Grants>Biotechnology

Call for Applications: Caltech's Amgen Scholars Program

Application, Recommendations, and Proposal Deadline: February 15, 2012

Caltech's Amgen Scholars program provides students the opportunity to conduct research in biology, chemistry, and bio-technical related fields under the guidance of seasoned research mentors. The program offers students interested in pursuing a Ph.D. or M.D./Ph.D. a great opportunity to experience the research process.

Amgen Scholarships may be offered in the following fields: biochemistry • bioengineering • bioinformatics • chemical and biomolecular engineering • biopsychology • biotechnology • chemistry • immunology • medical pharmacology • microbiology • molecular genetics • molecular medicine • molecular pharmacology • molecular, cell, and developmental biology • neurobiology • neuroscience • pathology • physiological psychology • physiological science • statistics • toxicology

The Amgen Scholars program is modeled on the grant-seeking process:

Students collaborate with potential mentors to define and develop a project
Applicants write research proposals for their projects
A faculty committee reviews the proposals and recommends awards
Students carry out the work over a 10-week period in the summer, mid-June to late August
At the conclusion of the program, they submit a technical paper and give an oral presentation at Seminar Day, a symposium modeled on a professional technical meeting

Eligibility Statement
Amgen Scholars must

Be sophomores (with at least 4 quarters or 3 semesters of college course work), juniors, or non-graduating seniors attending 4-year colleges or universities in the U.S., Puerto Rico, or other U.S. territories
Have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.2
Not be under any disciplinary sanction
Be U.S. citizens or permanent residents
Have an interest in pursuing a Ph.D. or M.D./Ph.D.

Students who have been an Amgen Scholar, at any U.S. site, are not eligible. Please consider applying through the Caltech SURF program.

Requirements
Upon receiving an Amgen Scholarship, students sign an agreement to fulfill the following requirements:

To conduct their research from June 18 - August 24, 2012
To devote full effort to conducting the Amgen Scholars project (Scholars are strongly discouraged from taking courses or holding a job)
To submit two progress reports signed by their mentors
To attend the mid-summer Amgen Scholars conference
To submit an abstract of their project
To submit a written technical report approved by the mentor
To give an oral presentation on one of the scheduled seminar day symposia
To attend weekly Amgen Scholar meetings
To fully participate in Amgen Scholar assessment efforts
To abide by Caltech's Honor Code

Compensation
Students receive a $5,500 stipend for the ten-week period. For information on payroll tax issues, please contact sfp@caltech.edu and we will forward your question to the Amgen Scholars payroll coordinator.

Stipend payments will be distributed in equal installments near the first business day in July and August.

Students will also receive a $1500 room and $1200 board allowance, and non-Caltech students will receive reimbursements for their travel to and from Pasadena.

Funding
Amgen Scholar stipends are funded from a generous grant from the Amgen Foundation. Mentors pay all research-related costs and provide space.

Amgen Scholar Summer Activities
To enrich the research experience, Amgen Scholars may participate in the following activities:

Amgen Scholars weekly lunch meetings to bring participants together for discussions, special programs, and to meet faculty
Weekly seminars by Caltech faculty—lunch is provided
A professional development series on developing a research career, graduate school admissions, and other topics of interest to future researchers
Social and cultural activities
Weekly small student-faculty dinners
Special field trips

Housing
Non-Caltech Amgen Scholars will live in Caltech housing during the ten-week summer period, and they can move into rooms on the first day of the summer program.

General Inquiries
amgenscholars@caltech.edu
626.395.2885

Call for Applications: 2012 National Science Foundation Research Experiences for Undergraduates Program at the Institute for NanoBioTechnology at Johns Hopkins University

The Institute for NanoBioTechnology at Johns Hopkins University offers undergraduate students from colleges and universities around the country a chance to participate in research projects in the exciting and rapidly growing area of nanobiotechnology, a place where biology, medicine, and nanotech meet.

The 2012 REU runs from 6/4/2012 to 8/12/2012.

Application (Deadline 2/12/2012)*
Recommendation (Two recommendations are required)*

*Transcripts and recommendations should be sent to reu@inbt.jhu.edu

Benefits

hands-on graduate level laboratory research experience
guidance from faculty and graduate student mentors
$4800 stipend + allowance for travel and housing
professional development seminars

Program Requirements

orientation
10 weeks of research
professional development seminars (topics such as: venture capital in nanobiotechnology, ethics in research, intellectual property)
present research at poster session

Who should apply

undergraduate students from all institutions who have completed their sophomore or junior year
under-represented students in science and engineering are encouraged to apply
only U.S. citizens and permanent residents are eligible to apply
Johns Hopkins University students are NOT eligible

For more information contact Ashanti Edwards, Academic Program Administrator for INBT, at aedwards@jhu.edu or by phone at 410 516 6572

Call for Applications: National Science Foundation Research Experiences for Undergraduates Summer Programin Investigative Biotechnology at Western Kentucky University

Get laboratory experience in biotechnology and get paid. Accepted students will spend the summer at Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green, Kentucky and be trained in research techniques, participate in exciting research (students can chose from over nineteen projects), and gain valuable presentation skills. Additionally, students will benefit from a series of workshops exploring ethics and preparing students to apply for and succeed in graduate school. Students will receive a stipend of $500 per week, free housing, meal and travel allowances, and lab supplies.

2012 Program Dates: 29 May-3 August, 2012

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. For consideration, applications must be postmarked by Friday, March 2, 2012.

REU Benefits

Work closely with a faculty mentor and interact with graduate students, post-doctoral fellows and research technicians.

Develop through hands-on work and the guidance of experienced researchers an in-depth understanding of the core research skills in Biotechnology.

Learn about the responsible conduct of research and ethical issues in the biological sciences.

Receive training on how to write successful graduate school applications.

Earn a stipend of $500 per week, free housing, meal and travel allowances, and lab supplies.

Program Eligibility

Western Kentucky University seeks talented science students to participate in its summer REU program in investigative biotechnology.

Our preference is for rising juniors and seniors (younger students with research experience will be considered).
Applicants should have completed core courses in the science curriculum at their home institutions and have demonstrated a curiosity and passion for science.

Applicants must be citizens or permanent residents of the U.S. and its possessions, must be enrolled in a program leading to a bachelor's degree, and must have a 3.0 GPA or higher.

We especially encourage applications from students who are members of groups underrepresented in graduate education in the biological sciences (minorities, first generation college students, and students from low-income families).

Participants will be selected based on several criteria: the strength of faculty recommendations, GPA, student career plans, level of involvement in science curriculum, and specific scientific interests as outlined in a personal statement.

The final decision will be based upon the fit between the applicant’s interest and our faculty expertise.

Contact Us

Dr. Shivendra Sahi
Principal Investigator
1906 College Heights Blvd. #11080
Bowling Green, KY 42101-1080
270-745-6012
shiv.sahi@wku.edu

Dr. Rodney A. King
Co-Principal Investigator
1906 College Heights Blvd. #11080
Bowling Green, KY 42101-1080
270-745-6910
rodney.king@wku.edu

Dr. Audra Jennings
Director, Office of Scholar Development
1906 College Heights Blvd. #31082
Bowling Green, KY 42101-1080
270-745-2921
audra.jennings@wku.edu

Call for Applications: National Science Foundation Research Experiences for Undergraduates Summer Program in Molecular Biotechnology and Genomics at Iowa State University

The program seeks to attract undergraduate students from academic institutions that serve minority populations and from small liberal arts colleges where scientific research opportunities are not readily available. Additionally, this program will actively recruit students who are veterans and members of the National Guard or Reserves.

Outstanding students who have finished their freshmen, sophomore or junior years and who have interest in research careers will join a selected group of active faculty conducting full-time laboratory research on molecular biology, biotechnology and genomics of animals, microbes and plants.

Typical projects will include gene cloning and characterization, functional genomic analyses, expression of foreign genes in bacteria, plants and animals, molecular genetics, and analysis of proteomes and transcriptomes.

Several activities outside the laboratory setting will be offered. These structured activities will include bioethics training through lectures, practical exercises, and case studies, as well as weekly seminar and discussion sessions with scientists on different research problems and career options.). The students will also have the opportunity to visit public and private research institutions (such as Pioneer HiBred International and others) and interact with Iowa family farmers to experience rural life.

The program will place emphasis on enhancing students' abilities in critical thinking, problem solving and scientific communication (both written and oral targeted to the general public and scientific communities.

The impact of summer research training will be assessed through formal evaluations during and immediately after the training. In addition, students will have an opportunity to assess the program utilizing a common assessment tool that other REU Program Directors use. Informal contacts by mentors with the students will be used to monitor progress and career decisions of the students.

2012 Program Highlights

Program duration: May 29 (Tuesday) - August 4 (Saturday), 2012.

Stipend: $4,400 for the program (income is taxable). Research assistants are expected to work 40 hours per week.

Travel: Up to $500 for documented travel expenses.

Housing and living allowance: Program participants will stay on campus in a dormitory. Free campus housing and a generous subsistence allowances will be provided. The costs of some optional planned recreation activities are borne by the students.

Application Deadline: March 1st, 2012

Contact Information:

NSF Summer Program in Molecular Biotechnology and Genomics
Program Director: Prof Kan Wang, kanwang@iastate.edu
Program Coordinator: Linda Wild, lmwild@iastate.edu
2102 Molecular Biology Building
Iowa State University
Ames, IA 50011-3260
Phone: 1-800-499-1972 or (515) 294-7697
Fax: (515) 294-6669
reu@iastate.edu

Call for Applications: Summer Undergraduate Research in Biology at Pepperdine University

In the summer of 2012, the biology faculty at Pepperdine University will conduct a summer research program from May 14 – July 28, 2012, geared specifically to undergraduate students who are interested in pursuing a career in biological research, science education, environmental science, or biotechnology. The program will begin with a 14-day research orientation workshop, May 14 - May 27. During the workshop, students will be introduced to the uses and limitations of specific research tools and techniques. The workshop will culminate with a visit to the James San Jacinto Mountains Reserve near Idyllwild, California, where students will present their summer project proposals. Over the remainder of the summer, students will pursue individual research projects under the direction of faculty, and visiting scientists will hold special research seminars in each research area. The research program will conclude with a student research symposium in late July.

Students may elect to study in one of six areas and are selected on the basis of their reasons for wanting to do research, academic credentials, and teacher recommendations. Depending on faculty participation, which varies from year to year, students may be accepted to do research in a second or third choice of preference. Students must complete the online application form as well as provide a brief essay stating the reason(s) why you wish to participate in the program, college transcript(s), and one letter of recommendation from a science faculty member who is familiar with your academic of research work. Applicants are expected to have completed one year of biology prior to the summer program and must be classified as undergraduate students (NSF requirement). Applications are due Wednesday, February 15, 2012, and notification of acceptance will be made on or before Friday, April 6, 2012. Those selected for the research program receive a stipend for the period of May 14 - July 28 and on-campus housing is provided.

All students must be free from other responsibilities by May 14, 2012, so they can participate in the required research orientation workshop. The workshop is offered as a one-unit (CR/NC) upper-division course, and the workshop (including course credit) is offered free of charge for students in the research program. Please contact Dr. Jay Brewster, Natural Science Division, Pepperdine University, 24255 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu CA 90263-4321 (jay.brewster@pepperdine.edu) for more information.

Call for Applications: Summer Research Program 2012 - Applied Biotechnology in the Life Sciences at the University of Arkansas

Anticipated Program dates: May 20 through July 27, 2012
Note: this REU program is funded by the National Science Foundation
Application deadline: March 2, 2012.

Note: Because of delays we will accept applications after the deadline until all positions have been filled.

The Program in Cell and Molecular Biology at the University of Arkansas is expecting to host a National Science Foundation supported REU program in Biotechnology for the summer of 2012.

The 10-week summer program allows undergraduate majors, who will be juniors or seniors next Fall, to carry out research with a faculty member in the general area of applied biotechnology .

Participants will present the results of their summer projects at the conclusion of the program. Participants will also interact on a weekly basis in professional development meetings, and "REU-night-out" with other summer undergraduate fellows in other REU programs and the Carver program.

All privileges normally enjoyed by university students will be extended to all summer REU students.

Support
The program will provide housing in campus residence halls and an on-campus meal plan. Participants will receive a stipend of $4600, and up to $400 in travel.

Application Instructions
All applicants must have completed 60 hours of college credit prior to the program start date with a minimum GPA of 3.0 (4.0 scale). Students who will graduate prior to the program start date are not eligible. Students must be citizens or permanent residents of the U.S.A. or its possessions to be eligible. To apply, complete the application form and submit the form along with:

1) An official transcript (sealed)
2) A current resume
3) Two letters of recommendation from your current faculty
4) A personal statement that must describe a) your research interests and experiences, and b) your plans for future professional or graduate education.

All application materials should be in one envelope and received at the address below by the application deadline

NOTE: Please note that information provided in the application may be used to report statistics to the National Science Foundation or other reporting agencies in an aggregate report. All information provided will remain confidential

For inquiries contact:
Douglas Rhoads drhoads@uark.edu or Shani Farr sfarr@uark.edu

Mail Stop:

CEMB REU
50 Stone House North
University of Arkansas
Fayetteville, AR 72701
1-866-234-3957

United States Pharmacopeial Convention Research Fellowship Awards

Mail completed applications by May 25, 2012

Three awards at $50,000

The USP Research Fellowship Awards will be presented to the students whose proposed research directly address specific USP scientific or research needs. This program offers up to three years of funding. Applicants must ensure that their research topic is in close alignment to USP research priorities as detailed below.

Eligibility

Applicants for the USP Research Fellowship Awards must

Have been accepted for full–time study in a Ph.D. or Pharm.D. program or medical or dental school;
Have been accepted to a Fellowship Program; or
Have been awarded a postdoctoral research (non–faculty) appointment.

Non–U.S. applicants must have a background in standards and currently be enrolled in an equivalent educational program. International students must possess the appropriate visa required to participate in the Research Fellows Program. USP will not assist students to obtain a visa for this purpose. USP may require proof of visa status as a condition of offering a Research Fellowship to a student.

The USP Research Fellowship Awards allow for subsequent year's funding; however, second awards are not automatic. Applications for continued funding must include a progress report on the research up to the time of application.

Application Process
Each application must include:

A completed application form signed by the applicant, a faculty advisor, and a university official
A curriculum vitae and transcript
A progress report on the research if application is for second–year funding
A research proposal

Post–Award Requirements/Institutional Commitment

Resulting publications and/or theses must acknowledge USP financial support, and a copy must be provided to USP for retention. A report on the research accomplishments must be provided by the Research Fellows no later than three months following the end of the funding period. The Research Fellows are required to meet with USP staff at the USP Headquarters in Rockville, Maryland at the start of the funding period. USP will arrange and cover travel costs for this meeting. The Research Fellows are also required to give a poster presentation at a USP–sponsored meeting or event, up to December 30, 2013.

The USP Research Fellows will be required to work closely with the assigned USP staff to ensure alignment with USP priorities. This will include quarterly meetings by telephone or web with assigned USP staff, the meeting with USP staff at the USP Headquarters at the start of the funding period, and a meeting with USP staff at a USP-sponsored meeting or event.

As fiscal agents for the Research Fellows, the institutions receive funds and must provide USP with a summary of expenditures at the end of the annual period. The institutions must agree that funds will not be used to pay overhead or administrative expenses. Awards are to support the Research Fellows and the costs of the research as submitted by the Research Fellows and approved by a selection committee. Most of the award should be used as a stipend for the Fellows in accordance with the policies of the institution. The remainder may be used for tuition, travel, research, clerical help, or equipment necessary to carry out the purpose of the award. No portion of the award may be used for teaching, other research, or other services of a part–time nature unless these components are a condition for the degree.

Selection Process

Applications are reviewed by USP internal selection group composed of Documentary Standards and Reference Standards Vice Presidents.
Each proposal's significance is ranked on how closely it addresses a specific area of USP research need.

Research Priorities

USP scientific staff has identified a number of areas in which USP could benefit from research assistance. USP Research Fellowship applicants are encouraged to choose one of these topics on which to focus their research.

General Research

Flow Cytometry in Biological applications that could lead to General Chapter additions/improvements and/or methods for monograph use Particle Characterization Technologies that could lead to General Chapter additions/improvements and/or methods for monograph use, characterization of particle morphology and composition

Particle Characterization Technologies that could lead to General Chapter additions/improvements and/or methods for monograph use; relationships with "experts" in the area that our lab folks could collaborate/leverage/learn from; and evaluation of students for potential fit as USP hires in the lab (i.e. talent recruiting)

Field Portable Spectroscopic Techniques combined with Chemometric approaches for counterfeit detection

Single instrument/measurement approaches to chemical ID and quantitation of materials for food ingredient reference standards (i.e. low cost food ingredient reference materials/standards)

Creation of new topical/dermal dosage formulations as use for reference materials suitable for In Vitro apparatus performance verification testing

Small Molecules

Modernization of monographs (analytical methods); assessment and prioritization of needs, implementation
Modernization of monographs–method development and validation (replacing titration with HPLC or replacing wet chemistry procedures with chromatography or other instrumental techniques)

Biologics and Biotechnology

Modernization of monographs (analytical methods); assessment and prioritization of needs, implementation
Purity assessment (protein concentration determination assays)
Methods to revise the protein content determination and purity assessment
Use of molecular biology techniques for species identification for wheat or other food–based components

Excipients

Modernization of monographs (analytical methods); assessment and prioritization of needs, implementation
Development of rheological methods for the effective characterization for excipients, HPMC
Molecular weight distribution determination for water soluble polymeric excipients by SEC/MALDI
Advanced macromolecular excipient characterization to decrease variability in USP standards
New methods to differentiate excipients
Detection of counterfeit drugs through excipient characterization
Comparison of analytical techniques for solid excipients/USP standards
Development and validation of authentication/identification and quantitative assay/purity methods that can discriminate adulterated from non–adulterated materials for protein–based food ingredients

Dietary Supplements

Modernization of monographs (analytical methods); assessment and prioritization of needs, implementation
Development of dissolution tests for fat–soluble vitamins in dietary supplement dosage forms
Development of supplemental information for articles of botanical origin to facilitate compendial compliance (expansion of General Chapter <2030> Supplemental Information for Articles of Botanical Origin)
Development of non–traditional dissolution tests for water–soluble vitamins and minerals in soft gel formulations containing dietary oils and oily excipients

Food Ingredients

Modernization of analytical methods; assessment and prioritization of needs, implementation
Modernization of analytical methods (development and validation for the following FCC monographs:
Caramel (Quantitative impurity tests and reference standards for 4–Methylimidazole and 2–Acetyl–4(5)–tetrahydroxybutylimidazole (THI)
Tartaric Acid (identification and assay methods that can distinguish D– from L–tartaric acid)
Phosphate–based food ingredients (ion chromatographic methods for the identification and quantification of these food ingredients to replace existing wet–chemistry methods)
Development and validation of analytical methods to assess the quality and safety of any nanotechnology derived food ingredient(s)
Strategic assessment of strengths and weaknesses for using the FCC for compliance with food quality systems (ISO, industry systems, etc)
Strategic analysis of cooperation opportunities with other food standards organizations (analysis of scientific and trade associations, overlap, synergies and opportunities)
Development and validation of a predictive model to help identify food ingredients susceptible to economically motivated adulteration