Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute

Office of Human Resources

Announcement No.45

September 4, 2026

NOTICE OF OPENING

 Applications for “Senior Data Analyst” will be accepted effective immediately.

 Opening Date: September 4, 2026

 Review of applications begins: September 11, 2026

Location of position: Gamboa, Colon, Republic of Panama.

 Type of position: Indefinite– Local Payroll

 Open to All: We welcome applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of nationality. Before a Final Offer Letter can be issued, the selected candidate must provide proof of legal residency in Panama and a valid work permit authorizing employment with any employer in Panama.

The Senior Data Analyst is responsible for a variety of tasks that support research in the STRI Quantitative Forest Ecology Lab to ensure its smooth and efficient operation. The position includes 1) data management, including processing, organizing, and cleaning data of various kinds; 2) data analysis and preparation of tables, graphics, and reports; 3) assisting with budgeting, scheduling, and project management; and 4) providing guidance to other lab members on these topics.    

You will have some of the following responsibilities:

• Curates datasets generated from a variety of sensors and field work, including drone imagery, laser scanning, spectrometers, forest plot censuses, plant trait measurements, and more.  Prepares associated data publications. 
• Designs, populates, and manages databases, including construction of database architecture, extraction of information from lab datasets or the scientific literature, and regularly updating databases to incorporate new data, using automated scripts where possible.
• Performs data processing and statistical analyses using a scripted programming language (e.g., R, Python), including conducting data quality control and quality assessment, preparing data publications, and preparing standardized reports including tables and figures.
• Prepares data management plans, updates these plans as needed, and ensures they are being followed.  Manages the lab’s shared drive resources, including handling requests for data access from lab members and collaborators.   
• Contributes to the preparation of reports, presentations, scientific papers, and applications for funding, including by conducting analyses; producing tables, graphs, and schematics; and drafting text, all with detailed guidance from the supervisor. 
• Documents research protocols employed in the laboratory.  Prepares written documents and other relevant materials (e.g., videos, code publications) documenting research protocols at a level of detail enabling reproducibility by others. 
• Contributes to project management for laboratory activities.  Assists with management of lab supplies and equipment, purchasing, scheduling, travel arrangements, and other logistics, in collaboration with employees supporting purchasing and travel.
• Prepares and tracks budgets for research projects, and keeps organized and clear financial records, in collaboration with the assigned fund manager. 
• Provides training, guidance and advice to other lab members on data management, data processing and analysis, and other topics related to the Senior Data Analyst’s duties. 
• Perform other duties as assigned.

To be successful in this role, you should meet the following requirements:

• Required: Bachelor’s (4-year) degree in the field of natural sciences, computer science, engineering, or another relevant field.
• 2+ years relevant work experience or master’s degree in a relevant field. 
• Strong programming skills.  Knowledge of R and Python programming languages or ability to rapidly develop such knowledge on the job. 
• Knowledge of and experience in data management and in establishing data analytical pipelines and workflows. 
• Ability to effectively leverage AI tools to accelerate coding, report generation, and other tasks, with a strong capability to independently troubleshoot, audit, and refine AI-generated output for accuracy and safety.
• Strong organizational skills, with ability to manage multiple projects, prioritize tasks independently, and manage time and resources effectively to bring projects to completion. 
• Excellent oral and written English communication skills. 
• Basic conversational Spanish communication skills. 
• Ability to work harmoniously with people from different cultures and backgrounds.
• Ability and willingness to conduct occasional field work in tropical forests.
•  Desirable: familiarity with forest ecology, plant ecology, and/or remote sensing. 

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS

The incumbent works under the supervision of the Senior Research Ecologist. The supervisor provides overall research direction and relies on the incumbent to exercise considerable judgment and independent initiative in carrying out assignments. Work is reviewed for efficiency and effectiveness.

GUIDELINES

Guidelines are the general policies, procedures, goals and objectives of STRI and SI. Experienced judgments are required to adapt general policies to specific situations.

 COMPLEXITY

This position entails a high degree of complexity. The work requires the performance of various technical duties which involve different processes and methods and the incumbent is expected to have the ability to work independently. The incumbent shifts effort as needed among the different short- or long-term projects which vary in terms of equipment, protocols, and personnel. This requires a level of maturity and confidence and the ability to understand the various project’s objectives, provide strategic direction, and resolve problems (and recommend solutions) as they unfold.

SCOPE AND EFFECT

The purpose of the position is to provide essential bioinformatics services, research support and laboratory administration to maintain a highly productive, efficient laboratory that advances the Research Ecologist’s research program and serves as a platform for scientific excellence.  This includes the provision of advice and guidance to fellows, interns, and other visitors to the Supervisor’s research laboratory, as appropriate.

PERSONAL CONTACTS

The incumbent has wide-ranging contacts with scientific, administrative, and technical staff as well as interns, fellows, and scientific visitors at STRI, within the Smithsonian, and at other institutions. 

PURPOSE OF CONTACTS

The purpose of the position is to facilitate lab administration and the research program.  This includes contacts to understand and analyze user requirements, obtain and provide technical information and guidance, collaborate on planned or ongoing research, communicate research plans and results, and obtain permits, among others. 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The work ranges from sedentary tasks at a desk in front of a computer to intense field expeditions in remote settings.  Work takes place during the day and at night.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work area is adequately lit and ventilated. Work is also conducted at a variety of field sites, which may require varying degrees of risk depending on mode of transportation, climate, and living conditions.