Program Overview
Memorial Sloan Kettering and the Gerstner School of Biomedical Sciences are pleased to invite applicants to the Mechanistic Biology Summer Program. The program will host ten outstanding undergraduate students who are interested in pursuing a career in biomedical sciences. This program is designed for those who wish to gain research experience exploring fundamental questions in biology. Students will have the opportunity to work with faculty in the fields of developmental, immuno, structural, molecular, cell, and cancer biology. At the time the application is submitted, applicants must be enrolled in an undergraduate program and enrolled in their freshman, sophomore, or junior year of study.
Students in the program can:
- Obtain hands-on biology research experience in cutting-edge laboratories.
- Interact with faculty, postdoctoral fellows, and graduate students.
- Attend a luncheon/seminar series of presentations by faculty.
- Attend skills development workshops to hone presentation and interview skills.
- Attend and present at the summer research symposium at the end of the program
Students who are accepted into the summer program will be offered a stipend of $6,000 and housing accommodations.
Please note that participants in the program must be fully vaccinated and boosted against COVID-19.
Areas of Research
- Animal models of disease
- Cancer biology and genetics
- Cell and organelle biology
- Cell signaling and regulation
- Developmental biology
- Experimental pathology
- Gene expression
- Genomic integrity and DNA repair
- Genomics
- Immunology
- Molecular biology
- Pharmacology
- Stem cell biology
- Structural biology
- Therapeutics
How to Apply
The application will open in November 2023. You will need to upload copies of your official transcripts from all institutions attended beyond secondary school and that are properly signed and authenticated. Transcripts should be uploaded in the application portal as non-encrypted PDF files. Uploading a transcript with any type of protection or encryption may prevent us from viewing the file and will delay processing of your application.
Two letters of recommendation must also be submitted via our online submission system. These letters should be written by faculty members who are familiar with the student’s academic progress and credentials. Students with research experience must submit letters from their research mentors/advisors.
Students will also submit an admissions essay that reviews their research experience and interests and why they would like to be considered for this program.
Application Considerations
We invite domestic and international* undergraduate freshmen, sophomores, and juniors who are contemplating a career in biomedical sciences to apply to the Mechanistic Biology Summer Program. Students interested in applying can complete and submit our online application in November 2023.
Applicants should have:
- A minimum GPA of 3.0
- Completed college-level general biology and introductory chemistry
- Taken some advanced science courses
- Previous research experience
*Note on International Applicants: The program accepts applications from non-US citizens enrolled in an accredited college or university, but those accepted into the internship will be required to provide evidence of their eligibility to work in the US to participate in the program. You are eligible to apply if you have a student visa (only F-1 or J-1 student visas are acceptable. Student Visas (F-1 and J-1) are provided by the student’s school. The program is not responsible for obtaining the OPT or CPT status- the accepted intern will bear this responsibility.
FAQs
What is the purpose of the Mechanistic Biology Summer Program (MBSP)?
This 10-week program provides outstanding undergraduate students opportunities to explore fundamental biological research with Memorial Sloan Kettering faculty.
What will MBSP interns do?
MBSP interns will develop research skills by focusing on important basic biological research questions in cutting-edge laboratories. Each intern will have an independent project and will work with an assigned lab faculty/mentor. In addition to working in the lab, interns will attend journal clubs and scientific and professional development seminars. At the end of the 10-week program, the MBSP interns will present a poster on their project.
Is the summer program limited to specific majors?
Those who have completed college-level biology and chemistry courses, have some hands-on experience with lab work and have an interest in studying fundamental biological questions are invited to apply to the MBSP. We are most interested in those who would like to pursue graduate work in biomedical sciences.
Where is the internship located?
Interns will be hosted onsite in one of the MSK faculty laboratories located on the Upper East Side of Manhattan.
Is this a paid internship?
Yes, interns will receive a stipend of $6,000 for the summer paid on a bi-weekly basis.
How many slots are available for this program?
The program enrolls up to 10 interns per summer.
Is summer housing provided?
Yes, to anyone who needs housing will be provided with summer (dormitory) living accommodations for free. Interns will be paired in groups of 2 per room and by gender.
What amenities are included in housing?
The assigned space consists of a twin-size bed, a dresser, a desk, and closet space. All apartments have two bedrooms, each suite has a kitchenette which contains a microwave, electric stove-top burners, sink, cabinets, a large refrigerator, and private bathroom (Utilities and Wi-Fi included). Dishes, utensils and cooking supplies are not provided.
Does the program cover travel costs?
No, the program does not cover travel costs.
Contact Us
Questions? Contact the Program Administrator at [email protected]. You can also review our Eligibility FAQs and Application Process FAQs.