Young Scientist Program
The BMSIS Young Scientist Program (YSP) provides opportunities for students and eligible early career scientists to participate in basic research, learn about effective science communication, and develop critical thinking skills in ethics, policy, and more. Successful applicants join BMSIS as Research Associates (RAs) for the duration of the program.
Eligibility: The BMSIS Young Scientist Program focuses on undergraduate students and those who have completed undergraduate studies but have not yet enrolled in graduate school. This program is offered primarily as a part-time remote, online program (though some projects do offer on-site training, pending on the location of the applicant). Our program is therefore open to non-US applicants. Research Associates with the BMSIS YSP work with one or more of our BMSIS research scientists on a variety of projects in Earth and space science, engineering, and science communication. While some of the projects do have funding, many of the projects are unpaid (see the list here). Unpaid YSP projects will last nominally a maximum of three months (June 1st to August 31st), while funded positions may last longer.
The BMSIS YSP training philosophy has been adopted by NASA Ames Research Center Space Biosciences Division where BMSIS manages the “NASA/BMSIS Young Scientist Program in Space Biosciences.” This collaboration develops the next generation of space biology professionals, and focuses on (but is not exclusive to) post-bachelors and pre-doctoral students. BMSIS is not actively recruiting students for this program. Participants in this program are physically located in Mountain View, California, USA, and are already working in a NASA Ames lab. NASA/BMSIS YSP doctoral students may remain Research Associates up to their doctoral defense date.
For questions concerning eligibility, program schedules, successfully applying to our program, and more, please read the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document. Due to high volumes of inquiries, we are no longer able to answer individual queries about the YSP. Once you have read the entire FAQ document, if you still have a question, then there is a section at the end of the FAQ for submitting questions specifically related to the YSP.
Further Resources and Recommended Reading
National Academies – On being a Scientist: a guide to responsible conduct in research
Matt Abrahams – Speaking up without Freaking out
Randy Olson – Don’t be such a scientist
Peter Feibelman – A PhD is not enough
Adam Grant – Originals: how non-conformists move the world
Susan Cain – Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking
Claude Steele – Whistling Vivaldi: How Stereotypes Affect Us and What We Can Do (Issues of Our Time)
Michael Walker – Why We Sleep: Unlocking the Power of Sleep and Dreams
Cal Newport – Deep Work: Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World
Josh Bernoff – Writing Without Bullshit: Boost Your Career by Saying What You Mean