Summer Research Program in Life Sciences and Technology, Switzerland

Summer Research Program in Life Sciences and Technology at the Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne (EPFL), will offer intensive research training opportunities for 25 students interested in careers in life science research. This program will run from 9 July to 31 August 2012.

Each student will gain experience in the laboratory under the supervision of the Faculty of EPFL from one of our institution.

* Brain Mind Instutute (BMI)
* Institute of Bioengineering (IBI)
* Global Health Institute (GHI)
* Swiss Institute for Experimental Cancer Research (ISREC)

SRP consists of several sections and students must participate in each.

* Two months of lab work (40 hours / week)
* Friday Seminar
* Closing Student Symposium
* Social Events

The participants will:

* Advantage hands-on research experience and training with exposure to cutting-edge research.
* Experience what is like to be a member of the research community working at the forefront of science, medicine and biotechnology.
* Have the opportunity to apply what was learned in the classroom to understand and solve the problem of actual research in the laboratory.
* Gain a better understanding of the scientific process and application of knowledge gained from basic science research and state-of-the-art techniques to solve complex problems in biology and medicine.
* Improve their critical thinking skills, including learning how to evaluate scientific information, design experiments, formulate ideas and hypotheses testing.
* Explore career opportunities in academia with experience joy, frustration, and challenges of scientific research and gain insight into what a career in science requires.
* Prepare for the future of independent research projects and advanced research in graduate school.

Summer research fellowships are awarded on a competitive basis taking into consideration several criteria including the student's academic record, personal statement and letters of recommendation.

SRP Requirements:
To be considered for the program, applicants ...

* Must be enrolled in a degree program in biology, physics, chemistry, bio-engineering, or computational science and plans to pursue a career in life sciences. Basic Biology backgound is very important. Previous laboratory experience is a plus.
* Must be in good standing with a GPA of 3.75/4.0 grade equivalent or higher and must have completed at least 2 years of undergraduate coursework in the summer of 2012. (If your university does not use a 4 point scale, and includes an explanation of your grading scale with your motivation letter.)
* Usually the participants come from 10% of their class and have some research experience. Their essays demonstrate enthusiasm and motivation!
* Sometimes we do a select first-year master's students, but we are mostly aimed at students. (Mean 4-year Bachelor's first university training usually towards a bachelor's degree.) Students from medical studies focused also welcome to apply, but we want to see that their background also includes a hard science, namely physics, quantiative biology, genetics courses, etc.
* Keep in mind that last year, we received nearly 800 applications complete! This unfortunately makes a very low acceptance rate. We will announce the selected participants 2 to 3 weeks after the deadline.

Applicants must submit a complete on-line application, including uploaded pdf as follows:

* A CV (1-2 pages)
* Letter of motivation (maximum 1000 words) explaining your academic background, scientific interests, previous research experience, what would you bring to the program and what you accomplish attend a summer research program.
* A brief explanation of why you want to work in the lab you choose. One or two sentences will suffice for each laboratory.
* Official copy of university students' academic transcripts or school official list of classes and grades. (In English or one of the great European languates) until the time of application of the SRP. (Candidates can translate their transcripts him (her) self and has a faculty member to verify its authenticity.)
* Two e-mail address faculty or instructors who are familiar with students and are in a position to assess the ability and potential students for careers in science. If you have the opportunity to work in the lab, please include a recommendation from the head of the laboratory. A link will be sent to the referee shortly afterwards to upload their recommendation.

Additional Requirements
Intensive nature of this program requires full-time commitment (~ 40 hours / week) of the participants. All participants are required to attend all scheduled events and activities related to the program. Therefore, participants can not attend another summer school or performing other activities during the duration of the program that can interfere with their work. Students must attend the entire length of the program. Most weekends are free for your own pleasure.

General, Housing, pocket money, Visa

* Up to 25 students selected from more than 750 applicants per year.
* There are no nationality restrictions.
* It is free to apply! No fee!
* A financial compensation for the cost of living and housing are provided to all successful candidates.
* The majority of the travel expenses borne by the sponsor program and the School of Life Sciences. Students are required to make their own travel arrangements and SRP coordinator will replace the number after the program began. In general, up to 1,200 CHF to travel abroad and up to 500 USD for European travel is covered.
* Housing is provided in the Lausanne area for the duration of the program.
* Students must ensure that they have a valid health and accident insurance.
* Language work is English.
* Some of the funds available for visits and social activities

Housing
How can housing be regulated?
Program coordinator will arrange and pay for housing out of wage. Since it is very difficult to find housing for 25 students in one place, we usually use two lodgings. Students from other programs will also be placed on the buildings. Usually, you have your own space and share a single common room to cook and eat. Program coordinator will inform you when your chores are made, how to contact them and where it is located.

Money Matters
When will I receive my salary?
After housing as having been paid, the remainder of the money you pay will be paid in two amounts: one at the beginning of the program and one in the middle of the program. Residential uses about half the salary of about $ 1,500 left to live. Students have been able to manage this amount to be careful. It is advised to bring extra money for weekend trips.

Travel Expenses:
Up to 500 USD for the European trip and up to 1200 CHF for foreign travel will be reimbursed at the beginning of the program. You must have a receipt showing the price paid for the trip when you arrive at the EPFL.

Visa
You may or may not need a visa depending on your nationality. Because the procedures vary from year to year, program coordinators and our human resources office will tell you what to do after you are accepted for the program.

Deadline for Applications: February 6, 2012

For more information, please visit the official site: sv.epfl.ch