Applications are now open for the SFD-RNA Institute Virtual Research Traineeship 2026 for international students from Low and Middle-Income Countries

Ednah Carrick October 29, 2025

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Closing Date: 23 November 2025

Applications are now open for the SFD-RNA Institute Virtual Research Traineeship 2026 for international students from Low and Middle-Income Countries

STEM for Development is pleased to announce its Virtual Research Traineeship 2026, a joint initiative between STEM for Development and the The RNA Institute, University at Albany, supported by the Talent Mobility Fund.

This fully virtual, year-long research training program will select eight exceptional students from Low- and Middle-Income countries for mentored, independent bioinformatics research and graduate-school preparation. Participants will work closely with RNA Institute faculty while developing advanced technical and professional skills for success in international research environments.

Program Focus

Participants will conduct mentored, independent research under The RNA Institute, University at Albany faculty with professional guidance from STEM for Development, developing skills in data analysis, R coding, and scientific communication. The program also includes workshops on academic writing, presentation, and graduate-school readiness.

This program provides international students from Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMIC; as defined by OECD) with one year of sustained virtual bioinformatics research experience, professional development, and graduate-school preparation.

The program is a partnership between STEM for Development (SFD) and the RNA Institute, University at Albany (SUNY). Supported by a grant from the Talent Mobility Fund.

Essential Background Information

a) Host Organization

RNA Institute (https://www.albany.edu/rna) at the University at Albany, SUNY
Program Details: https://tinyurl.com/5x4n2dcc

b) Number of Students

A cohort of eight current undergraduate, Master’s degree, or recently graduated (see below) students, participating entirely remotely.

c) Program Dates and Time Commitment

Duration: January 2026 – December 2026 (one full year)
Time Commitment: 15-20 hours per week; Participants are expected to actively engage in all program components, including virtual workshops, mentorship meetings, and independent research tasks throughout the year.

d) Program Structure

The program follows a phased, fully virtual co-mentorship framework designed to prepare STEM students for U.S. graduate research pathways:

Spring (Jan–May): Integration into assigned research labs and initial research work, foundational skills workshops on scientific communication, academic writing, and research presentation.
Summer (Jun–Jul): Continued virtual research and leadership workshops. Students will prepare an abstract or poster and present their work virtually at an RNA Institute event.
Fall (Aug–Dec): Graduate school preparation and application support, including writing workshops, statement editing, mock interviews, and targeted guidance on selecting and applying to U.S. programs.

e) Learning Outcomes

Participants will gain:

Independent research experience under the supervision of the RNA Institute and faculty.
Skills in scientific communication, research presentation, professional networking, leadership in research, and development of competitive graduate school applications.
Enhanced proficiency in R coding, command line usage, and next-generation sequencing data analysis.
Competence in data interpretation and visualization in a research setting.

Eligibility Requirements

General requirements include:

Be current undergraduate or Master’s student OR have graduated from such a program in the last 24 months. (PhD students or graduates are ineligible).
Be a national of a country classified as an LMIC by the OECD .
Have a strong and reliable internet connection capable of supporting video calls.
Be fluent in English.
Hold or be pursuing a degree in a STEM field. (Preference may be given to students with prior coursework or demonstrated interest in molecular biology, bioinformatics, or data-driven research.)

In addition, applicants must have the following experience with bioinformatics tools:

Basic R programming, command-line usage, or biological data analysis. Applicants with prior participation in the RNA Institute Bioinformatics Research Program or comparable coursework are especially encouraged to apply.

Additional Details

This program provides a structured, year-long virtual experience to build research skills and prepare for graduate school applications.
Participants will be matched with one of four faculty labs at the UAlbany RNA Institute. A UAlbany postdoctoral mentor will serve as cohort coordinator.
A key deliverable for every student is the submission of at least one graduate school application by the end of the program.
Participants will receive an Official Certificate of Completion and a Digital Badge in Advanced Research and Graduate Readiness and/or Introduction to Bioinformatic Skills upon successful completion.
After being selected to the program, students will receive a welcome email with information, including some pre-course work and administrative paperwork, by the end of December. The pre-course work develops basic programming skills, and these short online courses should be completed prior to their lab start date (~January 20th).

Selection Process

SFD will begin screening applications on November 24, 2025.
SFD will conduct initial interviews in late November to early December. Due to the high volume of applications, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews.
Shortlisted candidates will be forwarded to RNA Institute, UAlbany for a second round of interviews.
Final selection and lab matching will be completed by mid-December 2025.
All applicants will be notified of their status after the final cohort is confirmed.

Application Materials and Deadline

A complete application includes:

Submission of this application survey, and
Submission of the following application documents to this form:

CV Unofficial Transcript
One Reference Letter (please select a letter writer who can professionally comment on your relevant skills such as a former instructor or professor)
Statement of Interest (350-400 words). In one concise essay, explain:
- Why you are specifically interested in the Virtual Research Traineeship 2026 and its focus on bioinformatics.
- What prior steps you have taken to develop your research or technical skills (e.g., coursework, projects, or self-study).
- How you plan to apply what you learn during and after the program.