Careers

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JCVI is a premier, not-for-profit genomics research institute with more than 120 scientists and staff in Rockville, Maryland and San Diego, California. JCVI continues to lead the world in genomic science with programs focused on genomic medicine, infectious disease, microbial and environmental genomics, synthetic biology, and informatics.

Our successes are a result of the talented scientists and staff who have found careers at JCVI. We strive to provide employees with competitive salaries, comprehensive benefits, and the ability to achieve a work/life balance by making it a focus of our core culture.

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From our staff

We welcome diverse talent to continue building upon our legacy of transformative genomic-based science.

JCVI at a glance

Nimble, multidisciplinary teams
Diverse, inclusive workforce
Big city living, small town feel
University & industry collaborations
Many positions allow hybrid schedules and remote work
Joint appointments

Meet our Campus Directors

Sanjay Vashee, Ph.D.

Director, Rockville Campus

See Dr. Vashee’s bio.

John Glass, Ph.D.

Director, La Jolla Campus

See Dr. Glass’ bio.

Find work-life balance

Based out of the greater San Diego, California and Washington, D.C. areas, JCVI is at the heart of two thriving areas, rich with food, community, and outdoor life.

Rockville, Maryland

(Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Area)

  • The Institute is located just outside Washington, D.C., in the Maryland biotech hub, home of the NIH, and an international melting pot.
  • Music and theater venues abound.
  • Home to two NFL, two MLB, an NHL, and an MLS team.
  • There are vibrant biking and running communities in the D.C. area. With literally thousands of miles of trails and bike lanes, there is always a new adventure.
  • The Potomac River is twenty minutes away, providing access to hiking trails, bike-friendly gravel, and world-class whitewater kayaking. Have your boat in the water in less than 30 minutes.

La Jolla, California

(San Diego Metropolitan Area)

  • Located on the UC San Diego campus, the Institute overlooks the Pacific Ocean and is just over a mile to the closest beach and surfing spot. Keep your surfboard on our rack and go.
  • While known for Baja-style Mexican food, that's only the beginning of the culinary adventures that await you here. Outdoor eating, bars, and social scenes dot the coast.
  • It's hard to beat the weather. Temperatures typically range from 50-75°F (10-24°C). Miss the snow? Mount Laguna is about an hour away where you can cross-country ski or sled. Bear Mountain is less than four hours away for downhill and snowboarding enthusiasts.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

J. Craig Venter Institute culture is founded on the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). We are focused on creating a community where we are able to share, learn, grow, and develop together in a respectful, productive manner. This is achieved, in part, by gathering feedback from our staff, developing affinity groups, providing learning and outreach opportunities, building awareness, and sponsoring employee engagement activities.

Our commitment

Since our formation 32 years ago, we have been committed to this vision and continue to support initiatives and policies to this end. JCVI’s mission — to understand more about the biological world, and to develop unique insights and answers about disease, health, and the environment for the benefit of all — cannot be realized if we fall short in our own culture.

It is therefore our collective responsibility to foster a pluralistic culture; one that recognizes our diversity and strives to build a common framework through equity and inclusion. We celebrate our diversity, recognize it as a source of strength, and are actively working to nurture it through policies designed to build a common culture within JCVI. We also strive to infuse this culture and diversity in our communities.

Affinity Groups

JCVI affinity groups provide a safe space for employees to connect, share experiences, and advocate for their unique needs. These groups will serve as an essential support system and encourage diverse perspectives to thrive.

Some of the groups at JCVI include the sustainability group, women in science, grant writing, and the career trajectory group.

We encourage inclusive collaborations between employees to create stronger connections, authenticity, and a positive culture at JCVI.

Monthly themes

Throughout the year we recognize and celebrate issues and causes that support and build a healthy culture within JCVI and in our communities. Here is a sample of the topics around which we build activities and engagement opportunities.

Benefits

J. Craig Venter Institute offers a generous benefits package. Benefits become effective the first of the month following your date of hire.

  • Medical Insurance

    JCVI offers medical coverage options to all eligible employees. These options allow you to choose from a wide selection of providers and hospitals nationwide.

  • Dental Insurance

    Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) allows eligible employees to choose from a large network of dentists to receive in-network benefits.

  • Vision Plan

    The vision plan provides the following services for eligible employees: eye exam, contacts, frames, and discounts on laser eye surgery and prescription glasses.

  • Life Insurance

    Life insurance and accidental death insurance coverage is provided, fully paid for by JCVI.

  • 401(k) Retirement Plan

    Contributions to the plan are matched at a rate of 100% for the first 3% of your deferral and 50% for the next 2% of your deferral. The plan allows for tax deferred and Roth contributions. Participants are 100% vested as soon as they start contributing to the plan.

  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)

    Out-of-pocket health care and dependent care expenses can cost you a fortune. FSAs can help you save money on these expenses by allowing you to set aside money, pre-tax, to cover the cost of these expenses. Employees are eligible to fund, on a pre-tax basis, up to $3,050 per year for qualified healthcare expenses, $5,000 per year for qualified dependent care expenses and up to $255 per month for qualified commuter/mass transit expenses.

  • Additional Benefits

    • Supplemental Life Insurance
    • Domestic Partner Benefits
    • Business Travel Accident Plan
    • Short Term Disability
    • Long Term Disability
    • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
    • Candidate Referral Program
    • Voluntary Legal Assistance Plan
    • Wireless Discount Plans (Verizon Wireless and AT&T Wireless)
    • Computer Purchase Discounts (through DELL)
    • Bring your dog to work
    • And more!
This webpage provides a general overview of the total compensation and benefits package provided to eligible employees at JCVI. Certain benefits described in this page are described in greater detail in separate, legal plan documents. Not all elements of the benefits described within this publication are available at all locations. All components of JCVI's total compensation and benefits package are subject to amendment or termination by the company in its sole discretion.

2024 JCVI Internship Program

The 2024 JCVI internship application process has closed. Look for more information about 2025 summer internship opportunities in the first quarter of 2025.

Internships

JCVI provides students (high school through graduate) and educators opportunities to be a part of groundbreaking science.

The JCVI Summer Internship Program is a highly sought-after opportunity designed to mentor and inspire the next generation of great scientists. While occasionally we do have interns other times during the year, our official program is held during the summer months, and provides motivated high-school (16 and older), undergraduate and graduate students with an in-depth, structured research experience that includes:

  • A dedicated mentor
  • Collaboration and networking with world-class scientists
  • Hands-on participation in research projects tailored to their academic experience
  • Access to state-of-the-art equipment and technology
  • Judged poster presentation

During the course of the summer program, there are numerous workshops designed to help develop scientific and professional skills. These include journal clubs, career development sessions and multi-disciplinary scientific seminars.

For further questions email internships@jcvi.org.

The majority of our internships are offered during the summer months. On occasion, our faculty members may offer an internship during the academic year. If so, these positions will be posted through our career center. Semester internships run between 10-15 weeks.

Why Intern at JCVI?

If selected for a JCVI internship, you will:

  • Interact with world-class scientists, including their faculty or senior scientist mentor
  • Participate in research projects tailored for their academic/professional experience
  • Have access to state-of-the-art equipment and technology
  • Attend seminars to advance the depth of their science knowledge
  • Take part in workshops designed to help develop scientific professional and soft skills

Application Process

The JCVI Summer Internship Program uses a rolling admissions process, i.e., applications are considered as they are received once the position is posted. Our official internship program runs from May through August, with occasional opportunities throughout the year. Only complete applications will be considered. If a faculty member or senior staff is interested in your application, you will be contacted to begin the interview process. If you are selected, you will receive an official offer from the JCVI HR department. Once a position is filled, all applicants to that position will be notified.

The following may be requested with your application:

  • Your resume (required for all applicants)
  • Cover letter
  • Your current school transcript (does not have to be official)
  • An essay explaining: your specific scientific interests; how your skills and coursework are relevant to the position; how this internship will prepare you to meet your professional goals
View Open Positions

Eligibility

The J. Craig Venter Institute Internship Program is small and highly selective. To be eligible for an internship, applicants must be eligible to work in the United States. JCVI does not sponsor a work visa for students enrolled in an internship. If selected applicants must be able to produce valid documentation in full.

Additional eligibility requirements include:

  • All applicants must be at least 16 years or older upon start of the internship program and must reside in the United States.
  • Internships run for approximately 10-15 weeks (length depends on the specific internship).
  • Applicants must have a 3.0/B average and must submit a copy of school transcripts and proof of full-time enrollment in school.
  • Full-time enrollment (students) or proof of employment for the upcoming school year (educators)
  • Applicants should have a strong interest in a science career or be majoring in science.
  • All applications must submit a 500 word statement of interest.

Some internship positions may entail additional eligibility requirements. Read each position description carefully to determine if it matches your qualifications.

Compensation

It is JCVI policy that interns must be compensated monetarily and/or by earning school credit. Students under the age of 18 are required to obtain a work permit from their local high school in both Maryland and California regardless of their residence.

School Credit

If the internship is for school credit students are responsible for obtaining any appropriate school departmental approvals to determine specific academic assignments required. JCVI does not issue credit, but we will work with you to complete documentation from your school.

Monetary Compensation

Interns are compensated at an hourly rated based on the level of education completed. Traditionally, summer interns work a full-time (40-hour) work week. Those interning during the school year should work no more than 20 hours per week. Both programs run between 10-15 weeks.

2023 Compensation Rates

Rates are based on a semi-monthly pay period. All deductions required by federal and state law will be processed through payroll.

Education Level Completed

Hourly Rate

High school

$17.15

High school graduate

$17.15

Freshman

$17.15

Sophomore

$17.50

Junior

$18.00

Senior

$18.50

Post-Bac

$19.00

Graduate school

$21.00

Frequently Asked Questions

To be eligible for the program, you must be a full-time student or educator with proof of employment in the upcoming year. See additional eligibility requirements.

Yes, co-op students are welcome to apply. Please indicate the requirement of the program on the application.

We prefer that the internship be a continuous commitment, but recognize this may not always be possible. Please be sure to note your availability on the application and discuss it during the interview. It is up to the mentors' discretion.

No, JCVI does not provide work visas for the internship program. If you are an international student applying to the program you must already be eligible to work in the Unites States.

Interns are compensated monetarily and/or through school credit. JCVI does not issue credit, but we will work with you to complete the necessary documentation.

No, JCVI does not provide or arrange housing. Information regarding temporary housing in the Washington, D.C. and San Diego metropolitan areas can be found at these web sites:

  • Craigslist (CA/MD)
  • ApartmentList.com listings (CA/MD)
  • Trulia.com Rooms for Rent (CA/MD)
  • Youth Hostels (CA/MD)

Maryland only

  • Washington Post Real Estate
  • Washington City Paper (shared housing or apartments)
  • WISH Housing (shared housing or apartments)

Consider using the government per diem rates as a reference point.

There is ample parking at the Rockville, MD campus.

There is limited parking at the La Jolla, CA campus. Use of public transportation is advised.

No, the transcripts are not required to be official. If you have only completed one semester at your current school, submit the transcripts from your previous school.

Please contact internships@jcvi.org or call (858) 200-1800 and ask to speak with our Human Resources Department.

Equal Opportunity Statement

All qualified employees and applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability status. J. Craig Venter Institute is an equal opportunity employer Minorities/Females/People with Disabilities/Protected Veterans/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity.

If you'd like more information about your EEO rights as an applicant under the law, please download the available EEO is the law English Version - Revised November 2009 and EEO is the Law Supplement English Version - Revised September 2015. For Spanish employees and applicants EEO is the Law Spanish Version - Revised November 2009 and EEO is the Law Supplement Spanish Version - Revised September 2015.

Requests to view JCVI’s AAP can be made by contacting careers@jcvi.org. Documents can be viewed between 9 AM – 4 PM.

Company EEO/AA Statement

The J. Craig Venter Institute is committed to providing equal access to opportunities for students, employees, applicants for employment and other persons.

Our policies prohibit harassment or unlawful discrimination on the basis of gender, race, color, religious creed, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical developmental disability, and/or protected veteran status, or other protected characteristics.

See Full Statement (PDF)

Accommodation Notice

JCVI endeavors to make its career pages at JCVI Careeer Site accessible to any and all users. If you would like to contact us regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process, please contact Human Resources at (858) 200-1800 or careers@jcvi.org. This contact information is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.

Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information.