Internship in Tropical Forest Carbon Research in Panama
Opening at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute (STRI) for an intern to assist in collecting, managing, and analyzing field data on forest carbon budgets on Barro Colorado Island, Panama (BCI). Field data collection will include soil and stem respiration, canopy hemispherical photographs (for light availability), dendrometer measurements of tree growth, and environmental variables. The intern will also be responsible for data management, data quality checks, and data analysis, and will be expected to contribute to (and coauthor) resulting scientific publications on the carbon budget of this forest. The successful candidate will work with staff scientists Matteo Detto, Helene Muller-Landau, and S. Joseph Wright and collaborators. The Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute is home to a vibrant scientific community of 30 staff scientists, over 100 graduate and postdoctoral fellows, and over 500 scientific visitors per year.
​
The ideal candidate has a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, experience with infrared gas analyzers and/or other electronic sensors and dataloggers, experience in field research or some other outdoor job, strong quantitative and data management skills including programming experience (preferably in R, Matlab, or Python), good English communication skills, and at least basic Spanish communication skills. The position is particularly well suited for candidates seeking research experience prior to graduate school. The internship will be compensated with a modest stipend ($1000/month) sufficient to cover room and board on BCI (residence on BCI is required) plus other living expenses in Panama. Round-trip travel expenses to Panama will also be paid, if relevant. The appointment is for one year.
​
To apply, please email a cover letter describing your qualifications and interest in the position, CV, and contact information for a reference to Matteo Detto at mdetto@princeton.edu. Review of applications will commence on July 15, 2017, and continue until the position is filled. Expected beginning of the internship September 2017.