Monell Science Apprenticeship Program
The Monell Science Apprenticeship Program (MSAP) is looking for highly motivated high school and undergraduate students in the greater Philadelphia area (including Camden) for an eight-week intensive paid internship that provides the opportunity to directly participate in basic research. Our mission is to mentor students in biomedical science and our program was named one of the top 25 pre-college summer programs for learning science by Best College Reviews. We have a special interest in providing this opportunity to students who are from groups typically under-represented in the sciences, including veterans, women, individuals with disabilities, individuals from ethnic and racially marginalized groups, and from low-income households. Students with no prior experience conducting research are highly encouraged to apply.
The Monell Center is a basic research institute furthering scientific discovery on the chemical senses (taste and smell). Each summer, we offer a group of approximately twenty students the unique opportunity to work alongside our scientists in a paid apprenticeship and to learn more about careers in research – a true apprenticeship experience! Students are asked to meet the challenges of serious research responsibilities while contributing to projects at the forefront of scientific research.
Past projects that MSAP students have worked on include:
- Cloning olfactory receptors and testing how they respond to odors
- Investigating flavor preferences in infants, children and the elderly
- Developing non-lethal repellents for agricultural pests
- Studying the chemistry of air quality and how it influences people’s health perceptions
- And more! Available projects change each year.
Students will work with human subjects, animal subjects, and/or data. As you apply, you should spend some time thinking about what type of work and careers most interest you, and indicate your specific interests in your personal essay. Your personal essay is also a place to describe any life experiences that are influencing your decision to apply to the program.
In addition to working on a research project, the program provides students with enrichment activities focused on teaching scientific skills and a weekly seminar series on a wide range of topics relevant to aspiring scientific researchers. At the end of the summer, students present their research findings for family, friends, community members and Monell faculty and staff at the Capstone Symposium.
We are excited for you to apply and look forward to reviewing your application. You can learn more about what we do at Monell on our website: http://www.monell.org/
Dates: Monday, June 23, 2025- Friday, August 15, 2025
Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. (35 Hours per week, with a 1 hour unpaid lunch break).
Please note: Absences of more than three consecutive days cannot be accommodated. Please consider whether you will be available for the full duration of the program before applying.
Location: 3500 Market Street, Philadelphia PA 19104
Qualifications
To be eligible for MSAP, you must:
- Be currently enrolled in a high school or undergraduate institution. Students from the greater Philadelphia area are strongly encouraged to apply. Unfortunately, we are unable to offer positions to students who will have graduated from college Spring 2025 or earlier, and students who are in 8th grade or earlier during the 2024-2025 school year.
- Be able to prove eligibility to work in the United States
- Have a strong interest in science and research and a desire to learn!
Application Instructions
Applications are due by December 31, 2024. They will be reviewed at that time (not on a rolling basis). We will contact you by April 1st of our decision.
A complete application includes:
- Complete the online application at
http://apply.interfolio.com/157768 - The personal statement section answered in the online application describing how your background and experiences affected your relationship with the sciences and why you think MSAP would benefit you. Why are you interested in science and research? Help us get to know you and better understand your passion about STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics)!
- ONE letter of recommendation, on school letterhead, from a teacher. We prefer to have a recommendation from a science teacher at your current school.
- Current transcript (if possible), though it does not have to be official.
- Resume (Optional, not heavily weighted by admissions committee)