Research Fellows Program (RFP)

This program is no longer active and is archived here as an example of past BSP offerings.

Description


The Research Fellows Program (RFP) is for current BSP students who have moderate levels of research experience (or more), who are interested in deepening their research experience in biology, or in a biology-related STEM-based research group. RFP applicants must already have a position in an on- or off-campus research group. You may be continuing a position or beginning a new position for the fall semester.

In either case, RFP applicants are not early or first-time undergraduate researchers, rather, they are individuals who are “continuing” their research experience. The RFP provides research stipends to its fellows whose financial need would make such work difficult on an unpaid basis
In addition to providing a research-stipend, the RFP facilitates community and fosters a personal and professional network among RFP peers through a variety of co-curricular activities.

We are planning a HYBRID program with some in-person and virtual components. Given the changing landscape of the COVID-19 pandemic, we will follow all university and local public health guidelines and will adjust program activities accordingly.

RFP participants have the opportunity to:

  • Engage in a paid year-long (academic-year + summer) research experience (pending PI and BSP review and approval at the end of each semester)
  • Continue receiving a mentored research experience
  • Attend a series of co-curricular research and professional development workshops and seminars
  • Expand one’s personal and professional community network among peer undergraduate researchers
  • Present at the BSP Undergraduate Research Symposium (August 5, 2022)

The RFP is intended to support undergraduates who demonstrate a passion to continue conducting research. Top candidates are interested in sharing what they have learned about working in a research environment with fellow peers, are willing to deepen their understanding of how to effectively use the scientific method to investigate real-world research-related questions, and are curious to learn more about research careers.

Funding

Through generous funding from the Hellman Foundation, the BSP will support RFP participants with a research stipend in the Fall 2021 (10 hrs/wk), Spring 2022 (10 hrs/wk), and Summer 2022 (30-40 hrs/wk) semesters, pending PI and BSP review and approval at the end of each semester, to conduct research.

Students who are selected to participate in the program will be required to meet with a financial aid advisor to understand how, if at all, this funding may impact your financial aid package.

Stipend

Fall 2021 @10 hrs/wk

Spring 2022 @10 hrs/wk

Summer 2022 @30–40 hrs/wk

Total/Yr
RFP Stipend $2,500 $2,500 $5,000 $10,000
Travel + Supplies Stipend $1,000
Total $11,000

RFP Program Dates

The RFP is a one-year research program, and will span across Fall 2021-Summer 2022. Students are expected to work 10 hrs/week during the academic year, and full-time (30-40 hrs/week) during summer months. The RFP dates are as follows, excluding academic holidays* (subject to change):

  • Fall 2021: September 7, 2021 – December 3, 2021 (10 hours/wk)
  • Spring 2022: January 18, 2022 – April 29, 2022 (10 hours/wk); excluding Spring Recess (March 21–25)
  • Summer 2022: May 31, 2022 - August 12, 2022 (at least 30 hours/wk)


*These dates are required by the RFP program but your research supervisor may request you work on dates not covered here (e.g. Spring Recess). Those dates should be negotiated between student and supervisor.

Student Eligibility

  1. Currently enrolled BSP student (with graduation date Spring 2022 or later).
  2. Overall GPA of at least 2.7.
  3. You must not be receiving any other funding or payment for this research, unless the hours you are working as part of RFP are over and above the hours you will get paid to conduct this same research (will be verified).
  4. Ability to commit to a year-long program (Fall 2021, Spring 2022, and Summer 2022).
  5. Ability to work 10 hrs/wk in Fall 2021 and Spring 2022, and at least 30 hrs/wk in Summer 2022.
  6. Must not take Summer 2022 classes while participating in RFP. Participants are expected to commit full-time to the undergraduate research program in Summer 2022.
  7. AB 540 students are eligible to apply; please contact Dr. Emily King before applying.

IMPORTANT: RFP is a one-year long program, encompassing the academic-year and the summer (Fall 2021, Spring 2022, and Summer 2022). However, good standing in the RFP program and continuous stipend award is dependent upon PI and BSP review and approval at the end of each semester.

What We Are Looking For

  • Students for whom financial support would significantly enhance their ability to participate in research.
  • Individuals who possess a commitment and willingness to share their research experience with the BSP community and others.
  • Those who clearly demonstrate why research is important to their overall development.
  • Researchers who convey their passion for discovery in their selected area of interest.

Eligible Laboratories

Students can work with any UC faculty member in the biological sciences or related STEM area (e.g., must have a biological component), or, with a PI/Research Advisor at other site locations, such as a laboratory at Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, the Children's Hospital Oakland Research Institute, and others. Your research can be “wet-lab” and/or “dry-lab” research, including remote research. However, you must be working on an independent project, not purely assisting another researcher.

If you are not sure if your lab is eligible, please contact Dr. Emily King at emily_king@berkeley.edu.

Selection Process

Whether you are an undergraduate researcher who is established in a research group, or an undergraduate researcher who will begin a position in a research group, individuals who apply to the RFP are further along in their research journey, and have a moderate to greater level of undergraduate research experience.

  1. Students Apply to BSP’s RFP.
  2. Applications reviewed by the program committee.
  3. RFP committee will set up interviews with selected candidates.
  4. Decision notifications will be distributed.
  5. RFP student orientation meeting.

Application components

  • Resume (1 page maximum)
  • Unofficial Transcripts
  • List of planned or potential Fall 2021, Spring 2021, and Summer 2022 activities, if any (e.g., employment, internship, volunteer, program, etc)
  • One letter of recommendation from your current PI/Research Supervisor (1-2 pages maximum). See below for further instructions.
  • Research Description (500 words max)
  • Statement of Purpose (500 words max)
  • Statement of Financial Need (400 words max)

Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Letters of Recommendation

Letters of Recommendation are due by the application deadline (no exceptions).

All RFP Applicants:

One, 1–2-page letter of recommendation is required to apply to BSP’s Research Fellows Program. Letters MUST come from your current or near future PI/Research Supervisor (e.g., a letter written by your direct mentor (graduate student, postdoctoral researcher, research assistant, lab manager) that is co-signed by your lab's PI.

For Applicants Continuing in a Lab (e.g., applicant is currently established in a lab)

The letter should address your history and good standing in the research laboratory, project progress, and how you would benefit from participating in BSP’s RFP. Other items of interest include remarks about your research-related growth since starting in the lab, your capacity and motivation to conduct research, and your interest in a research related career or educational path. Letters should be addressed to: Research Fellows Program Selection Committee.

For Applicants Who Have Recently Secured/Are in Negotiations to Secure a Lab Position

Recommenders’ letters should address how they know you, confirm the offer to host a mentored research project experience with you, address why you are a good fit for the lab and the designated project. Additional information may include your capacity and motivation to conduct research, and your interest in a research-related career or educational path. Letters should be addressed to: Research Fellows Program Selection Committee.

Suggestions for Requesting Letters of Recommendation

Contact your recommenders well in advance and ask them if they will write you a letter. Tell them about the program and why you are applying. Include information about the submission deadline, who to address the letter to, how/where to submit the letters, what the letter should address, program contact information for questions, and include this website for their reference. You may also want to email a copy of your resume and statement of purpose to give recommenders an idea of what you plan to submit as part of your application.

How to Submit Letters of Recommendation

Recommenders can email letters directly from the letter writer's email to emily_king@berkeley.edu. The email subject line should read: Student First Name, Student Last Name_ RFP LOR (e.g., Jane Doe_RFP LOR).

Expectations if Selected

Please read carefully before applying. This will be a HYBRID program with some in-person and virtual components.

If selected, RFP participants will be expected to:

  • Attend designated workshops/seminars throughout the semester (virtual and in-person).
  • Meet with the BSP Research Coordinator monthly.
  • Complete program evaluations.
  • Present at the BSP Undergraduate Summer Research Symposium on August 5, 2022.
  • Work 10 hrs/wk during the academic year, and 30 - 40 hrs/wk in the summer.
  • Actively engage in scientific discovery, ask questions, and embrace your research and curiosity!

Questions?

Check out the FAQs page for RFP.

For further information, contact Dr. Emily King, BSP Research Coordinator at emily_king@berkeley.edu.