ASPIRE Internship: Research and Scientific Program Development, Alagille Syndrome Alliance (ALGSA), remote part-time
Research and Scientific Program Development
Alagille Syndrome Alliance (ALGSA)
February-May, 2026
Collierville, TN (remote)
The Alagille Syndrome Alliance (ALGSA) is the world’s largest advocacy organization dedicated to supporting individuals and families affected by Alagille Syndrome (ALGS). Alagille Syndrome is a rare genetic disorder that impacts multiple organ systems and frequently presents with pediatric cholestasis along with significant lifelong complications. Our global community includes thousands of patients, caregivers, clinicians, scientists, and research partners who work together to advance knowledge, improve medical care, and strengthen quality of life.
In 2024, the ALGSA launched a Scientific Research Network (ASRN). This global network elevates the patient voice in scientific research, identifies barriers to progress, and advances work across understudied and clinically impactful areas of Alagille Syndrome. The ASRN hosts scientific working groups and organ specific research focus groups, supports industry collaborations, builds research consortia, develops patient centered surveys, observational study designs, and fosters cross disciplinary scientific partnerships. Although focus groups play an important role within the ASRN, they represent only one component of our larger scientific strategy.
About the Internship
The ALGSA is seeking a motivated and independent PhD student or postdoctoral researcher who has a strong interest in rare disease research, patient engagement, and scientific program development. The internship will support a major initiative within the ASRN. The project assignment will be based on the intern’s background, skills, and interests along with the current needs of the ASRN.
Possible project areas include:
- Supporting the launch or management of an organ specific ASRN Research Focus Group in understudied areas of ALGS
- Conducting structured literature reviews to identify knowledge gaps in Alagille Syndrome
- Assisting with the design or analysis of patient centered surveys and associated research studies
- Supporting the planning or execution of observational research
- Assisting in the coordination of scientific collaborations and multi stakeholder research activities
Core Responsibilities
The intern may contribute to the following:
• Literature reviews and research gap analysis
• Identification and outreach to scientific experts, clinicians, researchers, and patient partners
• Organization and facilitation of introductory calls or focus group meetings
• Development of scientific meeting materials including summaries, agendas, and action plans
• Support of observational study preparation or survey development
• Engagement in ASRN meetings, strategy discussions, and collaborative planning
• Preparation of scientific documentation to support organizational research goals
Mentorship and Structure
The intern will receive guidance from:
• The Scientific Research Coordinator at the Alagille Syndrome Alliance who has extensive experience in biotechnology and research leadership
• ALGSA Leadership or associates who provides high level direction on research priorities, stakeholder engagement, and program development
This role provides meaningful exposure to the broader research ecosystem of the organization and is not limited to focus group development alone.
INTERNSHIP DETAILS
- Internship will run February-May 2026, with the opportunity to extend pending review.
- Internship is unpaid
- Internship is part-time (~5 hours per week), remote
Applications due by 11:59pm Monday, January 19, 2026.
To apply:
- Fill out the following ASPIRE Internship Application found here https://redcap.link/ASPIREInternship_Application
- Submit a resume and cover letter at the RedCap link above. Please submit documents as pdfs with your last name_Alagille_Resume_2026 or last name_Alagille_coverletter_2026
- Set up a meeting with Ashley Brady at (ashley.brady@vanderbilt.edu) or Angela Zito (angela.zito@vanderbilt.edu) prior to the application deadline.
Your information will then be passed along to the organization who will contact you directly to schedule an interview.
For further questions, please contact Ashley Brady (ashley.brady@vanderbilt.edu) or Angela Zito (angela.zito@vanderbilt.edu).
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Please review ASPIRE Internship FAQs: Found here
For further questions, please contact Ashley Brady (ashley.brady@vanderbilt.edu).
Eligibility requirements
- Applicants must be a current Vanderbilt University PhD student or a current postdoctoral fellow.
- All PhD students must have completed all coursework for their degree prior to the start of the internship.
- Biomedical PhD students must also have passed their qualifying exams before the application deadline.
- Students and postdocs may not participate in more than one internship at a time. More than one application may be submitted at a single time, but only one position can be accepted.
- If you are not in a department supported by the BRET office, we will also require that you complete a form guaranteeing PI approval to participate in this program. Please contact Ashley Brady at ashley.brady@vanderbilt.edu for more information.
- If you are an international student or postdoctoral fellow, your visa status may affect your work eligibility. Please contact Ashley Brady (ashley.brady@vanderbilt.edu) to discuss this further.
- Must be authorized to work in the US