Log In
Sign Up
Applications have closed
BMSIS provides opportunities for college students and recent grads to participate as Research Associates with our institute, providing opportunities to participate in basic research and to learn about science communication, ethics, policy, and more. YSP Research Associates (RAs) conduct supervised research under direct supervision by one or more BMSIS scientists and colleagues. The RA may work on-site or remotely, depending on the needs of the project, mentor, and RA. Funding is available for some projects but not all (see the list below). Research Associate positions will last nominally three months, though some may last longer, especially those that are funded.
BMSIS Research Associates will write a written report of their work for the project. This report may be used in a variety of applications, including (but not limited to): undergraduate project/thesis, conference proceedings, peer-reviewed journals, magazine/newspaper articles, and writing samples for job applications. RAs will be expected to present the results of their work either internally (to an audience of BMSIS scientists and affiliates using virtual communication tools) or externally (to an audience at an academic conference, convention, or other meeting venue).
The Young Scientist Program includes required modules in science communication as well as ethics and society with guidance from project mentors and other research scientists at BMSIS. RAs also will attend monthly BMSIS seminars and will have opportunities to participate in a variety of seminars and meetings held by professional researchers, science communicators, and more.
Upon successful completion of the Young Scientist Program and required modules, Research Associates shall receive a certificate of completion. Alumni from the Young Scientist Program may also receive requests for follow-up program evaluation.
Applications for the Young Scientist Program will be accepted from 1 March through 15 April with limited available positions, so interested applicants are encouraged to apply or contact us for more information.
Eligibility Requirements
Currently seeking a degree at a 2-year, 4-year, or 5-year university or a community college (or the equivalent), or recently have completed an undergraduate degree and currently considering graduate school (note: while we do not accept graduate students, some exceptions can be made for those who are in a dual BS/MS program or who have been enrolled in a Masters program without having begun the program. Other graduate students who are pursuing Masters and Doctoral degrees are encouraged to instead apply to our Visiting Scholar program). For further questions on eligibility, please see the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document (Note: the FAQ document will also be updated for the 2023 YSP by 1 March)
Able to dedicate at least 5 hours per week for the duration of the program (time requirements may depend on project)
Provide proof of eligibility to work in the country of the Young Scientist Program (note: this only applies to projects where the RA is working on-site. Applicants for the online program need only be capable of working within their country of residence)
May not be a current U.S. government employee or a civil servant
Also note: BMSIS cannot sponsor travel or work visas to the United States
For further inquiries, please see our FAQ document. The FAQ document will be updated as needed during the application window.
Important Dates for the 2023 YSP
1 March 2023 – Applications will be open by this date
15 April 2023 – Applications close (applications will be accepted until 20:00 Pacific Daylight Time on the 15th)
3 May 2023 – Decisions communicated to applicants beginning on this date (due to the large number of applications we receive, some notifications may take longer)
1 June 2023 – YSP Begins
31 August 2023 – YSP Ends
Application Requirements
Contact one or more BMSIS scientists expressing specific interests about listed projects (see list below) by sending inquiries to scientists at their email address listed in the table below. Please include a thoughtful message of introduction, but also be courteous of their time.
Satisfy any eligibility requirements specified by the BMSIS YSP and the “Required Skills” section of the project to be considered
Complete the online application form for the project(s). Links for applying will be provided for each project. If you have questions about the application form, please read the FAQ document. Please Note: the application form will not be available until the application window opens in 2023.
Have two letters of recommendation sent to ysp22_letters@bmsis.org. For more information about the letters of recommendation, please read the FAQ document.
There is a $20 USD fee for applying to the program.
