American Cancer Society Research Internship

female student looking into microscope, DICR program

The University of Chicago Medicine Comprehensive Cancer Center’s Advanced Research Internship is a cancer research training program for undergraduates interested in careers in biomedicine. For ten weeks during the summer, participants work full time in the laboratories of established cancer researchers at the University of Chicago, gaining hands-on experience in areas at the forefront of the field.

Rigorous research training is complemented with year-round career development and skill-building workshops, leadership training, opportunities in community outreach and engagement, and personalized mentorship for post-baccalaureate transitions.

The Advanced Research Internship is funded by the Michelle LeBeau, PhD, Aspiring Scientist Fund, the American Cancer Society, and other generous donors.

About the Advanced Research Internship

Internship Dates

Internships consist of a ten-week summer research experience plus monthly academic year activities. The summer research experience generally runs from the second week of June through the second week of August. Specific dates are announced with the release of application materials each fall.

Please note that accommodations may be made for students whose academic calendar conflicts with the internship program.

2027 Advanced Research Internship Dates

The 2027 Advanced Research Internship runs from June 6 – August 13 (35-40 hours/week).

Monthly enrichment activities are held on select evenings and weekends, via Zoom, from September 2027 through May 2028. They require 2-4 hours of effort each month.

Benefits

Eligibility Criteria

College sophomore or junior at time of application
At least 16 years of age at start of program (for Summer 2027: June 7, 2027)
Strong interest in a career in scientific research or medicine
Strong academic record, particularly in math and science
Able to commit to the yearlong program, including a 10-week summer research experience (40 hours/week) and monthly enrichment activities throughout the subsequent academic year

Please note that students are responsible for their own housing and transportation to and from the University of Chicago during their summer research experience.

Conflict of Interest Policy: The selection of applicants is managed by the program leadership team. Immediate family members of the leadership team or of UChicago faculty are ineligible for the program. All applications will be subject to the Conflict of Interest Policy.

How to Apply

No more than six trainees are selected each year based on their demonstrated passion for science, interest in careers in biomedicine, and capacity to perform in a professional research setting. To apply:

Submit the online application form by 11:59 p.m. CT on Monday, January 18, 2027. The form is available at https://redcap.link/2027UCCCCPathwayPrograms. We are using a common application for all our Pathway Programs. You may apply to all programs for which you are eligible using one application.
Arrange for two individuals (at least one of whom must be a teacher or professor) to complete the online applicant recommendation form by 11:59 p.m. CT on January 18, 2027. Download an instruction sheet for recommenders. Recommenders can access the form at https://redcap.link/PathwayProgram_Rec2027.
Applicants who advance to the second round must complete an interview with the program leadership team on Monday, February 15, 2027.

Be prepared to enter the following information:

Academic information (including your GPA and most recent transcript, unofficial or official)
Contact information
Responses to the following questions (limit 250 words per response):
- Of the learning opportunities related to careers in science and medicine, why have you chosen to apply to our program(s)? For example, you might discuss how the program relates to your academic and career plans, the nature of your interest in cancer, or what you hope to gain from the experience.
- What qualities and experiences do you have that best prepare you for the scientific and professional demands of our program(s)?
- Scientific progress depends on a range of expertise and perspectives. Tell us about an aspect of your own perspective, viewpoint, or lived experience that is important to you, and describe how it shapes the way you would learn from and contribute to the research community.
- Is there anything else important for us to know about you?

APPLICATION DEADLINES

January 18, 2027: Application and two recommendations due by 11:59 p.m. CT
February 15, 2027: Admissions interviews
March 1, 2027: Acceptance notification
March 15, 2027: Commitment deadline