Immunology

Summer Immunology and Virology Undergraduate Fellowship 2009: An Advanced Program in Science Research Education (SINAPSE)

Program Description

The Department of Immunology and Microbial Sciences at The Scripps Research Institute (TSRI) is pleased to announce and accept applications for its Summer Fellowship in Immunology and Virology for Undergraduates. This is an intensive summer research experience open to talented undergraduate students interested in Immunology and Virology.

The program has been created to expose undergraduates to state of the art immunological and virological research, provide an introduction to the TSRI Graduate Program and motivate and prepare them for career opportunities in Immunology and Virology. The fellows are assigned to work with a mentor in a laboratory for the summer program. The program emphasizes the scientific process, bench experience, data analysis, and experimental design. In addition, fellows are expected to attend weekly classes that will provide an introduction to Immunology, Virology, and other topics of interest.

TSRI is the nation's largest private, not-for-profit biomedical research institution with an international reputation in the areas of immunology, virology, molecular biology, chemistry, cell biology, autoimmune diseases, synthetic vaccine development, and the neurosciences. In addition to its longstanding commitment to the training of postdoctoral fellows, the Institute has a doctoral program in Chemical and Biological Sciences, including a Biology Track with interdisciplinary training in Immunology and Microbial Sciences.

TSRI is the nation's largest private, not-for-profit biomedical research

The 2008 SINAPSE fellows at TSRI

Eligibility

Research fellowships are awarded on a competitive basis to outstanding students who are enrolled on a full-time basis at an accredited college or university. Students must have completed their sophomore year of undergraduate studies by June 2009 to be considered for the fellowship. Special consideration is given to students interested in graduate studies leading to a doctoral degree in immunology, virology or related areas.

Scholarships

Student fellows will be awarded a gross compensation of $10.00 per hour for the summer program.

Housing and Transportation

Fellows are responsible for their own travel, housing, and food costs. For fellows who reside outside of the San Diego area Craig's List or the Union Tribune are some online resources for housing. Although TSRI is located on a bus route, a car or bicycle may be necessary.

Program Parameters

Fellows are expected to work in the laboratory from approximately June 8 to August 14, Monday through Friday, 40 hours per week. The program consists of the following:

1. Participation in an Immunology and/or Virology research project.
2. Topics in Immunology and Virology lectures each week.
3. Information on applying to graduate school and careers in Immunology and Virology.
4. Presentation of research findings in a workshop at the end of the program.

SINAPSE students during their final presentations on August 15.

Application procedures

The following is required for application to the TSRI Summer Immunology and Virology Undergraduate Fellowship:

1. A completed application form including a short essay on future career goals.
2. A current academic transcript.
3. Two faculty letters of recommendation.

Special Information for Foreign Students

Deadline

Applications will be accepted up until February 27, 2009, but early application is strongly encouraged. Applicants will be notified of their acceptance by e-mail.

Contacts

Gloria Jones
Department of Immunology, IMM-8
The Scripps Research Institute
10550 North Torrey Pines Road
La Jolla, California 92037

Phone: 858-784-9918
Fax: 858-784-8805
E-mail: gjones@scripps.edu