BTI Now Accepting 2019 Plant Genome Research Program Summer Internship Applications!

The 2019 Plant Genome Research Program at the Boyce Thompson Institute (BTI) and Cornell University is currently seeking undergraduate and local high school summer internship applicants! The summer internship programs at BTI offer students unmatched opportunities to gain real-life experience in plant science research and bioinformatics, as well as Sci-Comm and Technology Transfer.

Located on the Cornell University campus, BTI is a world leader in plant research and is dedicated to developing innovative solutions to feed a growing population, while protecting the environment and enhancing human health.

For the past 18 years, BTI has been hosting an outstanding student-development summer internship program that focuses on training and inspiring the next generation of scientists. Accepted students join an international community of scientists and students in the pursuit of scientific discovery, learn valuable research skills, and attend seminars and workshops to learn from leaders in the following fields:

Plant Genome Research Program Internship (NSF REU)

Undergraduate and high school students participating in the Plant Genome Research Program (PGRP) summer internship program learn how basic plant research can be applied to protect the environment, enhance human health, and improve agriculture. PGRP interns gain knowledge of plant genomics and scientific research by working closely with scientists, postdoctoral fellows, and graduate students in a laboratory setting. PGRP interns learn the latest molecular biology techniques and bioinformatics tools while working on a supervised, independent research project within the framework of the assigned laboratory’s research program. Complete applications for the plant science research internships must be submitted online no later than midnight Friday, February 1, 2019.

Bioinformatics Internship (NSF REU)

At BTI, molecular biologists and computer scientists are working together at the forefront of biological discovery to solve real world problems. With novel technologies, researchers can now access entire genome sequences and details of the proteome, transcriptome and metabolome of many organisms to better understand biological systems and interactions. Though information-rich, the size and complexity of these data sets pose new challenges for scientists and society. The growing field of bioinformatics addresses these challenges. Bioinformatics interns will focus on data analysis and developing computational tools and resources to store, analyze, and integrate large-scale “omics” data sets. The program offers a unique training in genome research, computer programming, and systems biology. Students applying for these internships should have some prior experience with computer programming, biology, and a demonstrated interest in the subject. Complete applications for the bioinformatics internships must be submitted online no later than midnight Friday, February 1, 2019.

High School Internship

Local high school students who are at least 16 years of age at the start of the program are eligible to apply for a six-week internship, which is supported by the generosity of local donors. High school interns receive stipends, but are not provided housing, travel or meal allowances, and must provide their own transportation to and from BTI each day. Graduating local high school seniors who are at least eighteen years of age and are enrolled in an undergraduate institution in the fall should still apply to the high school program, as the undergraduate internship program dates often conflict with high school course dates. Please feel free to contact us if you are unsure which program is right for you. Complete applications for the high school internships must be submitted online no later than midnight Friday, February 1, 2019.

Sci-Comm Internship

BTI is welcoming a Science Communications Intern to join the Undergraduate REU cohort and work directly with the staff in the Communications department. The Sci-Comm intern will work on projects including, but not limited to, website management, graphic design, photography, public relations and social media strategy/content creation. This student will have direct ownership of specific projects and collaborate with senior level staff and scientists throughout the institute. In addition to gaining practical science communications experience, the intern will have the opportunity to meet with various science communications professionals for a one hour consultation during each week of the program. These could include science writers, journalists, documentarians, science museum exhibit directors and more. The opportunity is open to an undergraduate student studying communications, life sciences or both, and who shows an interest in communicating science to the public. A stipend, Cornell shared housing, travel allowance and meal allowance will be provided. Complete applications for the Sci-Comm internship must be submitted online no later than midnight Friday, March 1, 2019.

Technology Transfer Internship

For the first time, BTI is hiring a Technology Transfer Intern to participate in the 2019 PGRP. This individual would spend 10 weeks at BTI and Cornell, and be paired with a mentor from BTI’s Technology Transfer Office. The student selected for this internship will learn about all aspects of the technology transfer process (patents and patent portfolio management, technology marketing, negotiating agreements and licenses, business development and entrepreneurship as it relates to research-based startup companies) while exploring career paths related to the field of technology transfer. In addition to gaining practical experience in the daily operations of a technology transfer office, this individual will have the opportunity to meet with a variety of professionals, including patent attorneys, scientists, licensing officers, entrepreneurs and more. The student will work with their mentor to develop and complete a project, which they will present at the 2019 PRGP Summer Symposium. The opportunity will be open to a current undergraduate or a senior graduating spring 2019, who shows an interest in exploring a career path related to technology transfer. Preference will be given to students studying life sciences. Complete applications for the Technology Transfer internship must be submitted online no later than midnight  Friday, March 1, 2019.

The undergrad and high school internship programs begin June 3 and June 24, respectively, and both programs end August 9, 2019.

Internships are funded by the National Science Foundation, Research Experiences for Undergraduates Award #1358843, individual faculty grants, and the generosity of local donors including the Triad Foundation, Ithaca Garden Club, the Legacy Foundation of Tompkins County, and the Tompkins Charitable Gift Fund.

Click HERE for the 2019 BTI Internship Application