’s four core leadership criteria:

• Values-based leadership
• Goal- and results-oriented leadership
• Communicative leadership
• Development-oriented leadership

Interviews are scheduled for March 18, 20, 23 and 27. As part of the selection process, shortlisted candidates will participate in in-depth interviews and assessments at the Region’s Executive Recruitment Centre in Gothenburg on April 9.