Summer Student Program at Jackson Laboratory

Opportunity Description:

The Summer Student Program is designed for students who want to immerse themselves in genetics and genomics research. It emphasizes laboratory discovery, communication of knowledge, and professional growth.

Every year, a diverse group of approximately 40 undergraduate and high school students is chosen from all over the United States. They are able to meet and connect with research-focused students from different backgrounds who quickly form a community of motivated science scholars. Students participate in an ongoing research program with the support of an experienced scientific mentor. They develop an independent project, implement their plan, analyze the data, and report the results. At the end of the summer, they present their findings to researchers, other students, and parents.

The Summer Student Program is available at The Jackson Laboratory in Bar Harbor, Maine and The Jackson Laboratory for Genomic Medicine in Farmington, Connecticut. Outside the laboratory, there is much to explore. Depending on the location, students can visit the sights of Boston, New York, or the trails and vistas of Acadia National Park.

All students receive a stipend of $6,000 for the 10-week program, including room and board at Highseas (Maine program) or at the University of Saint Joseph (Connecticut program).  The cost of round-trip travel between the student's home and the Laboratory is also provided. 

Students are required to attend the entire program. Students with date conflicts are encouraged to apply despite the conflicts; JAX staff will assist admitted students in negotiating early release, early finals, etc., to facilitate their on-time participation in the program.  Students with significant date conflicts - such as early departure for overseas study - are encouraged to delay their application for another year.

Minimum Qualifications and/or Eligibility Requirements: 

Bar Harbor campus accepts applications from eligible high school and undergraduate students.

Farmington accepts applications from eligible undergraduate students only.

The SSP does not restrict applications to a given state or region.

At the time of participation in the 2022 program, a high school student (Bar Harbor) must:

• have completed Grade 12;
• be at least 18 years old; and
• be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident.

At the time of participation in the 2022 program, a college student (Bar Harbor and Farmington) must:

• be enrolled as a full-time undergraduate student; 
• have at least one semester of undergraduate study remaining before graduation; and
• be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident.

JAX Genomic Education staff review each individual application. Considering only the materials submitted within the context of the application (supplemental materials are not permitted), the Summer Student Program will offer fellowships to students whose applications best match our review criteria and programmatic goals. For example, we look for evidence of the following characteristics:

• an indication of a deep desire to conduct an independent research project;
• academic achievement;
• curiosity and passion for science;
• resilience and problem-solving;
• personal maturity and acceptance of responsibility;
• aptitude for working independently and within a team; and 
• research interests in genetics and genomics.

Application Process: 

In addition to standard personal and school information, to complete the online application, you will need to provide:

1. Two letters of recommendation.  Within the online application, you will provide the name and email address of two references.  Each referrer will receive an automated email from JAX requesting a letter, along with online submission instructions;
2. Your informal or unofficial transcript in PDF format.  Official transcripts may be requested from those admitted to the program;
3. A list of math and science classes you have taken within the past three years and your grade in each;
4. A ranked list of your top three research interests, or labs, after reviewing our faculty research summaries;
5. A written description of your research interests and rankings of your research area choices in 1,800 characters or less; and
6. Three short answer responses (each one in 3,000 characters or less, including spaces) to the following questions: 1) What are your career interests or goals, and how do you think The Jackson Laboratory's Summer Student Program fits into your future plans?; 2) Discuss the personal qualities or attributes you bring to a team or project environment. Provide a specific example of a contribution you made to a collaborative project. If applicable, please describe a collaboration with someone whose customs, habits and/or traditions are different than your own; 3) Provide an example of a challenge you have had to face. What strategies did you use to address this challenge? Did you overcome the challenge and, if not, why?

The application will allow you to save the form and return to it at a later date.  After the application deadline, students will be able to return to their application in read-only mode to review their application status.

Students can edit their application up to the deadline but must 'submit' by February 2 at 11:59 pm EST (Eastern Standard Time).  Applications that are not submitted, even if complete, will not be reviewed. Recommendation letters will be accepted if submitted within a one-week faculty grace period after the February 2 deadline.  The faculty grace period for letters expires on February 9, 11:59 pm EST.  Application materials received after these posted deadlines will be considered late and may not be reviewed.

Acceptance notification will be sent via email no later than March 31.

Application Deadline: