STRI General Internship Program
We encourage you to review the projects listed on our Internship Opportunities page to find a match between your academic interests and a suitable research project overseen by STRI scientists. If have troubles identifying a suitable project, you could learn more about our scientific staff and research associates scientific interests on their webpages. 
A complete application must include the following components:

1.    Application through SOLAA (Smithsonian Online Academic Appointment system)

a)    Go to: https://solaa.si.edu
b)    Select "New to SOLAA? Create Account Here" and complete the information to create an account.
c)    Once you create your account and provide the information required, go on to select the type of appointment you are interested in. 
d)    Choose as follows:
e)    Program Type: "Internship"
Unit of interest: "Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute"
Program: “STRI Internship Program" or "STRI-SENACYT Internship Program"
f)    Fill in the application questions
g)    Upload the required documents. These may be submitted in English or Spanish.
h)    Request the reference letters, giving sufficient time for referees to submit them. It is your responsibility to send the email request to your recommenders and check in the system that the letters have been submitted.

2.    Professional resume or CV that contains your background information and relevant experience. 
3.    Essay: A two-to-three-page statement of your interest in pursuing this position. Your statement is very important during application evaluations, and should mention the following points:
a)    Your past and present academic history and other experiences that you feel have prepared you for an internship, including living and working in the tropics.
b)    What you hope to accomplish through an internship, and how it would relate to your academic and career goals.
c)    What about STRI particularly interests you and what do you hope learning during an internship.
4.    Transcripts from your current and previous institutions. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. If transcripts are not in English or Spanish, the applicant should provide translations to English.
5.    Two letters of reference. You will need the names and email addresses of two academic references. Through SOLAA you will send a request email to these referees so they can provide letters through the web. You may submit your application before your references have been received, but you need to make sure to click the “Send Email link” PRIOR submitting your application, otherwise your application will be incomplete. The proposed mentor and co-mentor cannot be listed as references. Letters may be written in English or Spanish.
6.    Name of the proposed mentor/advisor (name of a co-mentor/co-advisor is optional). Your application will be considered only to work with the mentor(s) selected. Applicants must consult with the scientist they are interested in working with to determine if that person will be available to serve as a research mentor. 
7.    Project or research title: use the title on the Internship opportunities bulletin. If the project is not listed consult it with your potential mentor. 

8.    Project description: If the project is not listed on the internship opportunities bulletin, after the application deadline, the proposed mentor will be asked to provide a project description to support your application.
ALL documents must be received on or prior to the stated deadline.