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: ResearchABOUT THE INTERNSHIPInterested in microbiology, molecular biology, and the science behind how bacteria help plants thrive? Join the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) for a hands‑on summer internship within our Biotechnology division. This internship offers practical laboratory experience while supporting real-world research on plant‑associated bacteria and their genetic mechanisms that influence plant growth and health.
WHAT YOU’LL DO• Participate in molecular biology and microbiology experiments
• Analyze genomic sequence data, including assembly and annotation
• Perform laboratory assays and support routine lab activities
• Assist with data collection, organization, and documentation
• Support ongoing research projects with IALR scientists
WHAT YOU’LL LEARN• Hands-on experience in biotechnology, microbiology, and molecular biology
• Exposure to real applied research focused on plant‑microbe interactions
• Professional laboratory skills, including data analysis and research operations
• Experience working within an active research environment alongside scientists
PROGRAM DETAILS• Duration: 8 weeks
• Schedule: Approximately 28 hours per week, up to a maximum of 224 hours
•
Compensation: $15 per hour / $3,360 total stipend
• Location: In-person at IALR (Danville, VA)
OTHER DETAILSIALR reserves the right to modify and/or cancel the internship program. Modifications may include a shortened timeframe with a pro‑rated adjustment to compensation, alternate assignments, or adjustments to work-site location. Internships are primarily in-person. The IALR Internship Program does not provide local housing or a housing allowance.
QualificationsELIGIBILITY 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
•Intern Orientation (required for all interns): June 1, 2026 OR June 8, 2026
•Mandatory Internship Luncheon and Final Presentations: July 24, 2026
TIME COMMITMENT REQUIREMENTS
•Interns must complete a total of 224 hours by August 10, 2026
•The internship is designed as an 8-week program served in consecutive weeks
•Interns are permitted ONE unpaid week off during the program
•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:
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
