2011 Summer Intern (SI) Program "Windows to Regulatory Research"

March 16, 2011 — 

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is a pivotal point in the health of nation. Promoting an interest in science and the health enterprise is significant to the mission of FDA. The Agency has a vested interest in improving the quality of and access to scientific research training for minorities, women, persons with disabilities and other populations traditionally underrepresented in scientific and health field of study. To help meet future demands for qualified scientist and health professionals, CVM has a lead position to be more effective in attracting and advancing targeted groups as designated in the CVM Diversity report in fields relevant to its mission.

GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

The goal of the CVM Student Intern Program is to provide a foundation in biomedical regulatory-based research that is integrated with scientific principles applicable to biological product development and regulation. Specific objectives include:

• Providing a mentored research experience that is challenging and stimulating;
• Broadening the student's technical skills, interactions with recognized scientists, and educational and professional experience;
• Information and guidance in the career exploration process; and
• Heightening student awareness of careers at FDA and CVM.

PROGRAM INFORMATION

Students will be employed on a full time basis for 10 weeks beginning Monday, June 6, 2011.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must be students as defined for FDA's Student Temporary Employment Program (STEP) as an individual who is enrolled or accepted for enrollment as a degree seeking student and is taking either a full-time or at least a half-time course load in an accredited college or university, graduate or professional school. Half-time is the definition provided by the school in which the student is enrolled. An individual who needs to complete less than the equivalent of half a courseload in the class enrollment period immediately prior to graduating is still considered a student for purposes of this program.

Student status must be maintained during the 10 week internship period. Individuals who have either graduated or not been accepted for enrollment as a degree seeking student prior to the start of the internship program are not eligible to apply.

FDA/CVM utilizes a number of factors in the selection of student interns, e.g., grades, letters of recommendation, interest in research, experience, technical skills and computer knowledge. It is preferred that all students applying maintain a GPA of 3.5 or higher.

Foreign students are welcome to apply to CVM's intern program. However, U.S. CITIZENSHIP is required at the time of acceptance should the student be selected as a summer intern.

Application process for a CVM Student Intern Position

• Complete the attached CVM Student Intern Program Application and the School Verification form. Applicant must be a student as defined under Eligibility Criteria (above).
• Provide an official transcript(s) and two letters of recommendation. Students currently in their first year of undergraduate, graduate or professional school should also provide previous official transcript from high school or college.
• Mail the application, School Verification form and all requested materials in a single package.
• Submit complete application package to be received by the EXTENDED DUE DATE on March 18, 2011.

SELECTION

CVM will make the final selections and applicants will notified of the results.

Participants in the 10 week internship will be paid a stipend. Each applicant will qualify for different grade levels based on experience and the amount of college that has been completed. This is a range between the GS-2 and GS-4 levels (currently $4,781 - $5,856) for undergraduate students and at the GS- 5 level (currently $6,552) for graduate and professional students. While CVM does not provide living accommodations, there is information online from a website that students may use as a resource for finding available local housing.

Any application received after the due date will not be considered for selection.

Applications should be submitted to:

Marcia K. Larkins D.V.M.
Coordinator Summer Intern Program
7519 Standish Place , HFV-3
Rockville , Maryland 20855
Phone: 240-276-9015 Fax: 240-276-9060