MSAP is a paid immersive summer experience running this summer from June 15, 2026 to July 31, 2026. The program provides talented high school and undergraduate students, particularly those from traditionally underrepresented and under-resourced groups in the sciences, the space, resources and training to conduct an independent research project.

Applications due on January 9, 2026.

Learn more and apply here.

The Monell Center is a basic research institute furthering scientific discovery on the chemical senses (taste and smell). Each summer, we offer a group of approximately twenty students the unique opportunity to work alongside our scientists in a paid apprenticeship and to learn more about careers in research – a true apprenticeship experience! Students are asked to meet the challenges of serious research responsibilities while contributing to projects at the forefront of scientific research.

Past projects that MSAP students have worked on include:

• Cloning olfactory receptors and testing how they respond to odors
• Investigating flavor preferences in infants, children and the elderly
• Developing non-lethal repellents for agricultural pests
• Studying the chemistry of air quality and how it influences people’s health perceptions
• And more! Available projects change each year.

Students will work with human subjects, animal subjects, and/or data. As you apply, you should spend some time thinking about what type of work most interests you, and indicate your specific interests in your personal essay. Your personal essay is also a place to describe any life experiences that are influencing your decision to apply to the program.

Application deadline: December 18, 2023

Learn more and apply.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Serve as lead administrator for the fundraising database (Bloomerang), which is one of two primary customer relationship management (CRM) tools used by the Monell Center institutional advancement (development, communications, and corporate partners) team. Work collaboratively with other staff to align the two databases when appropriate.
• Track and manage foundation submissions and produce a foundation outlook to be distributed Center–wide to assist grantseekers. Provide administrative support to foundation submissions including reporting on outcomes.
• Manage annual appeals including pulling queries, creating segmented mailing and distribution lists, print design, email design layout and strategy, working with outside vendors on fulfillment, recording and acknowledging donations, and processing matching gifts.
• Conduct donor prospect research, draft grant proposals, write reports, and produce regular financial reports for staff and board members.
• Assist with planning and lead the project management of fundraising events. When appropriate, coordinate efforts with Center–wide events committee.
• Work closely with Monell’s Communications Specialist to align and coordinate messaging and track outcomes.
• Design invitations, emails, other print and multi–media materials, and create and manage webpages and forms for online giving.
• Interface regularly with all members of the institutional advancement team and, in some cases, other scientists and staff to further the overall goals of the Center.

Full job description and application information.

Students will have until Monday, December 16, 2019 to submit an application.  Please encourage your students to take a look at our program and apply.  We look forward to another year of reviewing an exceptional pool of applicants!

We welcome high school and undergraduate students from the greater Philadelphia area who are curious about biomedical science to participate in the internship program. The program is committed to promoting diversity in the sciences. We strongly encourage students from groups under-represented in the science professions – including females, racial and ethnic minorities, and the economically disadvantaged – to apply. Our goal is to stimulate interest in biomedical science as a career among these groups.

For more information, click here.