Biomedical & Bioinformatics Research Internship and Training Experience (B-BRITE) at the Knight Cancer Institute
Engaging Curiosity in the Next Generation of Biomedical Scientists
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 our 2024 program schedule. 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.
The Cell, Developmental & Cancer Biology Summer Research Internship has changed its name to the Biomedical & Bioinformatics Research Internship and Training Experience (B-BRITE)
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Do you know someone who might be interested in the Biomedical & Bioinformatics Research Internship and Training Experience (B-BRITE) at the Knight Cancer Institute? You can print or send them the program flyer and direct them to this webpage.
Application
Applications for the 2025 Summer Program are now open!
Access the 2025 B-BRITE application HERE.
Please submit letters of recommendation to support a B-BRITE applicant HERE.
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 letters of recommendation MUST be submitted by 5 p.m. PST January 23, 2025. Late applications will not be accepted.
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.
Are you unsure whether this program is a match for you? Information about other internship and training opportunities at the Knight Cancer Institute and OHSU can be found at Cancer Research Training and Education.
Frequently asked questions
This is a full-time internship experience. Interns are expected to work 40 hours per week in the lab and participate in scheduled activities. Interns should discuss scheduling details with their assigned mentor.
Students selected for the internship will receive a stipend of $4,500 for the full 8-week program.
Housing and travel support will be awarded to a limited number of interns, based on need. Please indicate in your application if you would like to apply for airfare and housing support.
As of October 1, 2024, all Visitors/Volunteers onboarded at OHSU are required to provide either documentation of Covid and Flu vaccines administered for the 2024-2025 season or complete a formal declination form. Please be prepared to adhere to this policy, as it is a requirement for approval of an in-person experience at OHSU. You will not be allowed to participate in an internship at OHSU if you are not compliant with this policy.
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.
Completed applications must be received by the deadline of 5 p.m. (PST) on January 23, 2025.
B-BRITE interns are expected to participate full-time, from approximately 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. every weekday. In addition, interns will prepare a poster presentation of their research project and may attend other scientific seminars while at OHSU. Therefore, it is not advisable that interns pursue other coursework during the program.
We strive to match scholars and mentors based on research interests; however, not all Knight Cancer Institute researchers are available to serve as mentors during any given summer. The more explicit you are in your application about your research interests, the better we can match you with a mentor.
The internship is typically performed in the Department of Cell, Developmental & Cancer Biology and Knight Cancer Institute laboratories at either the OHSU Marquam Hill Campus or South Waterfront Campus in Portland, OR. Interns must use mass transit or a bicycle to get to campus (daily on-site parking is available, but it is expensive and not guaranteed). Public transit passes will be provided by the program.
No. Preference will be given to currently enrolled undergraduates who will graduate in spring 2026 or later.
Vacations or breaks are not allowed during the internship due to the intensive nature of the program. The internship is a full-time commitment and therefore should not be combined with significant other school or work.
Notifications will be sent out in early March via email. There will be several onboarding steps to complete before the internship begins, so please be sure to monitor your emails and act quickly if you are accepted.
If you have questions or need more information, email us at cancerbiointern@ohsu.edu.
About Us
Director:
Grace Gill, Ph.D.
Associate Professor, Division of Oncological Sciences, Department of Cell, Developmental and Cancer Biology
Program Coordinator:
Pauline Thaler
cancerbiointern@ohsu.edu