Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Summer Undergraduate Research Program

Opportunity Description:

The Undergraduate Research Program (URP) at CSHL provides an opportunity for undergraduate scientists from around the world to conduct first-rate research. Students learn the scientific process, technical methods and theoretical principles, and communicate their discoveries to other scientists. Approximately 20 students come to CSHL each summer for the 10-week program, living and working in the exciting Laboratory environment.

URP participants work on an ongoing research project in one of CSHL’s expert labs. Research at CSHL focuses on:

• Molecular Biology & Cancer
• Genetics & Genomics
• Neuroscience
• Plant Biology
• Quantitative Biology

In addition to doing research in the lab, URP participants attend a series of specially designed workshops, seminars and collegial events.  Workshops focus on learning particular skills, such as Python programming, while seminars cover research topics, responsible conduct of research, and career development. At the URP Symposium at the end of each summer, students present their research to the entire CSHL community.

URP participants live and work among CSHL scientists. They are invited to all Laboratory social activities, including an exclusive dinner with CSHL President Bruce Stillman. On weekends, students are free to explore nearby New York City or the sandy beaches of Long Island.

By the end of the summer, URP participants have first-hand experience of a career in scientific research. 

Primary Responsibilities: 

All URP students undertake an original research project, mentored by one of CSHL’s outstanding research faculty. Students have access to the Lab’s state-of-the-art research facilities, including extensive resources for genomics and microscopy. At the end of the Program, students write a scientific manuscript about their summer work. Some of these become part of peer-reviewed scientific publications.

Minimum Qualifications and/or Eligibility Requirements: 

Prospective applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Students of any nationality are eligible for the program.
• Students should have a strong academic background in a science.
• Although the program emphasizes the biological sciences, students with engineering, chemistry, computer science, math, or physics backgrounds are also encouraged to apply.
• Students must be returning to an undergraduate degree program following their URP summer research experience; current sophomores and juniors, or the equivalent, are eligible. Only in exceptional cases will first-year undergraduate students, with prior independent research experience, be considered.
• Previous laboratory research experience will help your application but is not required.
• If your academic semester conflicts with the dates of the URP program, you are still eligible to apply. If you are accepted into the program, we will discuss how your academic schedule can be accommodated. For instance, in past years, some students have arranged with their professors at their home university to take one or more final exam at CSHL. But please note that all URP researchers are expected to participate in the program as a single group and should therefore plan to be at CSHL during the dates of the program.

Application Process: 

Application instructions are as follows:

• All applicants must complete an URP application form with a personal statement online.
• Faxed, mailed, or emailed applications are not accepted.
• You may submit your application before the recommendation letters have been uploaded by your referees.
• Once an application has been submitted, changes cannot be made. Please review your application carefully before submitting.
• To use the online application system, you must first register as a user. On the main login page, there is a link that says “New User? Register Here” to the right of the “Go” button. If you do not see this option, make sure your internet browser is up-to-date and/or try a different browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari). If you continue to experience problems, please contact Embark, the application manager at help@embark.com

The deadline is usually January 15. 

Additional information about the application procedure can be found on the opportunity's website.