Job Description

Job Location: The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research - Danville, VA 24540
Position Type: InternshipEducation
Level: Not Specified
Travel Percentage: None
Job Shift: Day
Job Category: Research
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AGTECH RESEARCH INTERNSHIP
ABOUT THE INTERNSHIP
Interested in cutting-edge technology that helps sustainably feed a growing population? Join the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) and Virginia Tech for a summer research internship at the Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) Innovation Center. This internship offers hands-on experience with next-generation indoor agriculture technologies while supporting applied research initiatives.
WHAT YOU’LL DO
• Participate in next-generation indoor agriculture experiments using vertical racks and hydroponic systems
• Collect, organize, and analyze research data
• Assist with maintaining and monitoring controlled environment systems
• Support experimental design and research activities
WHAT YOU’LL LEARN
• Hands-on experience in controlled environment agriculture
• Exposure to applied research and innovation in AgTech
• Professional skills in data analysis, teamwork, and research operations
PROGRAM DETAILS
• Duration: 8 weeks
• Schedule: Approximately 28 hours per week with a maximum of 224 hours
•

Compensation: $15 per hour / $3,360 total stipend
• Location: In-person at IALR
OTHER DETAILS
IALR reserves the right to modify and/or cancel the internship program. Modifications could include a shortened timeframe with a pro-rated adjustment to the paid compensation, alternate assignments, and/or adjustments to work-site location. Internships are primarily in-person. The IALR Internship Program does not provide local housing or a housing allowance
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
•To be considered for the 2026 IALR Internship Program, applicants must meet ONE of the following criteria:
•Be a high school graduate (may be graduating Spring 2026) with plans to attend college in Fall 2026
•Be a current undergraduate or graduate student
•Be a recent college graduate (within the past 12 months)
INTERNSHIP TIMELINE
•Application Deadline: March 20, 2026 at 4:00 PM (EST)
•Candidate Interviews (Microsoft Teams): April 16–17, 2026
•Intern Selection Notifications: April 30, 2026
Please note: IALR internships are highly competitive, and not all applicants will be invited to interview.
MANDATORY PROGRAM DATES
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•Intern Orientation (required for all interns): June 1, 2026 OR June 8, 2026
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•Mandatory Internship Luncheon and Final Presentations: July 24, 2026
TIME COMMITMENT REQUIREMENTS
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•Interns must complete a total of 224 hours by August 10, 2026
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•The internship is designed as an 8-week program served in consecutive weeks
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•Interns are permitted ONE unpaid week off during the program
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•Except for this one week, interns are expected to work continuously
LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION
All applicants must submit ONE letter of recommendation as part of the application process. The letter will be reviewed in addition to application responses. The letter must be received by March 20, 2026.
SUBMISSION OPTIONS
Letters of recommendation can be provided by email or address.  The details are below:
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Email:
hr@ialr.org
Mail:
ATTN: HR – Internship
Institute for Advanced Learning and Research
150 Slayton Avenue
Danville, VA 24540
LETTER REQUIREMENTS
The letter must include:
• The reference’s relationship to the applicant
• Length of time the reference has known the applicant
• Comments on the applicant’s knowledge, skills, and abilities relevant to the internship
• Any concerns that may prevent successful completion of the internship
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