The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) through the Office of Minority Health Research Coordination invite students to submit their application for the Summer Research Training Program.

The overall goal of this program is to build and sustain a biomedical, behavioral, clinical and social science research pipeline focused on NIDDK mission areas. The NIDDK Diversity Summer Program is particularly interested in increasing students from backgrounds underrepresented in biomedical research, including individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds and individuals from underrepresented racial and ethnic groups.

At the end of the summer, students participate in the NIH Summer Research Program Poster Day. This provides an opportunity for students to present their work before the NIH scientific community. Students are also expected to participate in meetings and seminars in their individual laboratories. In addition, with permission from their preceptors, students may also attend formal lectures and symposia, which are listed in the weekly “NIH Calendar of Events.” The NIH Calendar of Events is only available for students working at the NIH campus in Bethesda, Maryland.

Research performed by the laboratories and branches of the NIDDK covers an extraordinarily diverse area but is unified by a commitment to excellence in both basic and clinical investigation. The basic science laboratories include outstanding groups in many facets of modern molecular biology, structural biology, including x-ray crystallography and NMR, cell biology, and pharmacology. Systems under study include viruses, prokaryotes and eukaryotes, including yeast and mammalian cells. Developmental biology is represented by studies ranging from those on cellular slime molds to those on mouse oocyte development. Several laboratories use the most up-to-date techniques in receptor pharmacology, natural products chemistry, and organic chemistry to study a wide variety of compounds, particularly neuroactive agents. Not only biochemical but also mathematical and physical chemical methods are applied to a variety of fundamental problems.

The clinical branches of NIDDK combine basic science and clinical investigation with patient care. Several branches study endocrine diseases and general aspects of signal transduction, including growth factor and hormone action. Molecular biologic and molecular genetic techniques have been used to elucidate specific gene mutations representing the underlying defect in a variety of diseases, including thyroid hormone resistance, certain forms of diabetes, and other disorders of signal transduction. Several NIDDK scientists have created transgenic and knockout mice models of human diseases.

Program Highlights

• Independent research in a NIH laboratory;
• Weekly research and career development seminars;
• Summer seminar series where senior NIH investigators discuss the latest developments in biomedical research.
• Poster presentation
• Will be required to attend courses in Ethics in Research and Lab Safety.
• Students will be paired with post baccalaureates or postdoctoral fellows for informal guidance.
• Bi-weekly informal meetings with OMHRC staff.

Eligibility Requirements

• Undergraduate students who have completed at least 1 year at an accredited institution
• U.S. Citizen or permanent resident status
• Minimum of 3.0 GPA
• Health Insurance coverage

Provisions

• Student Participation Allowance ($2,600)
• Housing (​Housing consists of double-occupancy rooms)
• Travel expenses to Bethesda, Maryland or Phoenix, Arizona (up to $700)

Location and Duration

• 10 weeks, starting in June through mid-August.
• Bethesda, Maryland or Phoenix, Arizona

Application Procedure

• Complete the on-line application at https://dsrtp.niddk.nih.gov/
• Include a copy of your curriculum vitae.
• Submit two letters of recommendation from faculty members/advisors who can address your intellectual and personal suitability for the Program.
• Personal Statement – Describe your research interest, career goals, and reasons for applying to this program in 2,000 characters (includes spacing, punctuations, etc) or less; double-space.
• Official Transcript – The official college transcript should be mailed directly from your school to Ms. Martinez.
• Application selection – Priority will be given to students who reside outside of the Maryland/Washington DC/Virginia areas.  Local students are encouraged to apply for the NIH Summer Internship Program​ (SIP).

NIDDK Contact

Ms. Winnie Martinez
Program Analyst
Office of Minority Health Research Coordination
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, NIH
II Democracy Plaza
6707 Democracy Boulevard, Room 906A
Bethesda, MD 20892

Tel: 301-435-2988
Fax: 301-594-9358

Email: MartinezW@mail.nih.gov
Application Deadline: February 15​​​​​, 2016​