About the role#
The Salk Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) is a 9-week program designed for students interested in STEM careers. The program begins with a virtual immersion week, followed by 8 weeks of in-person research at the Salk Institute. You will work alongside research staff, participate in group discussions, and attend professional development sessions. The program concludes with a Capstone Presentation Symposium where you will present your research findings to the Salk community.
What you'll do#
- Prepare and conduct experiments under the guidance of a research team.
- Record and analyze experimental data accurately while maintaining detailed lab notebooks.
- Adhere to safety protocols, including the proper handling and disposal of hazardous materials.
- Read and discuss relevant research articles.
- Attend weekly professional development sessions and lab meetings.
- Prepare a presentation and comprehensive slides to summarize your research project.
What you'll need#
- You must be 18 years or older and eligible to work in the United States.
- Enrolled in an accredited undergraduate program or a community college student in your transfer year.
- Entering your junior or senior year in summer 2027.
- Minimum 3.0 overall GPA and a 2.5 cumulative GPA in science courses.
- Ability to commit to the full program dates from June 7, 2027, to August 6, 2027.
- Strong attention to detail, time management, and organizational skills.
- Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
- A proactive approach to troubleshooting problems and asking questions.
- Respect for diverse backgrounds and experiences.
Location & details#
- Location: La Jolla, California.
- Term: Summer 2027.
- Modality: Full-time, on-site.
- Compensation: $17.75 per hour.
About Salk Institute for Biological Studies
The Salk Institute for Biological Studies is a nonprofit research organization based in La Jolla, California. Founded in 1960, the institute focuses on scientific inquiry in fields such as neuroscience, cancer research, and plant biology. It employs between 501 and 1,000 people. The facility is recognized for its architectural design and its history of research in molecular biology and genetics.
How to get in at Salk Institute for Biological Studies
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