Internship Program

Frequently Asked Questions

Following are commonly asked questions about the JCVI Internship Program.

• Do I have to be a student?
• Can I get credit?
• How many applications do you receive? How many interns are accepted?
• Are all internships in the lab?
• Where are the internships located?
• Can I volunteer to work at the Institute?
• Does the Internship Program provide housing?
• Is there public transportation?
• Is there parking?
• What is the cost of living in the Rockville/San Diego Area?
• Can international students apply?
• I have just completed one semester at my current school, should I submit transcripts from the last school?
• Do transcripts need to be official?
• How do I submit the application?
• What needs to be included in my application?
• What do I do if I have a problem applying through the on-line application?
• I need special assistance when applying, who do I contact?
• What is the selection process like?
• Will I be eligible for the internship if my family is planning a vacation during the summer?
• Do we allow students to co-op?
• Are the internships available during the school year?

Do I have to be a student?

Yes, applicants must be enrolled in a degree-seeking institution.

Can I get credit?

The Institute does not issue credit. However, we will work with your school to complete the necessary documentation.

How many applications do you receive? How many interns are accepted?

In 2012 we received over 540 applications and selected 31 interns to be part of our summer program. The JCVI Internship program is very competitive and we receive applications from all over the world. Some statistics are:
 

Are all internships in the lab?

 No, there are internship positions available in informatics, human resources, policy, safety, education, and other administrative areas.

Where are the internships located?

The internship program places students in both our Rockville and San Diego offices. More interns are placed in our Rockville headquarter — there are over 300 staff there in comparison to almost 50 in San Diego.

Can I volunteer to work at the Institute?

No, we do not allow volunteers. Interns are paid positions and/or for credit from their school.

Does the Internship Program provide housing?

No, we are not able to provide housing. Information regarding temporary housing in the Washington Metropolitan Area can be found at these web sites:

• Recreation and Welfare Association Housing Listings (CA/MD)
  
• Craigslist (CA/MD)
  
• Washington DC Rent.com (apartment listings)
• Washington Post Real Estate
• Washington City Paper (shared housing or apartments)
• WISH Housing (shared housing or apartments)
• Youth Hostels (temporary housing)
• Off Campus Housing @ UCSD

Is there public transportation?

The Rockville facility is easily accessible from the Washington METRO System — Redline Shady Grove Station then Ride-On Bus 43.

• Metro Trip Planner
• Ride-On Routes and Schedules
• For information regarding San Diego, visit: Trip Planner

Is there parking?

There is ample parking in Rockville and San Diego.

What is the cost of living in the Rockville/San Diego Area?

The government per diem rate for Rockville is $233 and San Diego is $203-210.

Can international students apply?

Applicants must already be eligible to work in the United States. JCVI does not sponsor visa's for our internship program.

I have just completed one semester at my current school, should I submit transcripts from the last school?

Yes, if you have only completed one semester at your current school, submit the transcripts from your previous school.

Do transcripts need to be official?

No, the transcripts are not required to be official.

How do I submit the application?

All applicants must apply on-line through our on-line application process. Attach the items listed on the Application Process page in one PDF document to your on-line application.

What needs to be included in my application?

All applicants must apply on-line through our on-line application process. Attach the items listed on the Application Process page in one PDF document to your on-line application.

What do I do if I have a problem applying through the on-line application?

Please contact internships(AT)jcvi.org or call 301-795-7000 and ask to speak with our Internship Coordinator

I need special assistance when applying, who do I contact?

If you are interested in applying for an Internship with JCVI and need special assistance or an accommodation to apply, please contact our Internship Coordinator at internships(AT)jcvi.org or 301-795-7000.

What is the selection process like?

All applications are reviewed and entered in a database. The potential mentors then review the candidates based on the areas of interest and abilities. The scientists develop projects based on current research projects and objectives. Not all areas will have positions available. Normally, the mentor will have a face to face or phone interview with the applicant. The final decision regarding the selection is up to the discretion of the mentor. The mentors are not able to officially offer the applicants a position. If selected, applicants will receive a call and letter from the Human Resources Department.

Will I be eligible for the internship if my family is planning a vacation during the summer?

We prefer that the internship be a continuous commitment, but recognize this may not always be feasible. Please be sure to note your availability on the application and discuss it with the mentor during the interview. It is up to the mentors' discretion.

Do we allow students to co-op?

Yes, co-op students are welcome to apply. Please indicate the requirement of the program on the application.

Are the internships available during the school year?

Yes, internships are available during the school year. As full-time students, the internship is limited to 20-hours per week. If the internship is for credit, we will work with your school and required documentation. Please indicate this on the application as well as days and times available. Due to the nature of research, we prefer that you pull hours together. For example, if you have early release and are suppose to work 90 minutes a week day, plan to come in for 3 and a half hours for two afternoon.