Undergraduate Research

Application Period: CLOSED

Program Period: June – August, 2024

Explore the Frontiers of Protein Design

Located in Seattle, this paid research program offers a unique opportunity for students from around the world to delve into the world of computational and experimental protein design, working alongside some of the brightest minds in the field.

About Us

The Institute for Protein Design at the University of Washington is a world-leading research center focused on creating new proteins that solve modern challenges across medicine, technology, and sustainability. Here, interdisciplinary expertise converges – from computer science and biochemistry to clinical medicine and entrepreneurship. Current projects include the development of novel therapeutics for cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, and more, as well as new vaccines, nanomaterials, and enzymes. Explore our blog to learn the latest.

Undergraduate Summer Research Program

We look forward to supporting several undergraduates in our 2024 Summer Research Program. Students from underrepresented communities are highly encouraged to apply. All participants will conduct research in an IPD Member Lab in Seattle.

Funding and Duration Timing

Selected undergraduates will receive a stipend of $3,100 per month for nine weeks of full-time research (40 hours per week), aligning with the UW summer term from June through August. Funds will be disbursed in equal installments over the internship period.

Expectations and Opportunities

Participants will:

• Collaborate with their assigned program mentor and others at the IPD to perform significant research projects.
• Enroll in GEN ST 391, a 2-credit course supported by the Office of Undergraduate Research.
• Attend weekly seminars enhancing their research experience.
• Share their research findings both as a poster at the UW Undergraduate Research Symposium and as a talk to the IPD.

Qualifications

We welcome applications from full-time undergraduate students, whether enrolled at the University of Washington or elsewhere. As our program is particularly suited for those completing their Sophomore or Junior year, we will prioritize applicants with an expected graduation date in 2025 or 2026. All applicants should demonstrate an interest in basic or applied research in protein design and must be at least 18 years old at the start of the program.

Application Process

To apply, please submit:

• A letter of interest (500 words max).
• A short video (max 3 minutes) describing a DNA-binding protein.
• You resume and unofficial transcripts
• One letter of recommendation from a mentor (professor, postdoc, or graduate student) familiar with your academic or research background.

Video Instructions: Provide a link to your video describing a DNA-binding protein you find interesting. We suggest that you upload the video to YouTube and then follow the information on this webpage to upload your link: https://product-help.interfolio.com/m/27438/l/646838). Please ensure that your video is public for us to be able to review it. You may use a slide presentation. Please note that any material over 3 minutes will not be reviewed.

The person who recommends you should be familiar with your coursework and/or prior research experience. We encourage you to discuss your request for a letter of recommendation as early as possible. Letters of recommendation must be submitted by your recommender before the application deadline.

Applications are only accepted through Interfolio.

Important Dates and Deadlines

• Application Opens: Dec 1, 2023
• Application Deadline: Jan 31, 2024
• Program Notifications: Feb 9, 2024
• Decision Deadline: Feb 15, 2024
• VISIT Application for International Candidates: Feb 20, 2024*
• Program Dates: Jun 17 – Aug 16, 2024

*Visa interview wait times vary.  Even with advanced preparation, a timely visa appointment may be unavailable.

Please direct questions about this opportunity to ipdoffice@uw.edu.

International Students

International students are welcome to apply. If selected to participate in the program, you will need to provide proof of English proficiency. Do not complete this step until notified of selection for participation in the program. To satisfy this requirement you can submit a TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo English Test (DET) score that meets the UW’s minimum English proficiency requirement.

FAQ

Q: Can I apply if I am not finishing my Sophomore or Junior year?

Yes, but we will be prioritizing applicants that are 1-2 years out from graduation.

Q: Can this be part-time?

No, this internship is meant to be an intensive research experience and requires approximately 40 hours per week of commitment for the entirety of the program.

Q: My reference letter has not been submitted by the deadline, can I still apply?

No, it is your responsibility to ensure your references are submitted by the deadline.

Q: Can you check if my reference was submitted?

No, you will need to log into your application and check.

Q: I am a community college student, am I eligible?

Yes, as long as you meet all the program requirements.

Undergraduate Research Program (JUPITER)

Application Period: CLOSED

When: Fall, Winter, and Spring Quarters

Applications are due at 5:00 PM PST on Sunday, August 27, 2023.

JUPITER is a cohort-based research training program that introduces University of Washington undergraduates to cutting-edge computational biology research.

At the Institute for Protein Design, we are creating new proteins to address challenges in medicine, energy, and technology. JUPITER trainees will work together to design proteins that bind to specific DNA sequences using a strategy developed by our scientists. These DNA-binding proteins may one day serve as transcription factors in synthetic gene circuits or tools for gene editing.

• Trainees are expected to dedicate 10 hours per week for the duration of the program.
• JUPITER is not a formal for-credit course, but participation in the program can be used as credit for BIOC499. Visit the application page for more details.
• After completing the program, some students may continue at an advanced level, helping to mentor new incoming students.

Fall Quarter: Trainees will learn the latest concepts and techniques in protein design.

• Become proficient in bash and python programming
• Use industry-standard tools, including Foldit and RosettaScripts
• Learn data analysis and visualization, including pandas, matplotlib, and pymol

Winter and Spring Quarters: Trainees will create new DNA-binding proteins with mentorship in a group setting by a team of graduate students and postdoctoral scholars from the Institute for Protein Design.

Eligibility 

To be eligible for the JUPITER program, you must be enrolled as a UW undergraduate and based on the Seattle campus for the duration of the program.

Application Instructions

Applications are collected through Interfolio. We do not accept applications through other platforms. Follow this link to apply: https://apply.interfolio.com/128370

To apply, submit the following:

• Resume
• Unofficial transcript
• A video describing a DNA-binding protein (max 3 minutes)

Video Instructions: Provide a link to your video describing a DNA-binding protein you find interesting. We suggest that you upload the video to YouTube and then follow the information on this webpage to upload your link: https://product-help.interfolio.com/m/27438/l/646838). You may use a slide presentation. Please note that any material over 3 minutes will not be reviewed.

Compensation, Volunteer, or 499 Credit

Accepted candidates must either (i) register for BIOC 499 under Dr. Neil King as C/NC (Credit/No Credit) for two credits, (ii) receive a need-based stipend (as determined by UW’s Financial Aid Office; see below), or (iii) sign up as volunteers.

There are a limited number of need-based stipend awards available. Applicants will be able to indicate on their application if they wish to be considered to receive one of the available stipends.

Questions? Email ipdoffice@uw.edu