I applied in-person. The process took 8 months. I interviewed at Vanderbilt University Medical Center (Nashville, TN) in Apr 2010
Interview
I approached a lab I wanted to work in, sent in my resume, and came for an interview. It lasted two days and I was offered the position the day of my interview. Hiring took a little while, but I was unable to start the position for several months, so the actual hiring process was not expedited.