2025 Summer Biomedical & Bioinformatics Research Internship
The B-BRITE summer internship program seeks highly motivated college students interested in exploring biomedical research as a career path.
B-BRITE interns will work directly with established mentors during an 8-week immersive research experience from June 23 to August 15, 2025. Interns will work in the Knight Cancer Institute Laboratories at the Oregon Health & Science University campus in Portland, Oregon. (See the 2024 B-BRITE Program Schedule in the ‘Attachments’ section. Note: The 2024 program included both an 8- and a 10-week option.)
We encourage students from backgrounds underrepresented in STEM, those who are first generation college students, and those from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds to apply.
The B-BRITE Summer Program at the OHSU Knight Cancer Institute offers
- An introduction to experimental design and data analysis.
- Participation in a guided research project facilitated by an experienced researcher.
- Hands-on experience in cutting-edge biological and quantitative cancer research methods.
- Weekly educational seminars and trainings, delivered by faculty and research professionals.
- Development of written and oral communication skills.
- Networking within a broad community of scientists.
- Stipend of $4,500 for the full 8-week program.
- Limited need-based housing and airfare support is available.
Eligibility
- We are looking for motivated college undergraduates with a strong interest in a career in biomedical and data sciences who have completed foundational introductory science courses. Depending on a student’s research interests, this might include biochemistry or computer science courses. Applicants will have completed at least two undergraduate years but will not have graduated by the start date of the program in June 2025.
- Students must be available and present for the entire duration of the internship, from June 23 – August 15, 2025. No vacations or breaks may be taken. A commitment of 40 hours per week is required, including research time and educational programming attendance.
- We are unable to provide visas to foreign students. Therefore, we are only able to accept international students who are studying in the U.S. with a valid visa, depending upon designated school official approval.
Oregon Health & Science University values the benefits of having a diverse scientific population. We encourage applications from those who come from backgrounds historically underrepresented in the sciences, including students who identify as Black or African American, Latino or Hispanic, Native American and Pacific Islander, first generation to attend college, socioeconomically disadvantaged, and those who are studying at small liberal arts colleges. Although prior experience in research is not a prerequisite for applying to the B-BRITE Summer Program, a strong interest in gaining hands-on research experience is essential.
The B-BRITE Application:
Our application consists of a form requesting comprehensive information about you and your research experience and interest. We suggest that you have all your information ready when you start your application. The application format allows you to save and continue at a later time if needed, however, complete applications must be submitted by the deadline in order to be considered.
In addition to the application, you will need to submit the following:
- Resume/CV (highlight science courses, relevant lab experience, and any publications, if applicable).
- Unofficial college transcript(s) from the past 12 months (if selected, official transcripts may be requested).
- A one-page essay explaining your motivation for applying to this particular internship program at the Knight Cancer Institute. Please reflect on a personal experience and/or challenge that has motivated you to explore a career in biomedical research and describe how you expect the experiences gained over the summer to facilitate your preparation for such a career path. (1 page, single-spaced)
- At least one, and no more than two, letter(s) of recommendation from a professor or supervisor who can comment on your potential to be successful working in a basic science research environment. Your recommender will upload their letter via a separate form (see the B-BRITE website for a link).
All applications and materials MUST be submitted by 5 p.m. PST Thursday, January 23, 2025. Late applications will not be accepted. Notifications will be sent out in early March 2025.