https://trustcareers.si.edu/en/postings/86a68378-0682-4ff4-9ea9-13804c08aaa9

Postdoctoral Scholar – Experimental Tests of Selection at seed to seedling transition, Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute

The BCI-EDGE project seeks applications for a Postdoctoral Scholar in the area of Experimental Tests of Selection at seed to seedling transition, in the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute. This postdoc will be part of BCI-EDGE, a multi-institution project focused on the evolutionary dynamics and genomic ecology of tropical forests, with datasets and analyses from research plots in Panama, including the Barro Colorado Island. The overarching goal is to understand the evolutionary processes that maintain tropical forest diversity. The project combines whole-genome sequencing, experimental ecology, and more than four decades of spatially explicit demographic data from one of the world’s best-studied tropical forests. Broadly, the project will test how ecological interactions, natural selection, natural enemies, hybridization, and environmental gradients shape genetic diversity, adaptation, and species coexistence in tropical tree communities.

The Aim 3 postdoctoral scholar will be based in Panama, and will direct experimental and observational studies of selection during the seed-to-seedling transition. This individual will design and oversee seed collection, seed burial experiments, seedling transplant studies, and fungal exclusion treatments, working closely with field technician(s) to ensure experimental implementation. The postdoc will coordinate genomic sampling of pre- and post-selection cohorts and lead analyses quantifying allele frequency shifts associated with viability selection and enemy-mediated mortality. By linking experimental outcomes to long-term ecological data and genomic patterns identified in Aims 1 and 2, this position will provide insight into how early-life selection shapes population genetic structure and contributes to the maintenance of diversity in tropical forests. 

The successful applicant should have the following skills:

1. Experimental design in field ecology (seed/seedling experiments, manipulative treatments, replication)
2. Population genomics of selection (allele frequency shifts, viability selection analyses, PoolSeq)
3. Plant–pathogen or plant–enemy interaction expertise (especially fungi and disease dynamics)
4. Data integration across experimental and observational datasets (linking experiments to genomic and ecological patterns)
5. Project management and supervision of field experiments (coordinating technicians, maintaining the experiment over time)

This is a  full-time, definite, trust-funded position. The vacancy is based in Panama and will be appointed at the Grade 11 level under the 2026 U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) General Schedule (GS) Pay Table. The appointment will be for a period of two (2) years, with the possibility of extension. 

For more information and to apply to this positions, please see the below links:  https://trustcareers.si.edu/en/postings/f299cd47-cc9b-4eda-9b35-256f00351bea    

University of California, Berkeley

Postdoctoral Scholar – Evolutionary Genomics, University of California, Berkeley

The postdoctoral scholar will be based in Berkeley, California, and will direct a subset of Aim 1 goals that are complementary to those of the coordinating postdoctoral scholar based in Panama. With expertise in population, comparative, and evolutionary genomics, the successful candidate will lead projects characterizing introgression, demographic history, and selection across species. This individual will travel periodically to Panama to interface with the other EDGE-BCI postdoctoral scholars.

The successful applicant should have the following skills:

1. Comparative genomics analyses (e.g. phylogenomics, gene family evolution, evolutionary constraint analyses, detection of  introgression/hybridization)
2. Population genomics analyses (e.g., coalescent-based and allele-frequency based including using resequencing and/or PoolSeq data, analysis of selection in multi-population datasets)
3. Prior experience managing and analysing large genomic datasets
4. Excellence in scientific writing 
5. Ability to thrive on a diverse team
6. Ability to travel to Panama periodically

For more information and to apply to this position, please see the below link:

https://aprecruit.berkeley.edu/JPF05399

Oregon State University/STRI

Postdoctoral Scholar – Community Genomics and Selection in Space and Time, Oregon State University/Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute

The postdoctoral scholar, based in Panama, will lead efforts to quantify how density-dependent ecological interactions shape genomic variation within the BCI forest community across different size classes/stages. This individual will coordinate spatially explicit genomic sampling within the 50-ha plot, integrating whole-genome resequencing data with long-term demographic records of recruitment, growth, and mortality. The postdoc will oversee field technicians collecting tissue and phenotypic data and will lead analyses testing for genetic signatures of selection across life stages, spatial neighborhoods, and temporal cohorts. A major focus will be linking genomic variation at candidate defense loci to patterns of survival, growth, and metabolomic traits, thereby providing a direct test of how CNDD acts as a selective force within natural populations. 

The successful applicant should have the following skills:

1. Statistical genomics and selection inference (e.g., detecting selection across life stages, spatial structure, temporal cohorts)
2. Integration of genomic data with long-term demographic datasets (e.g., ForestGEO data)
3. Spatial analysis and ecological modeling (neighborhood models, density dependence, spatial statistics)
4. Experience with whole-genome or population resequencing datasets
5. Field coordination in complex ecological systems (linking sampling design to hypothesis testing)

For more information and to apply to this position, please see the following link:

https://blogs.oregonstate.edu/joneslab/bci-edge-postdoctoral-scholar/

El Técnico de Investigación I ayudará al personal de arqueología de STRI a crear un inventario de todos los artefactos y materiales arqueológicos de un grupo de cajas que ha sido almacenado por varios años afuera del instituto. También ayudarán a organizar y mejorar las condiciones de almacenamiento del material (p. ej., reemplazo de cajas y bolsas que contienen los artefactos, transcribir etiquetas y rótulos, etc.) y ayuda a los arqueólogos a tomar decisiones sobre qué material debe permanecer almacenado para futuros proyectos.

Serás responsable de:

·       Revisar cajas, bolsas, baldes y otros contenedores en Naos para crear un inventario electrónico de artefactos y material relacionado (p. ej., muestras de sedimentos).

·       Trabaja con el personal de arqueología para identificar y documentar la información contextual (p. ej., información de sitio, área, nivel, etc.).

·       Ayudar con la conservación del material, incluido el reemplazo de cajas, bolsas y etiquetas asociados al material cuando sea necesario.

·       Ayuda con el movimiento de material dentro y entre los sitios de almacenamiento como parte del proceso de reorganización.

·       Realizar otras tareas que le sean asignadas inherentes a la posición.

Para ser exitoso/a en este rol, deberás cumplir con los siguientes requisitos:

·       Licenciatura (licenciatura) o título universitario, o ha completado los cursos necesarios para la licenciatura en arqueología o disciplinas afines (p. ej. antropología, historia, museología, etc.).

·       Mínimo de 1 año de experiencia de laboratorio en arqueología o disciplinas afines.

·       El empleado debe estar familiarizado con los procedimientos básicos de inventario, incluido el software de hoja de cálculo (Microsoft Excel).

·       Conocimiento básico de arqueología y tipos de materiales arqueológicos utilizados para la investigación.

CONTROLES DE SUPERVISIÓN

El titular trabaja bajo la supervisión del Curador de Arqueología en Naos. El trabajo implicará la participación y comunicación continuas con otro personal de arqueología de STRI, incluidos los técnicos de laboratorio superiores, quienes brindarán instrucciones y orientación durante el proceso de inventario y reorganización.

PAUTAS

Asistir en las operaciones diarias del laboratorio de arqueología en Naos. Se espera que el titular demuestre buen juicio en la interpretación y ejecución de las políticas, procedimientos, metas y objetivos generales de STRI y SI.

COMPLEJIDAD

El trabajo no es complejo, aunque se espera que el titular ayude en mantener el sistema de inventario existente que incluye múltiples tipos de artefactos, desde cerámica hasta sedimentos. El titular deberá realizar un seguimiento de la información contextual, con registros y sistemas de codificación que difieren a menudo entre los varios proyectos de excavación.

ALCANCE Y EFECTO

El propósito del trabajo es producir el primer inventario completo de las colecciones arqueológicas en STRI, que es una de las colecciones más grandes de material arqueológico en Panamá. Ayudará en la conservación a largo plazo del patrimonio cultural de Panamá, y el inventario final puede ser utilizado por futuros investigadores que deseen analizar o volver a analizar el material de la colección.

CONTACTOS DEL PERSONAL

El técnico tendrá contacto con otras personas que trabajan en los laboratorios arqueológicos incluyendo los pasantes, estudiantes, varios miembros del personal de investigación y, ocasionalmente, visitantes.

PROPÓSITO DE LOS CONTACTOS

El personal del laboratorio de arqueología dirigirá y ayudará al técnico con el proceso de inventario y reorganización. Los estudiantes y pasantes pueden ayudar con el proceso de inventario, especialmente si hay un proyecto planificado que involucre el material que se está inventariando. Los visitantes ocasionalmente vienen a los laboratorios arqueológicos, incluidos los relacionados con el patrimonio cultural de Panamá, y pueden estar interesados en comprender nuestro proceso de inventario y los planes para el almacenamiento a largo plazo del material.

DEMANDAS FÍSICAS

El trabajo implica las exigencias habituales de una oficina y la gestión de colecciones, incluyendo largos periodos de pie o sentado, agacharse con frecuencia, usar escaleras ocasionalmente y aplicar fuerza física para manipular las colecciones y el equipo de almacenamiento. Puede requerir cierto esfuerzo físico, como levantar cajas pesadas (hasta 30 libras) y empujar carretillas cargadas con cajas. En ocasiones, el técnico podría necesitar mover material pesado que pese más de 30 libras. Esto se realizará con la ayuda de otras personas.

AMBIENTE DE TRABAJO

El ambiente de trabajo será variable, dependiendo del sitio de almacenamiento. La mayor parte del trabajo de inventario se realizará en ambientes con clima controlado y en interiores en las instalaciones del Smithsonian. Dado que las cajas que contienen material arqueológico pueden contener polvo u otras partículas, se tomarán precauciones para limitar la exposición, incluyendo el uso de equipo de protección personal pertinente (p. ej. mascarillas y guantes desechables). Dado que parte del material se almacena en una estructura al aire libre en Gamboa, el titular deberá trabajar al aire libre parte del tiempo.

En STRI, nos guiamos por nuestros valores fundamentales de respeto y nuestro compromiso de acoger a todas las personas que comparten una pasión por la investigación en los trópicos y por contribuir a la comunidad en general. Como empleador que ofrece igualdad de oportunidades, alentamos a todos los candidatos calificados a postularse para posiciones en STRI. Estamos comprometidos a garantizar un proceso de reclutamiento justo, respetuoso y de apoyo para cada solicitante.

STRI se compromete a mantener un ambiente de trabajo libre de violencia, acoso y cualquier forma de discriminación. Si necesita algún tipo de adaptación durante cualquier etapa del proceso de solicitud o entrevista, no dude en informarnos y con gusto le asistiremos.

¡Para obtener más información sobre STRI y qué hacemos, visita nuestro sitio web https://stri.si.edu/ donde puede leer nuestra misión, visión y conocer a nuestro personal, proyectos, instalaciones de investigación y más!

 Location of position: Naos Marine Laboratories, Panama City, Panamá.

 Type of position: Indefinite

 Opening Date: June 18, 2026

 The application review period will begin on July 2, 2026.

 Who May Apply: Panamanian citizen or non-nationals with valid work permit.

The purpose of the Laboratory Manager position is to ensure the effective operation of the laboratory by coordinating its administrative, logistical, and scientific activities. The incumbent supports and contributes to research programs through the management of laboratory facilities, collections, equipment, field expeditions, and research data. The position also provides supervision and mentorship to staff and students, facilitates collaboration with internal and external partners, and helps secure the resources and permits necessary for research.

MAJOR DUTIES

·       Take responsibility for the safe and efficient running of a research laboratory.

·       Responsible for the preparation and curation of fossils and marine collections.

·       Design, initiate and direct scientific research with a high level of scientific expertise. Coauthor scientific articles.

·       Organize, execute and oversee field expeditions in Panama and abroad, sometimes at sea in small and large boats.

·       Responsible for purchasing lab, field equipment and supplies.

·       Obtain collecting, export and import permits in Panama and abroad.

·       Write grants and reports in Spanish and English.

·       Successfully liaise with administrative and scientific staff in STRI.

·       Mediate with local and international institutions.

·       Supervise and coordinate employees and fellows. Mentor students.

·       Manage data and other digital resources.

·       Represent STRI in outreach and education activities.

·       Performed other duties as assigned

KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED FOR THE POSITION

·       Master’s degree in science

·       Minimum 2 years of experience working in biology or paleontology.

·       Administrative experience and the ability to manage a large lab.

·       Fluent in both Spanish and English, written and spoken.

·       Exceptional interpersonal skills, and the ability to resolve problems and recommend solutions.

·       Excellent computer literacy

·       Driver’s license

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS

The incumbent works under the supervision of the Scientific Staff Biologist and frequently runs the lab in his absence. The Scientific Staff Biologist will provide overall policy direction and relies on the incumbent to exercise considerable judgment and initiative in carrying out assignments. Work is periodically reviewed for efficiency and effectiveness. The incumbent will supervise a technician.

GUIDELINES

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

COMPLEXITY

The incumbent must demonstrate organizational skills and the ability to manage a laboratory in administrative and research duties.

SCOPE AND EFFECT

The purpose of the position is to manage the laboratory in both administration and research duties, in order to ensure its success in research.

PERSONAL CONTACTS

The incumbent has work contacts with other scientists, scholars and members of the administration both within and outside of STRI or equivalent.

PURPOSE OF CONTACTS

The purpose of contacts is to help in the implementation of research programs and the management of the laboratory.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The work ranges from sedentary tasks at a desk in front of a computer to international flights and field expeditions in very remote settings. Work requires physical exertion including work on boats, lifting heavy samples and equipment in the field and in the lab.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work area is adequately lit and ventilated. Work is also conducted at a variety of host sites, including marine field sites in the tropics, which may incur varying degrees of risk depending on mode of transportation, climate, ocean conditions and living conditions.

At STRI, we are guided by our core values of respect and our commitment to embracing all individuals who share a passion for research in the tropics and contributing to the broader community. As an equal opportunity employer, we encourage all qualified candidates to apply for positions at STRI. We are dedicated to ensuring a fair, respectful, and supportive recruitment process for every applicant. STRI is committed to maintaining a workplace that is free from violence, harassment, and any form of discrimination. If you need accommodations during any part of the application or interview process, please do not hesitate to let us know, and we will be happy to assist you.

 Location of position: Earl Tupper Center, Ancon, Panama City, Republic of Panama.

 Type of position: Indefinite – Local Payroll (Part time)

 Who May Apply: Panamanian citizen or non-nationals with valid work permit.

The Document Processing Clerk provides direct support to the Legal and Governmental Affairs Office. Support also includes the Director’s Office, and other Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute (STRI) offices for various activities, general errands, and facilitating the timely delivery and collection of documents from governmental and NGO offices. Occasionally, the position may require transporting and accompanying permanent scientific staff, visiting scientists, and VIPs to related errands or activities.

You will have some of the following responsibilities:

• Carry out transactions and deliver documentation to banks, IDAAN, Immigration offices, Customs, Municipality, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Social Security office and Ministry of Labor, Public Registry Office, private organizations, for STRI administration and collaborators, as per supervisor instructions.
• Transport and accompany visiting scientists or staff scientists to governmental offices. Such as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the National Immigration Office, Customs, etc.
• Stay updated in new processes, Panamanian laws and regulations on immigration.
• Monitors the good use of the equipment related to the area under his/her responsibility.
• Perform routine maintenance on vehicles, such as monitoring fluid levels and replenishing fuel.
• Any other duty assigned from time to time.

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

• Enrolled in an undergraduate program at a local University in careers such as: Law, Science, Business or related fields.
• Availability to work on a schedule from Monday- Friday from 8am-12pm.
• Possess a valid driver’s license –all types, and a clean driving record (subject to verification).
• Customer service-oriented
• Good organization and time management skills
• Knowledge of English (Intermediate level)
• Experience in dealing with public and document processing at governmental offices will be a plus.

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS

Incumbent reports directly to supervisor, the Legal Support Administrator. Supervisor defines overall objectives and priorities and assigns the daily work.  Incumbent is responsible for processing the documentation on time, and reporting inconveniences to Supervisor to seek solutions.

GUIDELINES

Guidelines are the general policies, procedures, goals and objective of SI and STRI, and according to Panamanian labor laws. Comply with the rules and procedures of security and protection as established at STRI.

COMPLEXITY

Decision regarding what kind of documentation or processes should be carried out is based on immediate supervisor instructions. The Incumbent should use own judgment and ability to interact with people from diverse cultures and backgrounds and /or ability to solve minor problems under ethical standards, when necessary. Due to the type of documentation and/or procedures the incumbent should have to collect or follow, he/she should meet daily objectives of the functions assigned.

SCOPE AND EFFECT

Purpose of the work is to deliver and collect a wide range of documents to several governmental and non-governmental offices and to accompany and provide support to permanent and visiting scientists during visits to different governmental offices for collecting or signing documents related to permits and visas. Should always provide a friendly and professional approach to Panamanian public officers and people in general.

PERSONAL CONTACTS

The incumbent should develop constructive and cooperative working relationships with others.  Personal contacts include the Director’s office, permanent scientists, visiting scientists, STRI administrative personnel and officials of external organizations, governmental and non-governmental offices.

PURPOSE OF CONTACTS

Contacts are used to support several internal and external offices, administrative personnel, staff and visiting scientists in the process of a wide range of errands assigned by the Supervisor. Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, governmental and other external sources, is necessary. The information can be exchanged in person or by telephone.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The work requires driving a vehicle during working hours; occasional walking and carrying light objects. Also needs the use of cell phone to keep contact with office/base.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Most of the work is conducted outside STRI and occasionally needs driving outside the city, only if required.

Interested candidates please access web page: https://stri-sites.si.edu , complete the required fields and upload updated resume.

Please note that this is a local hire position, and no relocation expenses will be covered.

At STRI, we are guided by our core values of respect and our commitment to embracing all individuals who share a passion for research in the tropics and contributing to the broader community. As an equal opportunity employer, we encourage all qualified candidates to apply for positions at STRI. We are dedicated to ensuring a fair, respectful, and supportive recruitment process for every applicant. STRI is committed to maintaining a workplace that is free from violence, harassment, and any form of discrimination. If you need accommodations during any part of the application or interview process, please do not hesitate to let us know, and we will be happy to assist you.