2024 Medical Student Research Internship Program

Van Andel Institute (VAI), a world-class biomedical research institute, located in Grand Rapids, MI, is dedicated to improving human health. We are pioneers in the fight against cancer, Parkinson's, and other diseases. We are committed to inspiring the next generation of scientists and educators.
APPLICATION PERIOD BEGINS DECEMBER 1, 2023 - APPLICATIONS ACCEPTED ON ROLLING BASIS UNTIL BOTH MEDICAL STUDENT INTERNSHIP POSITIONS ARE FILLED FOR THE SUMMER
INTERNSHIP PROGRAM DETAILS
Van Andel Institute (VAI) offers a RESEARCH INTERNSHIP PROGRAM designed to provide MEDICAL STUDENTs the opportunity to work closely with a research mentor on a project exploring the cellular, molecular, and genetic basis of human disease. The goal of this program is to introduce MEDICAL STUDENTs to the concepts and practice of design, implementation, interpretation, and presentation of basic biomedical research.
We expect to support two (2) MEDICAL STUDENT internships. This program is competitive, based on recommendations, previous experience, and a personal meeting, telephone interview, or interview via Zoom. Students are expected to work full-time for the duration of the internship, so participation in this program is not compatible with working at another job.
Thank you to our sponsor and their generous gift to support the MEDICAL STUDENTINTERNSHIP PROGRAM:

• Van Andel Institute Graduate School

PROGRAM TIMELINE
The internship will be a six to nine-week research experience based on the time availability of the applicant.
Placement: Each applicant's internship will be based on their research interests selected on the application form. Each experience will be different based on the research question, mentor, and status of the project. Work environments include any of the basic science laboratories or core facilities at VAI.
ELIGIBILITY
Medical students must be currently enrolled and in good standing with their medical school.
Van Andel Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Affirmative Action Employer. We strongly encourage student applications from McNair Scholars, and student applications from minority serving institutions.
International students are eligible to apply if they meet the requirements for the program and are legally permitted to work and earn income in the United States. Van Andel Institute does not sponsor visas for interns.
BENEFITS
All MEDICAL STUDENT interns receive a salary of $16.00 per hour.
The pay range for MEDICAL STUDENT summer interns is based on 6-9 week assignments at 40 hours per week. The pay rate is $16.00 per hour.
Medical student interns without vehicles that are funded through Van Andel Institute Graduate School receive the following additional benefits:

• The Rapids bus passes
• Reimbursement for on-demand transportation to and from their home airport
• Reimbursement for on-demand transportation to and from the GRR airport

If you require additional information on student intern benefits, please contact Michelle Love at undergrad@vai.edu.
SUMMER HOLIDAYS
Student Interns are not eligible for holiday pay on the following days VAI officially closes for business:

• Memorial Day - Monday, May 27, 2024
• Juneteenth - Wednesday, June 19, 2024
• Independence Day - Thursday, July 4, 2024
• Labor Day - Monday, September 2, 2024

HOUSING
Local area colleges/universities may have student housing available. Students are responsible for their own travel, housing, room and board (except HBCU student interns funded through VAIGS).
Grand Valley State University (GVSU)
https://www.gvsu.edu/internhousing/

• Apply for Housing: https://www.gvsu.edu/housing/apply-for-housing-67.htm
• Contact: Mike Ashcraft | Client Services Manager for Residential Camps & Conferences
• Email Address: ashcrafm@gvsu.edu
• Telephone Number: 616-331-5828
• Contact Mike Ashcraft regarding 2024 summer housing dates for GVSU

Aquinas College
https://www.aquinas.edu/residence-life

• PleaseCLICK HERE to find out more about our summer housing offerings and application process. Requires a google account to access website: https://sites.google.com/aquinas.edu/aq-summer-housing
• Contact: Mike Ingram | Assistant Director
• ingramm@aquinas.edu
• 616-632-2945
• 30 Minute Meeting

Calvin University
https://calvin.edu/offices-services/event-services/summer-intern-housing

• Apply for Housing: https://calvin.edu/offices-services/event-services/summer-intern-housing/application.html
• Contact: Samuel Tuit | Events Assistant
• Email Address: venues@calvin.edu
• Telephone: 616-526-7045
• Contact Samuel Tuit regarding available Calvin College's 2024 housing dates and COVID-19 vaccination policy

If you require additional information on housing options, please contact Michelle Love at undergrad@vai.edu.
PARKING AND BIKE RACKS
Student Interns will be offered FREE parking in the Michigan Street Development ramp during their internship. During the orientation process, Physical Security will provide Student Interns with a parking permit for their vehicle. The parking structure is located on Michigan Street, directly north of VAI. Parking in this ramp is contingent upon availability. Additionally, there are bike racks available for your use outside of the main entrance.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Assignments may involve the use of potentially hazardous chemicals, hazardous or radioactive materials, or may be in areas where such materials are used. Adherence to safety policies and procedures along with proper storage and disposal methods are required.
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT
As Van Andel Institute is a drug and alcohol-free employer, all prospective new employees undergo a urinalysis/drug test as part of our pre-employment process. This is a 7-panel drug screen and it includes testing for marijuana, cocaine, amphetamines, opiates, PCP, barbiturates, and benzodiazepines.
DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION STATEMENTS
VAI is committed to achieving excellence through increasing diversity. We actively encourage applications from women, persons of color, persons with disabilities, and other underrepresented groups.
Van Andel Institute is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA) Employer.
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS AND BEFORE YOU APPLY
Required Documents: An attachment (electronic PDF file format) is required to support your online application:
A cover letter and resume will need to be combined as a single electronic PDF file and then uploaded as an attachment with your online application:

• A cover letter indicating why you would like to participate in this internship and your career goals;
• A resume, which includes your education, research experience, skills, volunteer experience, and publications (if any);

Incomplete application packets will not be considered.
Before you Apply: Review VAI faculty/lab profile and core technologies and services websites before answering pre-employment questions on the online application:
You will be required to answer 10 pre-employment questions relating to eligibility, availability and research interest. Please review faculty/lab profiles and core profiles before completing pre-employment questions #9 and #10 on the online application.

• Click HERE for laboratories/faculty profiles - You will be required to list five labs of interest

• Click HERE for core technologies and services - You will be required to list two cores of interest

ADDITIONAL APPLICATION MATERIALS REQUIRED

• Two (2) current letters of recommendation from college/university professors, research mentors, and/or supervisors. The deadline for letters of recommendation for MEDICAL STUDENT applicants is March 4, 2024. Recommenders are to submit letters of recommendation to undergrad@vai.edu. Letters of recommendation are to be on institute letterhead in the electronic PDF file format. Applicants are responsible for contacting professors, research mentors and/or supervisors to request letters of recommendation to be submitted to the Undergraduate & Internship Program Committee. We recommend applicants provide a copy of this internship job description to recommenders. Applicants are NOT to submit their own letters of recommendation to the Undergraduate & Internship Program Committee.

• Letter of good standing from current institution (Academic Dean's Office, Academic Student Affairs or Academic Affairs) should be emailed to undergrad@vai.edu before March 4, 2024. Letters of good standing should be addressed to the attention of the Undergraduate & Internship Program Committee.

HOW TO APPLY

• Complete the online application by using the "Apply Manually" option. DO NOT utilize the "Apply with Resume" or "Use My Last Application" options when filling out the online application.
• Upload the required single electronic PDF file that includes your cover letter and resume.

INTERVIEW & SELECTION PROCESS
Completed applications are accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis from December 1, 2023 through March 1, 2024 or until both internships are filled for the summer. Any inquiries regarding your application should be sent via email to undergrad@vai.edu; inquiries will receive responses as information becomes available.
All offers for the Medical Student Research Internship Program positions will be contingent upon the satisfactory results of a Background Investigation and Drug Screen.
About Van Andel Institute
Established in Grand Rapids, Michigan, in 1996 by the Van Andel family, VAI is now home to nearly 500 scientists, educators and support staff, who work with national and international collaborators to foster discovery. The Institute's scientists study the origins of cancer, Parkinson's and other diseases and translate their findings into breakthrough prevention and treatment strategies. Our educators develop inquiry-based approaches for K-12 education to help students and teachers prepare the next generation of problem-solvers, while our Graduate School offers a rigorous, research-intensive Ph.D. program in molecular and cellular biology.
VAI is committed to achieving excellence through increasing diversity. We actively encourage applications from women, persons of color, persons with disabilities, and other underrepresented groups.
Van Andel Institute is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA) Employer.
As Van Andel Institute is a drug and alcohol-free employer, all prospective new employees undergo a urinalysis/drug test as part of our pre-employment process. This is a 7-panel drug screen and it includes testing for Marijuana, Cocaine, Amphetamines, Opiates, PCP, Barbiturates, and Benzodiazepines.
About Grand Rapids, MI
Van Andel Institute is in downtown Grand Rapids, Michigan in the center of the Medical Mile. A remarkable combination of a cosmopolitan atmosphere and small-town warmth, Grand Rapids is known for its philanthropic and sustainability-driven community. It's fun affordable and family-friendly.
Located on the banks of the Grand River, Grand Rapids offers all the big-city excitement you'd expect from a million-resident metropolis, featuring hundreds of restaurants and nightspots, theatres, museums, sports and concerts. The safe and clean downtown is surrounded by an eclectic mix of walkable neighborhoods and natural areas. The downtown area is often referred to as safe and clean with an eclectic mix of walkable neighborhoods and natural areas.