OPEN DATE: June 24, 2026

CLOSING DATE: August 24, 2026

POSITION TYPE: Trust Fund

APPOINTMENT TYPE: Temporary, not to exceed two years, with the possibility of extension contingent of availability of funds.

SCHEDULE: Full Time

DUTY LOCATION: Barro Colorado Island, Panama.

Non-Sensitive/ Low Risk Position

Open to all qualified applicants

Trust Fund positions are unique to the Smithsonian. They are paid for from a variety of sources, including the Smithsonian endowment, revenue from our business activities, donations, grants and contracts. Trust employees are not part of the civil service, nor does trust fund employment lead to Federal status. The salary ranges for trust positions are generally the same as for federal positions and in many cases trust and federal employees work side by side. Trust employees have their own benefit program, which may include Health, Dental & Vision Insurance, Life Insurance, Transit/Commuter Benefits, Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance, Annual and Sick Leave, Family Friendly Leave, 403b Retirement Plan, Discounts for Smithsonian Memberships, Museum Stores and Restaurants, Credit Union, Smithsonian Early Enrichment Center (Child Care), Flexible Spending Account (Health & Dependent Care).

The BCI-EDGE project seeks applications for a Biologist Postdoctoral Research Fellow in the area of Evolutionary Genomics at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute. This postdoc will be part of BCI-EDGE, a multi-institution project focused on the evolutionary dynamics and genomic ecology of tropical forests, with datasets and analyses from research plots in Panama, including the Barro Colorado Island. The overarching goal is to understand the evolutionary processes that maintain tropical forest diversity. The project combines whole-genome sequencing, experimental ecology, and more than four decades of spatially explicit demographic data from one of the world’s best-studied tropical forests. Broadly, the project will test how ecological interactions, natural selection, natural enemies, hybridization, and environmental gradients shape genetic diversity, adaptation, and species coexistence in tropical tree communities.

The Biologist Postdoctoral Research Fellow will be based in Panama and will direct experimental and observational studies of selection during the seed-to-seedling transition. This individual will design and lead seed collection, seed burial experiments, seedling transplant studies, and fungal exclusion treatments, working closely with field technician(s) to ensure experimental implementation. The postdoc will coordinate genomic sampling of pre- and post selection cohorts and lead analyses quantifying allele frequency shifts associated with viability selection and enemy-mediated mortality. By linking experimental outcomes to long-term ecological data and genomic patterns identified in Aims 1 and 2, this position will provide insight into how early-life selection shapes population genetic structure and contributes to the maintenance of diversity in tropical forests.

Independently conducts research and fieldwork in area of specialization. Research consists of systematically planned, original studies based on fieldwork in specialty area and other institutional and private collections worldwide, and synthesizing information from the literature. Designs and conducts field sampling to measure such variables as species composition and abundance, population size structure, and physiological condition of communities within the incumbent’s area of expertise.

Conducts field and laboratory experiments to determine mechanisms regulating species composition, abundance, distribution, sizes, and physiological condition of biotic communities within the incumbent’s area of expertise. Uses various analytical chemistry, spectroscopic, and/or infrared analytical techniques to determine the chemical properties of organic materials found in museum objects to assist Smithsonian Institution researchers. These materials include museum objects, their deterioration products, and materials used in conservation treatments, exhibition, or storage.

Analyzes data from sampling and experiments using computers with statistical and graphics software applying appropriate statistical tests and data reduction methods. Reviews background material submitted with samples, determines approaches to be used in analysis and devises modification in the method that is required to solve the analytical problems.

Writes reports and publishable scientific papers, and gives oral presentations on the results of the sampling and experiments. Publishes scholarly reports of descriptive and/or theoretical nature based on the above. Publications are significant contributions of substantial scope within the physical, biological or social fields of science.

Serves as a consultant and advisor on professional matters in this area to colleagues, Federal agencies, institutions, organizations, and the general public. Through fieldwork and acquisition of specimens participates in maintaining and improving the National Collections. Assists with guidance and teaching of students and technicians working on one or more research projects. May train staff members, interns, fellows, students, and visiting scholars in the theory and practical use of this specialized equipment as appropriate. Advises researchers in the interpretation of the obtained data and ensures safe and responsible work practices with such equipment.

Prepares and submits grant proposals. Reviews research proposals, manuscripts, and publications as requested by scientific colleagues and outside institutions. Lectures to professional associations and other organizations. Attends and participates in national and international scientific conferences, seminars, and societies.

Performs other related duties as assigned.

The successful applicant should have:

Additional Knowledge Required:

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The position is primarily sedentary, requiring extended periods of sitting while performing data analysis, computational work, and preparation of scientific manuscripts. The incumbent must be able to use standard computer equipment for prolonged durations.

The position also requires the ability to work under standard laboratory conditions, including the safe handling of chemicals and biological materials in accordance with established safety protocols. fieldwork may be required in tropical forest environments.

This includes the ability to walk over uneven terrain, stand for extended periods, and tolerate exposure to heat, humidity, and outdoor conditions (may also involve exposure to insects, including mosquitoes and other biting species, as well as natural outdoor elements).

Travel between field sites and research facilities will be required and may include transportation by boat to access to research locations. .

This is a full-time, trust-funded position based in Panama. The appointment will be made at the GS-11 level in accordance with the 2026 U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) General Schedule (GS) Pay Table. This is a definite appointment for a period not to exceed two years, with the possibility of extension contingent on availability of funding.

To be considered for this position, applicants must submit the following documents as part of their application package: an updated Curriculum Vitae (CV), a Cover Letter, and a Statement of Research. In addition, candidates are required to provide contact information for three professional references and transcripts of completion of the PhD.

What To Expect Next: Once the vacancy announcement closes, a review of your resume will be compared against the qualification and experience requirements related to this job. After review of applicant resumes is complete, qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring manager and committee.

Relocation expenses are not paid.

The Smithsonian Institution provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation should contact The Smithsonian Institution provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation should contact [email protected]. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. To learn more, please review the Smithsonian’s Accommodation Procedures.

The Smithsonian Institution is an Equal Opportunity Employer. To review The Smithsonian's EEO program information, please click the following: https://www.si.edu/oeo