Overview
Much of STRI’s success is due to its ability to attract some of the brightest scholars from diverse fields of tropical research. We invest more than $3 million every year to support creative young researchers at critical stages in their careers. Fellowships range from three months to three years and allow young scholars to explore their own research questions across Panama’s rich tropical ecosystems while based at our state-of-the-art facilities.
Before you apply
Prior to submitting the formal application, applicants must first reach out to the staff scientist they are interested in working with to determine if that scientist is available to serve as a research advisor and mentor. Staff research profiles and contact information can be found here and a list of research associates is here. Also, applicants should review the specific guidelines of each fellowship. You must use the Smithsonian Online Academic Appointment System (SOLAA) available through the Office of Fellowships and Internships webpage to apply for all internships for which you are eligible.
Current fellowship opportunities
Earl S. Tupper three-year postdoctoral fellowship
September 15
Three years
Fellowships usually begin about two months after notification of acceptance.
STRI’s most prestigious postdoctoral fellowship is awarded once a year to an outstanding candidate in one of the many research fields practiced at STRI. Successful candidate will conduct a three-year research program based at a STRI facility, typically in the lab of a staff scientist who serves as host or advisor on the project.
Researchers whose Ph.D. studies are completed before fellowship begins.
A yearly stipend of $US 50,400 and a research budget of up to $16,000.
Short-Term fellowships
February 15, April 15, July 15 and October 15
Three months
Fellowships usually begin about two months after notification of acceptance.
The Short-Term Fellowship Program allows selected candidates to come to STRI at any time of the year and is an excellent resource to provide support for graduate students and introduce them to tropical research. Although focused primarily on graduate students, awards are occasionally given to undergraduate and postdoctoral candidates. These fellowships enable selected candidates to work in the tropics and explore research possibilities at STRI.
Graduate students, undergrads and postdocs.
Fellowships provide a modest stipend to cover living expenses while at STRI (currently $1,000/month, a total amount of $3,000 for stipend), a modest research allowance, NOT to exceed $2000; and a round-trip coach airfare. Partial awards are occasionally given depending on funding availability. Applicants are encouraged to seek additional sources of funding.
Smithsonian Institution fellowships
The Smithsonian Institution’s central fellowship program awards scholarships to conduct independent study at one or more of the Smithsonian’s 19 units and research centers. Fellowships are designed for young scholars at different stages of their academic career from graduate students to senior postdoctoral researchers. Please follow the links below for information about duration, eligibility and stipends related to specific SI fellowships.
There are numerous Smithsonian Institution fellowships that can be hosted at STRI, ranging from 10 weeks to three years, depending on the fellowship. These academic appointments are targeted to a range of young scholars from graduate students to senior post-doctoral researchers. All applicants for fellowships are eligible and considered for the Secretary’s Distinguished Research Fellowship, which provides the awardee with an additional year of support.
The Smithsonian Institution Fellowship Program (SIFP) is listed in SOLAA under the Office of Fellowships.
