Undergraduate Internships

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Program Description
Eligibility
Program Calendar
Application Requirements
Application Procedures
Acceptance into Program
Internship Requirements
FAQ

INFORMATION FOR INTERNS

Announcements
Internships
Resources

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PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

QB3 is partnering with local biotech companies to offer full-time, hands-on internships to UC Berkeley undergraduates for summer 2010 through the QB3-Berkeley Undergraduate Biotech Internship Program.

QB3-Berkeley seeks top applicants for internship positions at Bay Area biotech companies and at Sandia National Laboratories in Livermore. Accepted students will spend approximately 10 weeks learning laboratory techniques and contributing to specific state-of-the-art interdisciplinary research projects. Interns become paid, full-time employees of the company for the duration of their internship.

Interns will:

• Acquire valuable, real-world research experience and training on a long-term project.
• Work full-time and earn a competitive salary to help cover college expenses.
• Define direction for graduate studies and explore career options.
• Network with a variety of industry, QB3-Berkeley, and student researchers.
• Work one-on-one with faculty mentors and utilize advanced laboratory facilities.
• Develop new technical, communication, time management, and leadership skills.

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ELIGIBILITY

QB3-Berkeley accepts applications until January 29, 2010 and encourages UC Berkeley undergraduate students to apply if they meet the following eligibility requirements:

1. Registered as an undergraduate student at UC Berkeley. Has an overall GPA of at least 3.2; undergraduate course experience in biology, chemistry and classroom lab experience required. Declared a major and interested in exploring careers in the biotechnology industry. Has unrestricted authorization to work in the United States. Committed to full-time summer employment, returning to UC Berkeley for normal course of study (i.e. fall semester). Consent that application materials, including transcripts, will be reviewed by program staff and potential employers. Students may be invited for an interview at QB3-Berkeley or at the company. Once a student accepts an internship offer, whether verbally or in writing, acceptance is to be considered binding for the duration of the entire work period. Interns may be required to sign a confidentiality compliance statement protecting the company’s proprietary information and must observe company rules and regulations. Transfer students must put in one semester of coursework at UC Berkeley before applying to the program.


2. Foreign students with F-1 visas may participate in the program after completion of one academic year (two semesters or one semester plus one summer session) as an F-1 student in the United States.

Note: Unfortunately, seniors are not eligible to participate in this program.

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PROGRAM CALENDAR*

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APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

To apply for an internship, students must be in good academic standing in accordance with university and departmental requirements. Students interested in careers in the biotech industry are the preferred candidates for this program. Potential internship candidates will be selected from a competitive pool of applicants by QB3-Berkeley program staff in cooperation with company representatives. Students may be invited to interviews at QB3-Berkeley and/or at the company. Company representatives conduct final interviews and make the final hiring decisions.

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APPLICATION PROCEDURES

How to Apply:

Please hand deliver a complete application packet to Program Manager Sean Bupara in 574 Stanley Hall by 5 p.m. on January 29, 2010.

A complete application packet includes:

1. Completed Application Form
   


2. Statement of Purpose:

3. Two Letters of recommendation (due February 5, 2010) from individuals familiar with your interests, abilities, and/or career goals

Please note: The letters of recommendation are confidential and must arrive in sealed envelopes. The individual who wrote the letter should place his/her initials on the back flap of the envelope. Contact Sean Bupara, sbupara@berkeley.edu if you need an extension for acquiring your letters of recommendation.

4. An unofficial undergraduate transcript (BearFacts transcript is ok, please include list of your current classes).


5. Resume.

For your convenience, please review the Application Checklist before submitting your materials.

Hint: Visit the Career Center for resume support at http://career.berkeley.edu/Tools/Resume.stm

Application Deadline: January 29, 2010- Completed application packets must be hand delivered to 574 Stanley Hall by 5 p.m.

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ACCEPTANCE INTO PROGRAM

Once the internship placement is confirmed with the company, each student is required to sign the Internship Agreement Form. Students are formally accepted into the program by completing and returning this form to QB3-Berkeley.

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INTERNSHIP REQUIREMENTS

Once accepted into the program, students are required to attend all meetings, orientations, activities, and fulfill the following internship requirements:

1. Once a student accepts an internship offer, whether verbally or in writing, acceptance is to be considered binding for the duration of the entire work period.

2. Interns must complete all program and University of California administrative procedures.

3. Interns are required to turn in UC Berkeley, company employer, and internship program forms by deadlines.

4. Interns may be required to sign a confidentiality compliance statement protecting a company’s proprietary information and must observe company rules and regulations.

5. Interns may be required to participate in a background check and drug test. (Interns may also supply a copy of their most recent immunization record, current residence status, and health insurance card.)

6. Interns will submit via email Assignment I: Summary of Internship Goals (due 2-3 weeks after start date).

7. QB3-Berkeley staff and industry supervisors will evaluate final projects and internship performance.

8. Interns will participate in end-of-program evaluation procedures and may attend a symposium.

9. Interns are required to report any internship issues or difficulties to the program manager, supervisor, or human resources representative.

10. Interns are required to resume normal course of study (fall semester) upon completion of the internship program.

Confidentiality Compliance Statement and Background Check

Interns will be required to sign a confidentiality compliance statement protecting a company's proprietary information.

Interns may be required to participate in a background check including a drug test. Interns may also supply a copy of their most recent immunization record, current residence status, and health insurance card.

Hours

Internships begin the summer after the completion of the academic year. Interns are expected to engage in full-time research activities for 40 hours per week (hours may vary). Internships last approximately 10 weeks (although extensions are possible at some companies). The actual work schedule, including which days will be considered holidays, is determined by the company supervisor.

Note: On occasion, interns may stay late to finish experiments. Unfortunately, interns are not eligible for overtime pay.

Salary & Benefits

Each intern will receive a salary and be paid directly by the employer (or an approved third-party agency). Salaries are determined by the company, and interns must provide two types of identification when filling out required payroll forms. Interns are ineligible for any insurance benefits or overtime pay from company employers. Students are financially responsible for their own travel, housing, and meals.

Informational Interviews

Interns are required to conduct a few ten minute informational interviews with employees from a variety of departments at the company. Interns should ask supervisors if there are particular employees to meet. Simply introduce yourself, ask for ten minutes, and explain that you are interested to learn more about the employee's role and might they offer any advice about careers in biotech. Don't forget to mail a thank-you note after the interview. This is a great opportunity to make connections throughout the company. 

Letters of Recommendation & Gathering References

At the end of the internship, interns may ask supervisors to become references for future employment opportunities.  Interns might also request a letter of recommendation.  This letter should be on company letterhead and addressed to "To Whom It May Concern."  The letter can be photocopied and utilized when applying for multiple jobs.

Update Resume

Interns should update their resumes before completing the internship. If possible, solicit feedback from a supervisor or human resources contact; this could make the difference between a good and a great resume.

Supervision & Evaluation

Interns work closely with QB3-Berkeley faculty and staff. Practical training at the company site generally consists of direct supervision by a trained technician and/or senior PhD-level scientist. Interns are evaluated by the program staff and company supervisors.

Interns give a poster or PowerPoint presentation near the end of their internship, which is evaluated by their company supervisor. Interns must also complete QB3-Berkeley Assignment I: Summary of Internship Goals and an Intern Evaluation Report.

Responsibilities of the Company Supervisor

The company supervisor has direct responsibility for training and evaluating interns. The supervisor creates internship descriptions and training plans, and may assign mentors to oversee and train interns. The supervisor defines specific duties and assignment responsibilities, including research project and presentation goals.  Supervisors also provide an overview of the company's operations, creates professional networking opportunities, and encourages informational interviews. 

Evaluation by Company Supervisor

Each supervisor submits QB3-Berkeley presentation and intern evaluation forms to QB3-Berkeley. Supervisors also conduct exit interviews to provide feedback regarding the end-of-program presentation, discuss the interns strengths, suggest areas for growth, and may offer academic and/or career advice.

Responsibilities of the QB3-Berkeley Program Manager

The QB3-Berkeley program manager works in partnership with the company and oversees administrative details, including recruitment, application, hiring, and evaluation procedures. The manager customizes the program to fit the needs of the company and is available to assist coordination of recruitment events, end-of-program poster sessions, evaluation activities, tours, and seminars. The program manager works directly with interns and provides additional opportunities to enhance the internship experience.

The QB3-Berkeley program manager serves as a liaison between companies and UC campus communities, helping to raise company profiles through promotion at events, career fairs, symposium, publications, and on websites.

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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ANNOUNCEMENTS

• January 29, 2010- Application Form due by 5 p.m. in 574 Stanley Hall
• February 5, 2010- Letters of Recommendation due

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INTERNSHIPS

• Merck: RNA Sciences
• Merck: Lead Development
• OncoMed: Cancer Biology
• OncoMed: Process Development Analytical
• OncoMed: Process Development Cell Culture
• OncoMed: Target Validation
  
• Plexxikon: Assay Screening
• Plexxikon: Medicinal Chemistry
• Plexxikon: Molecular Biology
• Plexxikon: Protein Chemistry
• Plexxikon: Structural Biology

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RESOURCES

• Guide to successful interviewing
• Guide to a successful internship

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