Job Description
The Centro de Investigación y Asistencia en Tecnología y Diseño del Estado de Jalisco (CIATEJ), Southeast Unit, is a public research center offering national award-winning master’s and doctoral programs in biotechnological innovation. Each year, these programs admit approximately 10–12 graduate students from across Mexico with academic backgrounds in agrifood sciences, biotechnology, industrial biotechnology, and plant biotechnology. CIATEJ aims to train highly specialized scientific talent through advanced research, innovation, and scientific development.

Despite a minimum TOEFL entry requirement of 450, incoming graduate students display a wide range of English proficiency levels. Students are expected to read, analyze, and discuss scientific literature in English and, in some cases, collaborate with international thesis advisors or present research to English-speaking audiences. However, the academic curriculum does not include formal English instruction. Students must independently strengthen their reading, writing,



and oral communication skills to meet graduation requirements, including achieving a TOEFL score of 550.

Limited resources and varying proficiency levels present significant challenges that can affect students’ academic progress and future opportunities in scientific and technological fields. Thus, to strengthen students’ English communication skills, CIATEJ is requesting the support of a Virtual Service Pilot Participant (VSPP) who will work with approximately 10 graduate students. The VSPP will facilitate small-group online sessions once or twice per week focused on reading comprehension, academic writing, and oral presentation skills. Through these structured activities, the VSPP will help students develop the language competencies needed for academic success, international collaboration, and professional advancement in scientific research.

The organization has previously collaborated with the Peace Corps. They understand that t

📌 Support English Skill Development for Emerging Science Researchers (México)
🏢 Peace Corps
📍 México