Lecturer in Tropical Coastal Ecology

Institutional Mission: 

SFS creates transformative study abroad experiences through field-based learning and research. Our educational programs explore the human and ecological dimensions of the complex environmental problems faced by our local partners, contributing to sustainable solutions in the places where we live and work. The SFS community is part of a growing network of individuals and institutions committed to environmental stewardship. 

Position: 

Lecturer in Tropical Coastal Ecology  

Reports To: 

• Center Director 

• Dean, Office of Academic Affairs 

Location: 

Center for Tropical Island Biodiversity Studies (TIBS), Bocas del Toro, Panama

Start Date:  

August 2026

Position Summary: 
The SFS Center for Tropical Island Biodiversity Studies, located in Bocas del Toro, Panama seeks an enthusiastic, team-oriented individual to serve as part of a team of faculty and staff that delivers an interdisciplinary, hands-on learning experience to students spending a semester in Panama. On a contract basis, the Lecturer in Tropical Coastal Ecology will deliver the 50-hour Tropical Coastal Ecology course during the fall and spring semesters. Additionally, during fall and spring, they will co-teach the 50-hour Directed Research course with other faculty members, leading a faculty-developed directed research project with a small group of students. This position will also assist in teaching one 50-hour summer course, Tropical Island Ecosystems: The Human Impact.  Depending on program needs, the teaching portfolio may expand to include a second summer course in the future. 

SFS programs are field-based and experiential. This position will engage students in a classroom and through extensive time spent in the field. We encourage faculty to integrate as much fieldwork and hands-on experience into their courses as possible.  

SFS programs do not follow a nine to five model. Faculty are also integral members of the Center’s communal living model, eating and working with the student cohort.   

Faculty are expected to be active members in the community-building process. Additional responsibilities outside of teaching may include participation in community engagement days, involvement in student life, organization of laboratory space, and general Center upkeep. We are especially interested in candidates with experience teaching field research to a diverse student body, and demonstrated commitment to diversity, inclusion, and cultural competence in a learning environment, conservation, and the Center’s host community.   

Center Focus:
The central theme of The School for Field Studies (SFS) Panama study abroad program is “islands as a delicate system,” with emphasis on the resources of Panama’s spectacular coastal and marine environments. Students will explore several key interfaces: human and natural systems, terrestrial and marine ecosystems, and conservation and development. The goal of this undergraduate study abroad program is to assess the state of the archipelago’s natural habitats, define the main environmental issues, and understand the community’s goals for natural resource management. Our ultimate aim is to share knowledge gathered from our research to help inform local governance initiatives and to be an organization driven to support local communities in the Bocas del Toro Province.  

SFS Position on Diversity and Inclusion:  
SFS was founded with the belief that stewardship of our planet is the responsibility of people all around the world. Addressing complex global issues requires the active inclusion of stakeholders with varying perspectives and identities. We recognize that to successfully address threats to our natural world, we must look beyond social constructs designed to divide us. Just as we value biodiversity in all its forms, we value and engage with a multitude of diverse perspectives and people in the countries where we work and the students and staff we serve. 

Duties and Responsibilities 

SFS Lecturer positions are different than many other university teaching positions. Lecturers are integral members of the Center’s communal living model. The faculty team works closely and collaboratively to deliver a field-based interdisciplinary program, where programming days can be long and active. In addition to providing high quality, inquiry-based teaching, faculty also participate fully in student life and in the implementation of the Center’s research plan. The publication of both student-assisted and independent research results is encouraged and supported.  

Teaching 

• As part of an interdisciplinary teaching team, teach and co-teach the Tropical Coastal Ecology and Directed Research courses, respectively. Course descriptions are found below.
• Plan, revise, and effectively deliver a challenging, problem-based interdisciplinary curriculum to learners from diverse disciplinary and cultural backgrounds
• Organize lectures, prepare course materials, and adhere to a daily academic schedule in a timely and professional manner
• Organize field-based exercises to facilitate students practicing common field methods in marine science
• Actively support and counsel students on academic issues
• Prepare, administer, and grade assignments, quizzes, and assessments
• Supervise and mentor a student research group during the Directed Research course
• Maintain an organized course portfolio
• Participate in preparation of final reports, academic handbook revisions, and other required administrative tasks
• Maintain equipment as required for teaching in the field

Research  

• Participate in the development and upkeep of the Center’s Strategic Research Plan (SRP) and conduct designated and aligned independent research
• Identify appropriate components of the SRP suitable for student DR projects that prioritize community needs and build on local knowledge networks
• Prepare research results for community stakeholders and broader scientific and non-scientific audiences using accessible communication methods
• Assist, as required, with reviewing program research policies, priorities, and budgets
• Follow data management, record keeping, and reporting systems
• Represent SFS and/or present research at local, regional, or international meetings and conferences

Daily Center Life 

• Work flexible hours and live on site or nearby the field station with a small team of permanent staff and groups of US undergraduate students.
• Contribute to the creation of a living-learning community that is inclusive of diverse perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds, in which all learners have the opportunity to thrive
• Actively model skills in competence, awareness, and knowledge necessary for meaningfully working with, interacting with, and learning from others who may differ from oneself in identity and/or lived experience
• On a rotating basis, act as on-call “staff of the day/week”
• Participate in the planning of activities and semester calendar prior to the start of the program and in training for new program staff
• Participate in and lead parts of the orientation and re-entry components of the program presented to students at the beginning and end of each program
• Participate in regular evaluations and reflection discussions following students’ departure
• Take part in, and occasionally lead, community outreach events, site upkeep projects, and field activities
• In cooperation with other program staff, provide day-to-day coordination of interns and/or field assistants as delegated by the Center Director
• As requested by the Center Director, assist with other logistical, group management, and administrative tasks
• At all times, work to ensure good relations between the SFS and the local community
• Drive standard transmission vehicles and boats as needed (driving license may be required)

Safety and Wellbeing 

• Take responsibility, as an individual and as a member of the Center team, for the safety of all program participants
• Complete Risk Management Plans in a timely fashion for each field outing
• Participate in resolving group management issues and student discipline problems
• Adhere to, actively model, and enforce all SFS and program policies and procedures, including the values of the SFS Position on Diversity and Inclusion
• Participate in the review and revision of program risk assessment and management plans
• Know the emergency procedures plan for the field station, including evacuation plan
• Participate in the safety portions of the on-site orientation and conduct safety briefings for students and/or staff
• Complete incident reports when appropriate and contribute to safety audits.
• Obtain Wilderness First Aid certification prior to first day of work (SFS support and reimbursable available) and ensure first-aid certifications are kept up to date

Minimum Qualifications:

• This position requires legal authorization to work in Panama; Candidates with existing authorization to work in Panama are strongly encouraged to apply, though all qualified applicants will be considered.
• Ph.D. and university-level teaching experience in Marine Science/ecology. Candidates with a Master’s degree and significant experience or scholarship may be considered.
• Field research experience, preferably in a field of Marine Science
• Demonstrated commitment to creating inclusive learning environments
• Demonstrated ability to work as part of an interdisciplinary teaching and research team
• Track record of research publications
• Experience leading educational exercises in marine environments (particularly snorkeling) to conduct assessments on coral reefs, mangroves, and seagrass beds.
• Experience teaching classes in the field
• Demonstrated commitment to environmental issues
• Fluent in English (all courses taught in English)

Preferred Qualifications :

• Experience working in tropical marine settings
• Experience teaching field courses
• Experience with residential student group management and/or risk management
• Experience cross-teaching or collaborating on interdisciplinary projects
• Able to operate standard transmission vehicles and boats (driving license may be required)
• Track record of grant writing success
• Current First Aid, CPR, and/or Wilderness First Aid certification
• Fluent or conversational in Spanish.