Lurie Cancer Center Undergraduate Summer Research Internships
Lurie Young Researchers in Interdisciplinary Cancer Research (LYRIC)
We invite undergraduate students interested in biomedical and health sciences to participate in leading-edge cancer research and career exploration at the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University. Participants will spend 8 weeks working full-time (35-40 hours/week) under the mentorship of top cancer researchers in state-of-the-art laboratories and help advance novel research projects in cell and molecular biology, cancer immunology, metabolism, clinical investigation, developmental therapeutics, genomics, population science, health disparities, bioinformatics and other focus areas. Students will learn key principles of cancer biology and laboratory investigation, gain hands-on laboratory experience, explore possible career paths and receive career guidance through program seminars and activities, individual mentoring, and ongoing interactions with multidisciplinary researchers, students and colleagues in the Northwestern community.
The program aims to support committed, innovative future leaders in cancer research whose efforts will improve the lives of cancer patients, their families and the larger community.
Eligibility and Qualifications
- Standing as a college freshman, sophomore, junior or senior student in September 2027
- Demonstrated interest in the biological/health sciences with a strong record of academic achievement
- Ability to commit to 8 full weeks of programming
- US Citizen or permanent resident
Program Information
Program Dates:
- LYRIC program: 6/14/2027 – 8/6/2027
Full-time, on-campus laboratory research and program activities.
Final student presentations: August 5.
Stipend: Participants who complete the program will receive a taxable stipend of $6000.
Housing and transportation: Students are responsible for arranging their own housing and transportation to campus each day. Trainees may be assigned to laboratories on either the Chicago or Evanston campuses, which are connected by a free shuttle bus. The program is unable to provide student housing for the 2027 program.
Prospective Participant Program Info Session:
- Held virtually on December 1, 2027, 7:00 p.m. - 8:00p.m. (CST) via Zoom.
- Please register for the program info session: LYRIC info session
Admission
Admission to the program is highly selective and based upon interest in the program, personal qualifications, academic achievement, letters of recommendation and space available. Mentors are assigned based on interests stated in the application and mentor availability. Students may rank up to three areas of research on their application. **Placement with any mentor, or in any specific research area cannot be guaranteed.
The LYRIC program aims to expand research participation for all students, including those with limited access to research experiences. All eligible students are encouraged to apply!
Application Instructions:
- Complete the 2027 LCC summer research internship application. The link will be available here on November 3.
- Your completed application must be received by midnight on Sunday, February 14, 2027. Early application is encouraged to ensure available space.
- Arrange for letters of recommendation from 2 individuals, including at least one teacher, to be submitted online no later than Sunday, February 14, 2027. Note: Recommendation requests are sent to these individuals automatically when your applications are submitted, therefore please submit applications with sufficient time for recommenders to respond. Please be sure to enter the correct email addresses.
- Applicants may be invited to interview via Zoom with program staff in February and March.
- Address all questions to the program team. Do not contact individual mentors for program questions or requests.
You will be asked to provide:
- Current school name and address
- Cumulative GPA
- Complete college transcripts (these don’t need to be official but must contain a complete record with your name and your school’s name clearly visible. It’s recommended that freshmen also include high school transcripts)
- 2 letters of recommendation (at least one from a STEM teacher)
- Responses to the following:
- Describe how your background and experiences have shaped your interest in the LYRIC program. Examples might include academic or personal experiences, or an experience related to your background. (250 words)
- Describe a personal experience of scientific curiosity and wonder. (250 words)
- Please describe any past research experiences. This can include informal and formal experiences. (250 words)
- Please describe any specific circumstances that have limited your ability to participate in research (250 words)
- How will this program support your academic and career goals? (250 words)
- What unique perspectives and strengths do you bring to a team environment? Is there anything else you would like us to know about you that is not part of your transcript or application? (250 words)
- Optional: 2-minute video about yourself and your interests
Application deadline: February 14, 2027
Zoom interviews: TBD
Final Notifications: March 15, 2027
Commitment deadline: April 1, 2027
Program dates: June 14 - August 6, 2027
Contact Us
LCCSummerPrograms@northwestern.edu
Lyric Program Director, Gina Kirsammer, PhD
Senior Research Recruitment Coordinator, Sara Duffey, MSW