Apply for the STEM for Development – RNA Institute Virtual Research Traineeship 2026, a fully online one-year bioinformatics and graduate-readiness program for students from LMICs. Deadline: 23 November 2025.
SFD–RNA Institute Virtual Research Traineeship 2026 | Fully Virtual, One-Year Research Experience for Students from Low- and Middle-Income Countries
Applications are now open for the STEM for Development (SFD) – RNA Institute Virtual Research Traineeship 2026, a year-long online research and professional development program designed to equip students from Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs) with bioinformatics research experience and graduate school preparation.
The program is organized by STEM for Development (SFD) in partnership with the RNA Institute, University at Albany (SUNY), and supported by the Talent Mobility Fund.
Application Deadline: Sunday, 23 November 2025, 11:59 PM GMT
Program Duration: January – December 2026
Commitment: 15–20 hours per week (fully remote)
Cohort Size: 8 participants
Contact Email: info@stemfordevelopment.org
Official Link: STEM for Development
About the Programme
The Virtual Research Traineeship 2026 offers one full year of sustained research engagement with faculty and postdoctoral mentors at the RNA Institute, University at Albany (SUNY).
The programme provides international students from LMICs with the opportunity to:
- Gain hands-on bioinformatics research experience,
- Build scientific communication and leadership skills,
- Receive graduate school preparation and mentorship, and
- Develop technical proficiency in R programming, data analysis, and next-generation sequencing tools.
By the end of the traineeship, each participant will have completed a research project, presented their work at a virtual conference, and submitted at least one graduate school application.
Programme Overview
Host Organization
- The RNA Institute, University at Albany, State University of New York (SUNY)
- Official Website: https://www.albany.edu/rna
Supported By
Talent Mobility Fund, an initiative advancing global STEM education access for researchers in developing countries.
Programme Structure
The program follows a three-phase virtual model that integrates research experience, mentorship, and graduate readiness.
1. Spring Semester (January – May 2026)
- Integration into assigned UAlbany research labs.
- Foundational workshops on scientific communication, academic writing, and presentation skills.
- Regular mentorship meetings with faculty and postdocs.
2. Summer Phase (June – July 2026)
- Continued research progress.
- Virtual poster and abstract presentations at RNA Institute events.
- Leadership and networking sessions.
3. Fall Semester (August – December 2026)
- Graduate school preparation: writing workshops, mock interviews, and statement reviews.
- Submission of at least one U.S. graduate program application.
- Completion of final capstone research presentation.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the Virtual Traineeship, participants will have achieved:
- Independent bioinformatics research experience, supervised by faculty at the RNA Institute.
- Technical skills in:
- R programming
- Command-line tools
- Next-generation sequencing (NGS) data analysis
- Data visualization and interpretation
- Professional development in:
- Research leadership
- Scientific communication
- Networking within the U.S. academic system
- Career readiness, including a competitive graduate application portfolio.
Graduates will receive:
- An Official Certificate of Completion, and
- A Digital Badge in Advanced Research & Graduate Readiness or Introduction to Bioinformatic Skills.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following conditions:
Academic Status
- Be currently enrolled in an undergraduate or Master’s program, OR
- Have graduated within the past 24 months.
(PhD students or PhD graduates are not eligible.)
Nationality
- Must be a citizen of a Low- or Middle-Income Country (LMIC) as defined by the OECD.
Field of Study
- Hold or be pursuing a degree in a STEM discipline, preferably with exposure to molecular biology, bioinformatics, or data-driven research.
Technical Skills
- Basic familiarity with R programming or command-line interfaces.
- Experience with biological data analysis is an advantage.
- Previous participation in an RNA Institute program or comparable coursework is encouraged.
Other Requirements
- Strong and reliable internet connection (for video conferencing).
- Proficiency in English (reading, writing, and speaking).
Programme Commitment
- Duration: 12 months (January – December 2026)
- Time Requirement: 15–20 hours per week
- Format: Fully online (virtual mentorship, workshops, and presentations)
- Mentorship: Each trainee is matched with a UAlbany faculty member and a postdoctoral mentor.
Selection Process
The selection process follows a two-stage review:
- Initial Screening (by SFD):
Applications reviewed starting 24 November 2025.
Shortlisted candidates will be invited for online interviews in late November or early December. - Final Evaluation (by RNA Institute):
Shortlisted candidates will undergo a second-round interview with faculty at the RNA Institute.
Final cohort and lab placements will be confirmed by mid-December 2025.
All applicants will be notified of their status once the selection process concludes.
Application Requirements
Applicants must submit the following materials by 11:59 PM GMT on Sunday, 23 November 2025:
- Completed Online Application Form
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Unofficial Academic Transcript
- One Reference Letter from a professional or academic supervisor
- Statement of Interest (350–400 words)
Statement of Interest Guidelines
Applicants should concisely describe:
- Why they are interested in the SFD–RNA Institute Virtual Research Traineeship.
- What steps they’ve taken to build their research or technical skills.
- How they plan to apply the knowledge gained from the program.
Responsible Use of AI in Applications
SFD encourages authenticity and originality in all application materials.
Applicants may use AI tools (e.g., ChatGPT, Grammarly) for grammar or structure assistance only.
All content must reflect the applicant’s own experiences and voice.
Submissions deemed fully AI-generated or inconsistent with the applicant’s background may be disqualified.
Key Dates
| Activity | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Deadline | 23 November 2025 (11:59 PM GMT) |
| Screening Begins | 24 November 2025 |
| Interviews | Late November – Early December 2025 |
| Final Selection | Mid-December 2025 |
| Program Start | January 2026 |
| Program End | December 2026 |
Contact Information
For inquiries or technical issues, contact:
Email: info@stemfordevelopment.org
Program Details: https://tinyurl.com/5x4n2dcc
RNA Institute: https://www.albany.edu/rna
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Why Apply?
The SFD–RNA Institute Virtual Research Traineeship is a rare opportunity for students from developing countries to:
- Collaborate with world-class researchers at a U.S. university.
- Build cutting-edge bioinformatics and data science skills.
- Receive graduate school mentorship and personalized feedback.
- Join a global network of STEM innovators and researchers advancing equitable access to science.
Meta Description
Apply for the STEM for Development – RNA Institute Virtual Research Traineeship 2026, a fully online one-year bioinformatics and graduate-readiness program for students from LMICs. Deadline: 23 November 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Who can apply for the Virtual Research Traineeship?
Students from Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs) currently pursuing or recently graduated from undergraduate or Master’s programs in STEM fields.
2. Is the program paid?
No, the traineeship is not a paid program. However, it offers extensive research training, mentorship, and graduate school preparation at no cost.
3. What is the time commitment?
Participants must dedicate 15–20 hours per week for 12 months.
4. Will I work directly with researchers in the U.S.?
Yes, trainees are matched with RNA Institute faculty and postdoctoral mentors for the duration of the program.
5. What technical skills will I gain?
Bioinformatics analysis, R programming, command-line tools, scientific writing, and graduate application preparation.
6. When will successful applicants be notified?
By mid-December 2025.
7. How do I apply?
Submit your complete application package via the official SFD portal before 23 November 2025.
Keywords
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