The Organization for Tropical Studies (OTS) is seeking applicants for the positions of Graduate course coordinator and co-coordinator for Tropical Biology: An Ecological Approach in Costa Rica. This is an intensive, four or six week course in field research and tropical ecology for 22 graduate students. This classic OTS field course, also called the Fundamentals Course has trained tropical biologists since the 1960s. At its heart lie the highly regarded OTS field problems which focus on the formulation of feasible research questions, experimental design, data collection, analysis, and oral and written presentations. More information about this course can be found here: http://www.ots.ac.cr/index.php? option=com_content&task=blogcategory&id=93&Itemid=393 Successful applicants will work closely with the Education Director and Graduate Program Coordinator the design and implementation, and will be responsible for teaching aspects of the course. The applicant has to be comfortable with developing and conducting short research projects with students and visiting professors in the field, and should have a good understanding of ecological statistics. Ideal candidates will have a wide understanding and knowledge of current tendencies in Neotropical ecology with a background in behavioral ecology, evolution, physiology, molecular field ecology, conservation tendencies and climate change, such that they define and complement the expertise of invited specialized faculty to the course.
The Tropical Biology Fundamentals course will be offered in late December to early January (4 week course) and in June and July (6 week course) every year from December 2013. Interested professionals may apply for several courses in the coordinator position or as co-coordinator. The general responsibilities of the principal coordinator are: Plan the itinerary Participate in selecting a co-coordinator for the course Participate in selecting students with OTS staff Coordinate with time in advance for reservations in the field, but execute a pre-course period to visit course sites around 2 weeks before it starts. This pre-course is for strengthening details regarding student activities (2 weeks maximum). Lead the course from the time of the students arrival to Costa Rica through to the end of the course Identify and invite resource faculty well in advance, and support them while they are with the course in Costa Rica Apply the OTS education model (orientation walks, field problems, independent research projects, short student presentations, and invited faculty lectures) As coordinator give 2 lectures as minimum Supervising the teaching assistant Work together with Co-coordinator Evaluate students Together with a co-coordinator and a teaching assistant always work towards minimizing risks Supervise reviewing and accounting for equipment (TA´s main responsibility) Supervise course accounting (practice cost containment with respect to total budget, and responsible for keeping track of cash advances and receiptswhile in the field with the course) Supervise the preparation of the course book within 2 months after the course ends (shared responsibility with co-coordinator, TA) Be the main contact person between course and OTS-CRO staff Coordinate a written final report with inputs from co-coordinator, TA and student evaluations (8-10 days maximum after the course ends) Qualifications & Experience: - Ph.D. in Ecology, Biology, Environmental Science or a related field with professional research experience in the tropics - A strong interest in team teaching and interdisciplinary collaboration - A strong background in experimental design and statistical analysis - Experience in field-based education and hands-on experiential teaching a plus - Experience in teaching in the OTS Tropical Biology fundamentals course, a strong plus. - Bilingual (English/Spanish) communication skills a plus - Ability to work in the field, living in close quarters with students and faculty at field stations around Costa Rica - Has contacts among scientific community to be able to contact a variety of specialties to support the course in the field, a must. To apply, please submit the following materials as a single document at the OTS website: cover letter describing your interest and fit for the position, CV, teaching statement, and 3+ references. Application deadline: Open until we find successful candidates. Anticipated start date: Flexible.
