Vitalant Research Institute (VRI) in Denver (an affiliate of the University of Colorado-Denver) has an opening for a full-time 8-week paid summer internship position beginning June 19 through August 11, 2023. A selected student is eligible for a $4,000 stipend for the successful completion of the 8-week program. Students will participate in seminars, presentations, and institutional events.

• Candidates are required to be enrolled in an educational institution (must be matriculated in semester before or after summer 2023, work in a team environment, set priorities, and devote full time to this training experience. 
• Candidates must also have effective oral and written communication skills and be self-motivated with good organizational skills.

The Summer Internship Program at VRI provides undergraduate and master’s students the opportunity to participate in research in the areas of transfusion medicine and cellular therapy through pairing with an investigator/mentor in the following research area:

The Thomas Lab is seeking a summer intern interested in studying the immune response to platelet transfusion. Platelets interact with almost every classical immune cell (T cells, monocytes, macrophages, neutrophils, NK cells, dendritic cells, and B cells); as such, you will become well-versed in conceptualizing, designing, and executing experiments to assess how platelets alter human immune cell function. During the internship, you will gain experience in many laboratory techniques set in bio-safety level II (BSL-2) conditions including, but not limited to, use of biosafety cabinet, primary human cell culture, flow cytometry, cellular assays, multiplex analyte detection, and fluorescent microscopy. Your training will also include data analysis, visualization, documentation using an electronic notebook, and weekly participation in lab meetings. You will also gain experience presenting your research in both small and large group settings. 

2023 Application and Deadline-April 14, 2023

Applications can be found on the Careers page of our Vitalant Research Institute website. 

Please download the application and submit it with a resume or CV, letter of interest, and a copy of your college transcript (optional*).

*If you choose to send your transcripts, unofficial copies of transcripts are acceptable.