The Oregon National Primate Research Center is a publicly funded research center supported by the National Institutes of Health. Its goal is to perform basic and translational research in non-human primates to help improve human health. Some of the areas of focus are development of new vaccines, the study of aging and diet, reproductive health, genetic disorders and neuroscience.
The Primate Genetics Core uses state-of-the-art technology to perform comprehensive genetic characterization of non-human primates for the study of human disease. Specific focus is placed on the identification and characterization of novel models of rare genetic diseases for the purposes of translational research. Extensive genomic sequencing of non-human primates has provided the foundation for databases characterizing the observed genetic variation within research colony populations. We aim to leverage these resources to identify novel associations between specific genomic variants and disease phenotypes. Pedigree screening is used to further validate and investigate the prevalence of specific findings.
The intern will explore a database of genomic data and learn bioinformatic approaches to identify candidate variants for specifically observed phenotypes. Standard molecular biology techniques will be used to validate sequences and screen pedigrees to further investigate specific findings.
The intern will have the opportunity to select a few phenotypes that they find interesting, explore the database of observed genetic variants to identify potential causal variants, and screen affected and normal individuals to investigate these variants. They will learn about specific disease phenotypes and human genes associated with similar diseases. This is a part-time internship, with the expectation that the intern will work at least 200 hours over the course of the summer.
The mentor believes that learning is an active process that involves hands-on experience, fundamental understanding of concepts, and extensive communication. The intern should be self-motivated, but willing to work in a collaborative environment. Presentation of findings and documentation of work is a vital aspect of research.
For more information about the lab's research, visit https://www.ohsu.edu/onprc/primate-genetics-core and https://mgap.ohsu.edu/.
Students must be minimum age specified by June 16. These age requirements are strictly enforced by the mentoring organization, and there are no exceptions. Applicants should be aware that on-site parking may be limited and/or unavailable throughout the summer; interns may be required to rely on public transit or alternative transportation.
We strongly encourage students to apply who are from one or more systemically and historically excluded group, including but not limited to, non-cis-gendered students, girls, BIPOC, first-generation college bound students, low-income/low-resourced students, students with disabilities, who are neurodivergent, and those who speak a primary language other than English.
This internship will be taking place in-person, as permitted by Federal/State/Local/OHSU/ONPRC guidelines. To reduce the risks of coronavirus exposure, mentors and interns will act in accordance with applicable COVID guidelines and procedures. Selected applicants will be required to review and sign a waiver agreement.
Please note: OHSU policy states that applicants must have received current and up-to-date vaccines for both Flu and COVID-19 (given after September 12, 2023) and have them recorded in Enterprise Health, or they must submit a declination form for the Flu or COVID vaccines in Enterprise Health. Applicants receive access to Enterprise Health during their onboarding. Applicants who decline to receive Covid-Flu vaccines must adhere to OHSU guidelines for the prevention of infectious disease.
If you have any questions about the application, website technical issues and/or this position description, please contact Saturday Academy at ase@saturdayacademy.org. Do not contact the mentor directly. Contacting the mentor directly is grounds for disqualification of your ASE application