The Organization for Tropical Studies (OTS) is currently seeking applicants for two positions for Faculty Coordinators of the Native American and Pacific Islander Research Experiences for Undergraduates (NAPIRE) Program at the Las Cruces Biological Station in Costa Rica.  The NAPIRE Program provides research opportunities for 15 competitive students from the colleges and universities that are part of the Louis Stokes Alliances for Minority Participation.  Each student works under the close supervision of an individual mentor.   Successful applicants will work closely with each other, as well as with research mentors, the Director of the Undergraduate Programs, and other OTS staff in all aspects of the design and implementation of the 2006 NAPIRE Program, and will be responsible for on-site supervision and coordination of program activities.  The NAPIRE Coordinator also may act as a research mentor for one or more undergraduate students.

The program objectives are to:

1. Introduce Native American and Pacific Islander students to the biodiversity of the tropics.
2. Help students analyze the role that Native Peoples in the Neotropics play in forest conservation and, by extension, examine the role of conservation in their own communities.
3. Provide students with a hands-on opportunity to learn about the scientific method and field research techniques.
4. Develop the student’s research abilities by conducting guided field research projects along side established tropical researchers.

Faculty Qualifications
--Ph.D. or M.Sc. in biology, ecology, conservation biology or a related field.
--Professional research experience in tropical biology or tropical conservation biology.
--Experience in teaching Native American and Pacific Island students
--A strong interest in and disposition for working with undergraduate students.
--Professional experience in supervision of undergraduate field research.
--Excellent communication and organizational skills.
--Bilingual (Spanish/English) preferred
--Native American and Pacific Island faculty are strongly encouraged to apply

The position is a 6-month, part-time contract, with an anticipated start date of March 15, 2006, and an anticipated end date of September 15, 2006.  The position is based at in Costa Rica at the OTS Las  Cruces Biological Station from May 30, 2006 through August 20 , 2006.  The contract is renewable for up to three years, depending on funding and performance. 

Application deadline: March 1, 2006
To apply: send résumé or CV with cover letter, statement of teaching philosophy, mentoring philosophy, and research interests, sample publications, and the names, addresses and emails of references to the Director of Undergraduate Programs, Organization for Tropical Studies, Box 90630, Durham, NC 27708-0630.

Applications may also be sent electronically to rechum@cro.ots.ac.cr
OTS is an equal opportunity employer.