Students are selected by the individual scientists. Please note that not all scientists at the Center
can accommodate students each summer. When examining an application, potential mentors are looking for someone whose combination of
education, experience, and interests match the needs of their laboratories.
The program is very competitive with generally less than 10% of applicants selected. The number of applicants has been
increasing by approximately 10% - 25% per year. While an applicant may not be a match this year, they may well be a
match next year or in future years, so students are encouraged to reapply each year.
All students will receive a postcard from the Monell Center when their application has been received. Only candidates
who are selected for an interview will receive further notification.
Most candidates selected for interviews will be notified within two or three weeks of the application deadline,
but there are circumstances that extend this period. Individuals may be selected for the program up until the last week
in June.
We do not notify interviewees until all slots have been filled. Last-minute cancellations make early
notification difficult. Contact the apprenticeship office if an urgent decision is needed.
The students earn an hourly wage for the hours worked during the program. The hourly wage is determined by the
student's year in school and previous experience at the Center. The exact amount will be provided in the official hire letter.
The apprenticeship wage is intended to offset living and transportation expenses for the period. Those living outside
the Philadelphia metropolitan area will not receive any additional stipend for travel or housing.
Note that students may at their and their mentor’s option be extended beyond the official session’s term on a case-by-case
basis, based on the availability of funds. Students may be compensated at the current hourly rate for the extension period. This decision will not be made
until midway through the program.
The Monell Chemical Senses Center and the Research Apprenticeship Program are not able to provide housing or additional
money for housing. However, the Monell Center is located in a large metropolitan area close to several Universities.
Non-local students may apply and find affordable local housing for the duration of the program.
Once a candidate is selected by a scientist, they undergo two interviews; the first interview, conducted by the
apprenticeship program administrators over the phone or e-mail, is to confirm the students' eligibility and to answer any questions the
applicant might have.
In the second interview, the student comes to the Center and interviews with the potential mentor(s). The potential mentor describes the activities expected
to be active at the time of the program and determines whether or not the applicant is a good ‘match.’ The applicant
should also determine if they are a good ‘match.’ Each scientist may interview several candidates and will pick the
student(s) best suited for their lab. The Monell Chemical Senses Center conducts many different studies each year. Mentors look for individuals whose expertise
and interests match the activities that they have going on during the time the student will be there.