The Organization for Tropical Studies (OTS) is seeking applicants for the position of Co-Coordinator with the Native American and Pacific Islander Research Experience (NAPIRE) Program in Costa Rica with funding from the National Science Foundation (NSF) and Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (LSAMP). OTS organizes this summer research experience for Native American and Pacific Islander undergraduate students based at its Las Cruces Biological Station, Costa Rica. The experience (NAPIRE) is focused on giving a cohort of 18-20 underrepresented students an opportunity to complete a scientific research project in field ecology while guided by an experienced tropical ecologist. The NAPIRE program couples research mentors and undergraduate students from across the LSAMP alliance for 6 weeks at Las Cruces. Before this, students take part in a 2-week introduction to the tropics and scientific methods at the La Selva Biological Station. More information about the program is available at ots.ac.cr/napire.
Successful applicants will work closely with the Program Coordinator, Mentors, and the Coordinator of Undergraduate Programs in all aspects of the design and implementation of the 2014 NAPIRE program. The position will be held for 5 months (April-August 2014) and will be based at La Selva Biological Station and Las Cruces Biological Station in Costa Rica from June 1 to August 15, 2014. The co-coordinator will arrive one week before and depart one week after the students are in Costa Rica, and will accompany the course each day while it is in session. *Program Coordinator for 2014 Program:* Dr. Barbara Dugelby *Qualifications:* - Ph.D. or M.Sc. in biology, ecology, conservation biology, anthropology or a related field. - Professional research experience in the tropics, evidence of experience with scientific writing, and knowledge of tropical ecology. - A strong interest in and disposition for working with undergraduate students from diverse backgrounds. - Experience working with indigenous people or LSAMP programs is desirable. - Professional experience in supervision of undergraduate field research is desirable. - Knowledge of Microsoft Word & Excel and basic statistics and statistics programs is desirable. - Excellent communication and organizational skills. - Bilingual (Spanish/English) skills mandatory. - Experience working at Las Cruces and/or in Costa Rica is highly beneficial. - Patient, dedicated, and enthusiastic personality is required. *General Responsibilities:* - Provide support and management of the program in the field for students and mentors - Coordinate with OTS staff on program design and planning - Facilitate the program by seeing out the logistics (transfer between locations, etc.) - Manage program accounting and expenditure - Participate in shared teaching duties - Contribute to course reports *Application deadline: December 31, 2013* To apply, please submit the following materials* as a single PDF file* to the OTS website (ots.ac.cr): cover letter describing your interest and fit for the position, CV, statement of teaching philosophy, statement of research interests, and 3 references. *Applications may also be sent electronically to *[email protected]. -- _______________________________ *Barbara L. Dugelby, Ph.D. *NAPIRE Program Coordinator Organization for Tropical Studies Cell: 830-965-6869 Skype: 830-392-0958 [email protected] ots.ac.cr/napir <http://ots.ac.cr/napire>
