Call for Applications: RNA Institute Virtual Bioinformatics Research Program – Summer 2026

Program Overview

STEM for Development, in partnership with the RNA Institute at the University at Albany, State University of New York (SUNY Albany), invites applications for the RNA Institute Virtual Bioinformatics Research Program – Summer 2026. This competitive, fully remote research training opportunity is designed exclusively for international students from Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs) who are pursuing undergraduate or graduate studies in the life sciences and are interested in bioinformatics, computational biology, and biomedical research.

The program aims to expand global access to high-quality research training by equipping participants with foundational and applied skills in RNA sequencing data analysis, computational research, and scientific interpretation.

Key Dates and Contact Information

• Application Deadline: 11:59 PM GMT, Sunday, 15 February 2026
• Program Duration: 15 June – 1 August 2026 (7 weeks)
• Time Commitment: 15–20 hours per week

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet all of the following requirements:

• Be a current undergraduate or graduate student at the time of application
• Be a national of a Low- or Middle-Income Country (LMIC) as defined by the OECD
• Not be a United States citizen or holder of a US F1/J1 visa studying in the United States
• Be majoring in a life sciences–related field
• Demonstrate fluency in English
• Have reliable access to a computer and high-speed internet capable of supporting virtual learning
• Apply exclusively through STEM for Development

No prior experience in bioinformatics is required, making the program accessible to motivated students at an early stage of their computational research journey.

Program Structure

The program is structured into two integrated components:

• Foundational Training
  • Daily live virtual lectures introducing RNA sequencing and bioinformatics concepts
  • Hands-on training in R programming, command-line tools, and next-generation sequencing analysis
  • Instruction delivered by experts affiliated with the RNA Institute
• Independent Research Project
  • Faculty-mentored computational research project aligned with RNA Institute research themes
  • Support from SUNY Albany student group leaders
  • Application of learned skills to real-world biological datasets

Participants will be trained virtually on UAlbany’s High Performance Computing platform and will engage in lectures, seminars, and small group sessions throughout the program.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the program, participants will have gained:

• Proficiency in R coding, command-line environments, and bioinformatics workflows
• Experience analyzing and interpreting RNA sequencing data
• Skills in data visualization and scientific communication
• Exposure to graduate-level research expectations in bioinformatics and medicine

Successful participants will receive:

• An Official Certificate of Completion
• A digital Introduction to Bioinformatics Skills badge

Final research projects will be presented virtually on 31 July 2026.

Number of Available Positions

• Ten (10) undergraduate or graduate students will be selected for the 2026 cohort
• All participants will engage entirely remotely

Selection Process

• Initial application review begins on 16 February 2026
• STEM for Development may conduct preliminary interviews during a six-week review period
• The RNA Institute may conduct additional interviews to finalize selections
• All applicants will be notified once the final cohort is confirmed

Admission is highly competitive, and applicants are encouraged to submit thoughtful and well-prepared materials demonstrating motivation, curiosity, and long-term interest in research.

Required Application Materials

A complete application must be submitted by the deadline and includes:

• Completed online application form
• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Unofficial academic transcript(s)
• One professional reference letter from a former instructor or supervisor
• Statement of Interest (350–400 words) addressing:
  • Motivation for applying to this bioinformatics-focused program
  • Prior academic, research, or self-directed skill development
  • Intended application of program skills during and after participation

Incomplete or late submissions will not be considered.

Statement on the Responsible Use of AI

STEM for Development permits the responsible use of generative AI tools for grammar support, structure, or brainstorming. However:

• All submitted materials must reflect the applicant’s own experiences, ideas, and voice
• Submissions that appear fully AI-generated or misaligned with the applicant’s background may be disqualified
• Authenticity, originality, and integrity are central to the evaluation process

Data Use and Privacy

Applicant data will be used solely for application evaluation, program coordination, and aggregate reporting. Personal information will not be sold or publicly shared. Applicants may opt in to receive future opportunities from the RNA Institute.

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Disclaimer: Remote Job Opportunities (RJO) is not the hiring organization. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications to RJO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.