About Position/Job
The Earl S. Tupper three-year postdoctoral fellowship at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute (STRI) offers an exceptional opportunity for early-career researchers to conduct independent research in tropical biology and related fields. Located in Panama, STRI is a world-leading institution dedicated to understanding tropical ecosystems. The fellowship promotes high-impact research, collaboration with resident scientists, and comparative studies across tropical environments. This competitive postdoctoral opportunity is open to researchers of all nationalities and supports interdisciplinary tropical science with generous funding.
Position/Job Details
- Position: Postdoctoral Fellow
- Institution: Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute
- Department: Postdoctoral Fellowship Programme
- Research field: Tropical Science
- Location: Panama City, Panama
- Number of post: Multiple
- Job Type: Full-time, Postdoc
- Start Date (Anticipated): May 2026
- Working Hours: 40 hours per week
- Salary Range: $57,000/year (with $1,000 annual increase in year 2 and 3)
- Required Degree/Diploma: PhD
Research area
- Tropical ecology
- Evolutionary biology
- Anthropology
- Palaeontology
- Conservation biology
- Functional genomics
- Microbial and chemical ecology
- Animal behaviour
- Neurobiology
- Soils science
- Physiology of tropical flora and fauna
Eligibility & Qualifications
Minimum Requirements:
- PhD in a relevant field by the time of appointment
- Research proposal aligned with tropical science and STRI’s mission
- Willingness to base research at STRI facilities in Panama
Preferred Qualifications:
- Previous experience in tropical fieldwork
- Strong publication record
- Ability to collaborate with STRI scientists
- Interdisciplinary research interest
Key Responsibilities
- Conduct independent, high-quality research in tropical science
- Collaborate with STRI scientific staff and co-advisors
- Present research at international forums
- Publish in peer-reviewed journals
- Utilise STRI’s field stations and resources
Application Process
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted online via the Smithsonian Online Academic Appointment System (SOLAA).
- Visit https://solaa.si.edu
- Create an account and select:
- Programme Type: Fellowship
- Unit: Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute
- Programme ID: 4057 (STRI 3-Year Tupper Postdoctoral Fellowship)
- Complete all application fields
- Upload required documents
- Request two reference letters (not from your primary or co-advisors)
- Contact and designate a STRI staff member as your host advisor and two co-advisors
Required Documents:
- One-page research summary
- Five-page detailed project proposal
- Annual budget (up to $16,000/year)
- CV
- Bibliography (max 3 pages)
- Two letters of recommendation
Important Dates
- Application Opens: Now Open
- Deadline: 15 June 2025
- Interview Date: Not specified
- Fellowship Start: After 1 May 2026
Useful Links
- Institution Website: https://stri.si.edu
- Job Posting: 3year_postdocad_revised_oct2023.pdf
- Apply now: https://solaa.si.edu
