Women's Health Summer Research Internships Program

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Program Description

In 2009, the Foundation for NIH and the Intramural Program for Research on Women's Health, through a generous grant from the cosmetic firm Clinique Laboratories, will once again sponsor the Women's Health Summer Research Internships Program. Three individuals who are current college undergraduates and who are interested in skin cancer research, skin development, or dermatology will be selected for the program. These individuals will be expected to devote their summer research to skin-related projects consistent with Clinique's mission. Clinique Laboratories will enhance the standard NIH summer internship experience with the opportunity to visit Clinique Headquarters and Clinique's Research and Development Laboratories in New York City at the end of the summer, where program participants will present their research. In addition, participants will be provided with their own Clinique lab coats.

If you would like to be considered for this program, please apply to the Summer Internship Program (SIP) and include the words FNIH/Clinique in your application cover letter. Please also devote a paragraph to explaining your interest in skin cancer research, skin development, and/or dermatology.

NOTE: There is a special deadline for applicants who wish to be considered for this program. Applications and both letters of reference must be received by midnight (EST) on February 1. Any application completed after this date might still be considered by other investigators, but only if it is completed by the March 1st SIP application deadline.

Frequently Asked Questions Is the stipend for interns sponsored by Clinique higher than that for interns in the regular Summer Internship Program? What are the chances of being selected for this program? If I indicate an interest in this program in my cover letter, will I decrease my chances of being selected for other positions? When is the trip to New York scheduled? I will be returning to college in mid-August. Who will cover the costs of the trip to New York? Are there any advantages to this program besides the New York trip? Are participants in the Clinique-sponsored program selected in the same way as participants in the regular Summer Internship Program? I will be graduating with my bachelor's degree in May 2009. Am I eligible to apply?
Q:	Is the stipend for interns sponsored by Clinique higher than that for interns in the regular Summer Internship Program?
A:	Stipends for summer interns are determined by their educational level. Interns in the Clinique-sponsored program and the "regular" internship program are paid according to the same scale.	Top of page
Q:	What are the chances of being selected for this program?
A:	In 2008, 158 individuals requested consideration for the Clinique internships. Please note that, because the program is very small — 3 individuals — the chances for selection are significantly smaller than for the SIP. Of course, all individuals who apply for the Clinique positions are also considered for SIP positions.	Top of page
Q:	If I indicate an interest in this program in my cover letter, will I decrease my chances of being selected for other positions?
A:	If you mention your interest in the Clinique-supported program as one of several research interests, then you should not limit your opportunities. For example, if your interest in skin cancer was discussed as part of a larger interest in cancer in general, then your application should be of interest to many NIH investigators.	Top of page
Q:	When is the trip to New York scheduled? I will be returning to college in mid-August.
A:	Last year, the New York trip took place in early August. With only three interns in the program, it should not be difficult to plan the trip so that it is convenient for all.	Top of page
Q:	Who will cover the costs of the trip to New York?
A:	Clinique will cover the costs of transportation, meals, and accommodations (should they be necessary) for the New York trip.	Top of page
Q:	Are there any advantages to this program besides the New York trip?
A:	The stipends for interns in the Women's Health Summer Research Internships Program are provided by Clinique. In addition, they receive a $1000 supply allowance. This means that interns sponsored by Clinique are "free" to their NIH investigators. Please note that the supply allowance can be used only for supplies required for the applicant's project and that purchases must be approved by the PI.	Top of page
Q:	Are participants in the Clinique-sponsored program selected in the same way as participants in the regular Summer Internship Program?
A:	No. Applicants to the Women's Health Summer Research Internships Program are reviewed and ranked by a selection committee. Positions are offered to the three highest ranking applicants. Applicants chosen to participate in the program receive descriptions of projects submitted by investigators in the program, and the investigators receive the three potential interns' applications. The investigators are encouraged to contact the applicants to discuss their projects. The applicants rank the projects/investigators, and the investigators rank the applicants. The selection committee matches applicants with projects/investigators, taking account of the preferences of all concerned. Note that participants in this program are required to select their projects from the group of skin-related project areas approved by Clinique. In the general Summer Internship Program (SIP), NIH investigators search the application database and select their own trainees. Applicants who have indicated an interest in the Women's Health Summer Research Internships Program can also be offered positions by individual NIH investigators.	Top of page
Q:	I will be graduating with my bachelor's degree in May 2009. Am I eligible to apply?
A:	Yes. Anyone currently enrolled at least half-time in an undergraduate program in an accredited U.S. institution is eligible.	Top of page

	Still have a question? Check the general SIP FAQs.

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Page last revised on November 14, 2008 (sva)