The University of California at Santa Cruz Minority Health and Health Disparities International Research Training (MHIRT) program (www.creoi.org/mhirt) is recruiting upper-division undergraduate students, recent graduates and graduate students for 5-month research assistantships in biomedical sciences beginning in June 2017 at the Institute of Scientific Investigations and Technology Services (INDICASAT-AIP) in Panama City, Panama.
Project Description
Students will be involved in various aspects of ongoing biomedical research projects at INDICASAT-AIP (www.indicasat.org.pa). Project options range widely, using varied laboratory approaches within neuroscience, biochemistry, immunology, cell and molecular biology and bioengineering to investigate leishmaniasis, malaria, Alzheimer's, Parkinson’s and other diseases. Program staff works with successful candidates to match them to a laboratory that aligns with their individual interests.
Funding
Funding for these assistantships comes from the MHIRT program funded through the National Center on Minority Health and Health Disparities. The MHIRT program is designed to increase the number of students belonging to health disparities populations or underrepresented minorities who pursue advanced degrees in basic sciences or biomedical research fields. Travel, food, lodging, and research expenses are completely covered and a personal stipend is provided.
Program Eligibility
·Students must belong to an ethnic minority including, but not limited to, African Americans, Asian Americans, Hispanic Americans, Native Americans, Alaskan Natives, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders, or be from medically underserved populations (i.e., socio-economically disadvantaged individuals in rural and urban areas).
·Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents of the U.S.
·Juniors, seniors, recent graduates and graduate students with a minimum GPA of 3.0.
·Students should have completed at least two years of biology and/or chemistry with laboratory, with relevant extracurricular laboratory experience preferred.
·Students must demonstrate interest in pursuing graduate research.
·Students must spend a minimum of 5 months in Panama working on the project (project extension may be possible depending on funding and interest).
To Apply
Send the following materials to Dr. Marcy Balunas at marcy.balunas@uconn.edu:
•Curriculum Vitae including name, permanent and current addresses, phone, e-mail, GPA, complete educational and employment history, social security number and date of birth.
•A 2-3 page essay including information on your background (e.g., family history, ethnicity, previous laboratory research, education, travel experience, etc.) and your career goals (including how you think a MHIRT assistantship will help you attain these goals).
•Two letters of recommendation, including from someone who has directly supervised you in a laboratory setting (e.g., graduate student, technician, postdoctoral researcher, or professor). Letters of recommendation should be e-mailed directly to Dr. Balunas.
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Candidate review will begin March 1, 2017 and continue until positions are filled.
Early applications are encouraged.
For more information, contact: Marcy Balunas at marcy.balunas@uconn.edu