The Singapore Botanic Gardens (SBG) is one of the oldest tropical botanic gardens and one of only three botanic gardens in the world inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Over its history, it has played a major role in nature conservation in Singapore and influenced its environmental and social history. Among its earliest contributions to nature conservation in Singapore is a comprehensive forest survey of Singapore and Malaya 150 years ago that led to designation of forest reserves which are the precursors to the current Nature Reserves in Singapore.

The Forest and Tree Research programme of the Gardens builds on the Gardens\xe2\x80\x99 pioneering work in forest ecology and taxonomic research and has three main focal areas: tropical forest ecology research, urban tree research, and education and outreach. The broad aims are to advance forest and urban tree research in Singapore through development of scientific capacity, translate scientific knowledge to science-based forest and urban tree management practices, and foster greater awareness and support of forest conservation through education and outreach. Research will be centred on (1) tropical forest ecology, covering biodiversity and biophysical and biogeochemical studies, and (2) urban tree management covering tree biomechanics, tree ecophysiology, and applications of remote sensing methods tree growth and health monitoring, both undergirded by broad considerations of climate change impacts.

The Director of the Forest and Tree Research oversees this research programme, with a particular focus on development of science-based strategies for forests and urban tree management in Singapore. You will be expected to work closely with other researchers in Singapore Botanic Gardens and other Divisions of the National Parks Board.

Responsibilities

• To oversee, coordinate and develop the research programme on forest and tree research in Singapore.

• To supervise and guide the research undertaken by the researchers on forest and tree research in Singapore.

• To document and publish the results from research as peer-reviewed journal papers and semi-popular accounts.

• To network and develop collaborations within Singapore and the region that would enhance the research capacity and capabilities in forest and tree research.

• To work closely with researchers within the Singapore Botanic Gardens and National Parks Board to identify synergies and build a strong research culture.
  

Requirements

• PhD in Plant Sciences / Life Sciences / Ecology with a specialisation in tropical forest ecology, restoration ecology, vegetation modelling, conservation, urban forestry and arboriculture, or other related research fields.

• At least 10 years in supervisory capacity of research teams and experience in managing large research programmes.

• A proven track record in tropical forest ecology and urban tree research with publications in high-impact journals.

• A track record in development of forest conservation or urban forestry guidelines and policies will be an advantage in the application.

• Effective leadership and team player.
  

Only shortlisted candidates are notified.