The Verdict: Clear Path
Your route is temporary residence under Article 79.5, so you can proceed. Ask your employer or institution to file under that article, and get your qualifications apostilled and translated.
Costa Rica has no points-tested talent visa, but Article 79.5 of the migration law covers scientists, professionals, interns and specialised technicians. It runs through an employer or institution, and the immigration department authorises the specific work, weighing the Ministry of Labour's view on which occupations should be filled locally.
It is real residence: two years, renewable, converting to permanent residence after three consecutive years and counting towards naturalisation at seven years, or five for Central Americans, Spaniards and Ibero-Americans by birth.
A university or research institute wanting you for a short engagement may propose an Article 88.1 invitation instead. That is a stay and builds nothing, so check which one is on offer.