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.