[Nhcoll-l] Job listing - Research Supervisor Fellowship: Costa Rica

[Tansy Ratcliffe-James]

*Research Supervisor Fellowship: Costa Rica *

*Fellowship summary*

The Canadian Organization for Tropical Education and Rainforest
Conservation (COTERC) is seeking a passionate, driven conservation leader
to oversee and advance cutting-edge research projects in Costa Rica. This
year-long fellowship (with the potential to extend) offers a rare chance to
gain fantastic leadership experience at the heart of tropical field
research — ideally starting in November 2025.

*The opportunity*

For over three decades, COTERC, a Canadian not-for-profit, has trained more
than 2,500 emerging researchers at its Caribbean coast biological station,
shaping conservation careers across the globe. Now, as we take on
management of a second station in the breathtaking Costa Rican cloud
forest, we are entering a pivotal new chapter — one where the successful
candidate will help shape a bold research agenda that spans rainforest to
cloud forest.

This fellowship is more than a field job. It’s an opportunity to lead
research that matters, mentor the next generation of conservationists, and
turn data into action that safeguards biodiversity. Working primarily at
Caño Palma Biological Station (CPBS) and making regular expeditions into
the cloud forest, you’ll gain hands-on experience that opens doors to
senior-level roles in global conservation.

*Who would make a great fellow?*

*A well-read conservationist, comfortable applying common statistical
approaches*


   - Minimum of a Masters or PhD in biology, ecology, or other related
   subject, with thesis development and research component (this is essential).
   - Knowledge/familiarity with Neotropical biology/ecology.
   - Working knowledge and competence with common statistical approaches
   and tools (R preferred).

*A leader that is easygoing, but able to manage young researchers:*


   - Experience undertaking fieldwork in challenging conditions (tropics
   preferred).
   - Record of coordinating volunteers, student groups, or independent
   researchers.
   - Interest in mentoring long-term students on individual research
   projects.

*An excellent communicator*


   - Fluency in English and proficiency (at minimum) in spoken and written
   Spanish (all official documents and meetings are in Spanish.
   - Experience identifying trends and writing research reports to change
   the behaviour of external parties.
   - Experience living in close quarters, with well-developed conflict
   resolution skills.

IMPORTANT! We don’t expect the Research Supervisor to meet every single
competency — we encourage you to apply and acknowledge gaps in knowledge or
experience.

*What will the fellow do?*

As Research Supervisor, you’ll play a central role in shaping COTERC’s
scientific agenda — from coordinating long-term monitoring at Caño Palma to
pioneering new projects in the cloud forest. You’ll mentor and train
interns and volunteers, guiding them through the rigours of field research
while ensuring data integrity and safety standards. Beyond the station,
you’ll engage with local communities and government agencies, turning
research into action that advances conservation goals. Your work will
contribute directly to applied reports, peer-reviewed publications, and the
sustainable management of one of the world’s most biodiverse regions.


   - Coordinate long-term monitoring projects at CPBS (for a list of
   projects and relevant publications, see www.coterc.org)
   - Train and supervise interns and volunteers on data collection across
   research projects.
   - Develop new projects in line with COTERC’s evolving research agenda.
   - Contribute to species conservation and area management through the
   production of applied reports and peer-reviewed papers.
   - Work with local communities and government agencies to promote
   conservation practices.
   - Oversee the management of project data, supported by the Director of
   Data Integrity.
   - Support the Station Manager in the management of the site, ensuring
   health and safety policies are followed by all.

*What can we offer the fellow?*


   - Full room and board at Caño Palma Biological Station.
   - $600/month stipend.
   - $200 bonus every three months.
   - $1,000 bonus at the successful completion of 1 year contract.

Most importantly, you’ll gain unparalleled experience leading research and
conservation efforts in two extraordinary ecosystems. This is a
stepping-stone into senior roles across academia, NGOs, and global
conservation leadership.

*How to apply*

Send your application (cover letter, CV, and 2–3 professional references —
no more than 3 pages total 11pt font) to applications at coterc.org

Application review and interviews begin immediately — we encourage you to
apply as soon as possible.

For more about COTERC and our work, visit:

🌐 www.coterc.org
📘 www.facebook.com/COTERC
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