Coordinator, Research Experience for Undergraduates

Each student works under the close supervision of an individual research mentor. Successful applicant will work closely with research mentors, the Coordinator of the Undergraduate Programs, and other OTS staff in the design and implementation of the 2009 REU Program. REU Coordinator will oversee student recruitment and selection, and will be responsible for on-site supervision and coordination of program activities.

Qualifications:

• Ph.D. or advanced Ph.D. student, in biology, ecology, conservation biology or a related field.
• Professional experience in teaching field biology
• Professional experience in supervision of undergraduate field research.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills.
• Bilingual (Spanish/English) desirable

Responsibilities:

• Design and implement the Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program.
• Coordinate with the Undergraduate Program Coordinator on all aspects of academic planning, including scheduling of activities and assignment of guest lecturers and visiting professors.
• Facilitate positive and productive student-mentor relationships, including assignment of accepted students to appropriate mentors, communication with mentors prior to the program, and follow-up on mentor-student dynamics while the program is in session.
• Maintain up-to-date communication with researchers interested in mentoring prior to program implementation.
• In coordination with the Program Coordinator, provide feedback on the design and production of promotional materials.
• In coordination with the Undergraduate Program Officer, distribute promotional materials for the program.
• In coordination with the Program Coordinator and REU Mentors, select REU participants from a pool of applicants and match them to the appropriate mentors.
• In coordination with the Program Coordinator, elaborate appropriate orientation materials for REU participants. Send final version of orientation materials to Program Director.
• During the implementation of the program, maintain regular communication with the Program Coordinator to keep her informed of Program progress.
• Coordinate the activities for orientation week, including a general introduction to tropical systems, risk management in the field, and research design.
• Coordinate case studies workshop on ethical issues in tropical biology.
• Coordinate discussion series on current research articles.
• Coordinate social and recreational activities.
• Throughout the program, oversee logistical issues pertinent to the students, such as medical concerns, communication, etc.
• Oversee budget performance and conformance of the project.
• Compile a program book that includes research project write-ups submitted by participating students.
• Submit a final report on REU activities to the Coordinator of Undergraduate Programs.
• Report to the OTS administrative offices at least 1 week before the beginning of the course; remain at CRO at least 1 week after the end of the course to complete wrap-up activities.
• Participate in training and orientation activities as assigned by the Undergraduate Program Coordinator and/or the OTS Education Director.
• Within one week of the end of the course, submit the following to the Undergraduate Program Director: student evaluations, final evaluative report, and course book.
• Maintain the Undergraduate Program Coordinator informed of progress while the program is in session.
• Oversee logistical coordination in the field.
• Facilitate appropriate medical and emotional attention for the students. Inform the Undergraduate Program Coordinator of important medical or emotional problems as they arise.
• Oversee budget performance and conformance of the project.

The position is a 3-month contract with an anticipated start date of July 8, 2009, and an anticipated end date of August 22, 2009. The position is based in Costa Rica at the OTS La Selva Biological Station from June 8, 2009 through August, 2009. The contract is renewable for up to two years, depending on funding and performance.

Application deadline: January 1, 2009

To apply: send résumé or CV with cover letter, statement of teaching philosophy, mentoring philosophy, and research interests, and list of references to Vivian Méndez, Coordinator of Undergraduate Programs, Organization for Tropical Studies, Box 90630, Durham, NC 27708-0630. Applications may also be sent electronically to vmendez@ots.ac.cr