Internships

JCVI provides students (high school through graduate) and educators opportunities to be a part of groundbreaking science.

The JCVI Summer Internship Program is a highly sought-after opportunity designed to mentor and inspire the next generation of great scientists. While occasionally we do have interns other times during the year, our official program is held during the summer months, and provides motivated high-school (18 and older), undergraduate and graduate students with an in-depth, structured research experience that includes:

• A dedicated mentor
• Collaboration and networking with world-class scientists
• Hands-on participation in research projects tailored to their academic experience
• Access to state-of-the-art equipment and technology
• Judged poster presentation

During the course of the summer program, there are numerous workshops designed to help develop scientific and professional skills. These include journal clubs, career development sessions and multi-disciplinary scientific seminars.

For further questions email internships@jcvi.org.

The majority of our internships are offered during the summer months. On occasion, our faculty members may offer an internship during the academic year. If so, these positions will be posted through our career center. Semester internships run between 10-15 weeks.

Why Intern at JCVI?

If selected for a JCVI internship, you will:

• Interact with world-class scientists, including their faculty or senior scientist mentor
• Participate in research projects tailored for their academic/professional experience
• Have access to state-of-the-art equipment and technology
• Attend seminars to advance the depth of their science knowledge
• Take part in workshops designed to help develop scientific professional and soft skills

Application Process

The JCVI Summer Internship Program uses a rolling admissions process, i.e., applications are considered as they are received once the position is posted. Our official internship program runs from May through August, with occasional opportunities throughout the year. Only complete applications will be considered. If a faculty member or senior staff is interested in your application, you will be contacted to begin the interview process. If you are selected, you will receive an official offer from the JCVI HR department. Once a position is filled, all applicants to that position will be notified.

The following may be requested with your application:

• Your resume (required for all applicants)
• Cover letter
• Your current school transcript (does not have to be official).
• An essay explaining:
  • Your specific scientific interests
  • How your skills and coursework are relevant to the position
  • How this internship will prepare you to meet your professional goals

J. Craig Venter Institute is an equal opportunity employer. We recruit, employ, train, compensate, and promote without regard to race, national origin or ancestry, color, religion, creed, sex, age, marital status, presence of children, pregnancy, sexual orientation, genetic status, gender identity, mental or physical handicap, status as a covered veteran, status as a qualified disabled individual, except where sex is a bona fide occupational requirement, or where disability status is a bona fide occupational disqualification or any other legally protected status.

Eligibility

The J. Craig Venter Institute Internship Program is small and highly selective. To be eligible for an internship, applicants must be eligible to work in the United States. JCVI does not sponsor a work visa for students enrolled in an internship. If selected applicants must be able to produce valid documentation in full.

Additional eligibility requirements include:

• All applicants must be 18 years or older upon start of the internship program and must reside in the United States.
• Internships will begin on June 2, 2021 and run for approximately 10-15 weeks (length depends on the specific internship).
• Applicants must have a 3.0/B average (as evidenced by a school transcript) and have proof of full time enrollment in school.
• Full-time enrollment (students) or proof of employment for the upcoming school year (educators)
• Applicants should have a strong interest in a science career or be majoring in science.
• All applications must submit a 1,000 word statement of interest.

Some internship positions may entail additional eligibility requirements. Read each position description carefully to determine if it matches your qualifications.

Compensation

It is JCVI policy that interns must be compensated monetarily and/or by earning school credit. Students under the age of 18 are required to obtain a work permit from their local high school in both Maryland and California regardless of their residence.

School Credit

If the internship is for school credit students are responsible for obtaining any appropriate school departmental approvals to determine specific academic assignments required. JCVI does not issue credit, but we will work with you to complete documentation from your school.

Monetary Compensation

Interns are compensated at an hourly rated based on the level of education completed. Traditionally, summer interns work a full-time (40-hour) work week. Those interning during the school year should work no more than 20 hours per week. Both programs run between 10-15 weeks.

2023 Compensation Rates

Rates are based on a semi-monthly pay period. All deductions required by federal and state law will be processed through payroll.

Education Level Completed	Hourly Rate
High school	$16.50
High school graduate	$16.50
Freshman	$16.50
Sophomore	$17.00
Junior	$17.50
Senior	$18.00
Post-Bac	$18.50
Graduate school	$20.50
Teacher	$30.50

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible for the program?

To be eligible for the program, you must be a full-time student or educator with proof of employment in the upcoming year. See additional eligibility requirements.

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.

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 possible. Please be sure to note your availability on the application and discuss it during the interview. It is up to the mentors' discretion.

Does JCVI provide work visas?

No, JCVI does not provide work visas for the internship program. If you are an international student applying to the program you must already be eligible to work in the Unites States.

How will I be compensated?

Interns are compensated monetarily and/or through school credit. JCVI does not issue credit, but we will work with you to complete the necessary documentation.

Does JCVI provide housing?

No, JCVI does not provide or arrange housing. Information regarding temporary housing in the Washington, D.C. and San Diego metropolitan areas can be found at these web sites:

• Craigslist (CA/MD)
• ApartmentList.com listings (CA/MD)
• Trulia.com Rooms for Rent (CA/MD)
• Youth Hostels (CA/MD)

Maryland only

• Washington Post Real Estate
• Washington City Paper (shared housing or apartments)
• WISH Housing (shared housing or apartments)

How can I find the cost of living?

Consider using the government per diem rates as a reference point.

Is there public transportation?

• If you are interning in Rockville, MD, visit: Metro Trip Planner
• If you are interning in La Jolla, CA, visit: Trip Planner

Is there parking?

There is ample parking at the Rockville, MD campus.

There is limited parking at the La Jolla, CA campus. Use of public transportation is advised.

Does the transcript need to be official? Can I submit a transcript from more than one school?

No, the transcripts are not required to be official. If you have only completed one semester at your current school, submit the transcripts from your previous school.

What do I do if I need special assistance, an accommodation, or have a problem applying through the on-line application?

Please contact internships@jcvi.org or call (858) 200-1800 and ask to speak with our Human Resources Department.

Where do I apply?

All applicants must apply to open positions on-line through our Career Opportunities web page. See additional requirements here.

Join Our Alumni Network

The JCVI Internship Alumni Group offer JCVI Interns past and present the opportunity to connect over questions and issues central to the advancement of science both as a profession and as a field.

Where to Find Us

• LinkedIn
• Facebook
• Twitter

What JCVI Alumni Are Doing Now

If you are a JCVI Internship Alum and would like to share about what you have been up to, please contact education@jcvi.org with your name, intern year(s), JCVI mentor, and current activities.