Wenner Medical Student Scholar

Overview

We are pleased to announce that applications are open for the 16th year of the HA Wenner Scholar Program in Infectious Diseases. This is a single position each summer (8–10 weeks laboratory‑based research) through the Division of Infectious Diseases () at Children’s Mercy, Kansas City, Missouri. The position is partially funded via an endowment from the family of the late Dr.

Herbert

A. Wenner, a seminal researcher in polio epidemiology and vaccine development and former Chief of the Division of Infectious Diseases at Children’s Mercy Hospital.

Fellowships involve laboratory‑based research study in Infectious Diseases laboratories under the mentorship of one of the principal investigators, including Drs. Chavez‑Bueno and Selvarangan. The start and finish date are flexible and can be arranged with the student’s schedule. Students who have completed at least their first year of medical school are invited to apply.

The student will have specific didactic assignments relative to the research project and will be given the opportunity to attend presentations at monthly research rounds and the weekly  case conference. Ultimately the development of an abstract for presentation at a local or national forum will be the final scholarly product of the student’s experience, in addition to a report to the Wenner family who provided the endowment to partially support the summer fellowship.

At Children’s Mercy, we are committed to ensuring that everyone feels welcomed within our walls. A successful candidate for this position will join us as we strive to create a workplace that reflects the community we serve, as well as our core values of kindness, curiosity, inclusion, teamwork and integrity.

Additionally, it’s important to us that we remain transparent with all potential job candidates. Because we value the safety of the patients and families we serve, as well as the Children’s Mercy staff, the seasonal influenza vaccine is a condition of employment for all employees in our organization. New employees must be willing to be vaccinated if found non‑immune to measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) and chickenpox (varicella) and/or without evidence of tetanus, diphtheria, acellular pertussis (Tdap) vaccination since 2005.

If you are selected for this position, you will be asked to supply your immunization records as proof of vaccination. If you have any concerns about receiving these vaccines, medical and/or religious exemptions can be further discussed with Human Resources.

• Perform experiments in the research laboratory
• Compile data or samples for studies
• Office and administrative work
• Present study results

• High‑school diploma or equivalent. No experience necessary; on‑the‑job training provided.
• Must be currently enrolled in medical school and serving as a research assistant in other environments; taking courses at least at the undergraduate level related to research methodology; conducting a research study as part of a course requirement.

The benefits plans at Children’s Mercy are designed to meet the changing needs of employees and their families.

The pay range for this job begins at $12.30/hr.

This position is not eligible to work remotely; the person hired will be required to work onsite at one of our Children’s Mercy locations and may not work from home.

Children’s Mercy hires individuals based on their job skills, expertise and ability to maintain professional relationships with fellow employees, patients, parents and visitors. A personal interview, formal education and training, previous work experience, references and a criminal background investigation are all factors used to select the best candidates. The hospital does not discriminate against prospective or current employees based on the race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, creed, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, ancestry or veteran status.

A drug screen will be performed upon hire. Children’s Mercy is smoke and tobacco free.

CM is committed to creating a workforce that supports the diverse backgrounds of our patients and families. We know that our greatest strengths come from the people who make up our team, so we hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds, not just because it’s the right thing to do, but because it makes our hospital stronger and our patient care more compassionate.