Novonesis-IUBMB Internship

Novonesis Graduate Trainee Program Africa

Premise

Despite significant development of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology in African countries in the past decade, Africa still lags behind other continents in research and education mainly due to underinvestment in Africa talent. Therefore, strengthening and fostering cooperation of African molecular life scientists with colleagues across the world is of the utmost importance for the further growth of scientific activities in the region. Thus, enhancing collaboration and providing internship opportunities with Novonesis would significantly benefit the progress of scientific and training activities in the field of molecular life sciences in Africa.

Objectives

The goal of this program is to support research opportunities in Novonesis Labs to new graduates from universities in Africa. In so doing, this program supports the broader objective of providing a unique training opportunity to the most talented African college graduates so that they can build their careers in the biomolecular sciences in Africa. This program recognizes the commitment of the IUBMB and Novonesis to providing career-defining opportunities to the untapped potential in Africa. Specifically, the Novonesis–IUBMB Africa Talent Pipeline Program seeks to provide at least one year-long internship to an exceptionally talented college graduate from a university in Africa. The program will be a mixture of stints across various business and application lab teams to ensure an all-around development of the interns, both technically and commercially.

Candidacy

An undergraduate degree in biomolecular sciences prior to the assumption of the internship. Biomolecular sciences may include, among other fields, biochemistry, molecular biology, biotechnology, animal sciences, food science, or agricultural science.
A minimum of intermediate fluency in English.
A valid passport from one of the following countries with eligibility to procure a visa for multiple countries.
- Kenya (Internship in plant health)
- South Africa (Internship in bioenergy)
- South Africa (Internship in food & beverage biosolutions – baking)

Nomination Materials

The following documents should be provided in English:

An intake form with basic information, including but not limited to, the name of the candidate, contact information for the candidate, the names of at least two but no more than three referees submitting letters on their behalf, and the preferred industrial focus for the internship.
A curriculum vitae no more than two pages in length, single-spaced with one-inch (25mm) margins, and in 11-point Arial (or similar) font. The CV shall include but not be limited to relevant research experiences, awards and honours, previous internships, publications, and English proficiency scores.
An institutional transcript – official or unofficial – that is current to the date of submission of the application.
At least two but no more than three letters of recommendation that comment on the suitability of the candidate for an internship with Novonesis. Individual letters of recommendation shall not exceed two pages and shall be submitted on official institutional letterhead.
A personal statement describing past research experience, career goals, and why the candidate would benefit from a one-year internship with Novonesis. The personal statement shall not exceed 1000 words.

Nominations must be submitted to the Chair of the IUBMB Fellowship and Training Committee by completing the nomination form and will be reviewed by the members of the Novonesis-IUBMB African Talent Pipeline Program Internship Evaluation Committee.

Application Deadline

Stay tuned for the Open Call announcement.

Assistance

Funds for the awardee to travel from their home country to and from the Novonesis labs
One year of salary support for the awardee. The salary will be a fixed monthly stipend that reflects the local salary in the location of the internship stints, as deemed reasonable for an internship in that location
Support for securing travel arrangements and accommodations in the host countries
Documentation for – and aiding in securing – a VISA for travel to the host countries
Travel costs will provide for economy airfares, incidental expenses directly related to the travel, local bus fares to and from the airport, and visa costs.

Report

No later than three months after the completion of the internship, a brief report must be submitted to the Chair of the IUBMB Fellowship and Training Committee. The report must include a summary of the work undertaken during the award, a reflection on the ways in which the award helped advance or refine the career goals of the awardee, and receipts justifying the expenditures of the award. This award should be acknowledged in any publications, thesis reports, etc.