The below information is relevant to the following programs only. Additional summer programs are available at MSK but are not discussed in these FAQs. The contact information for these programs is posted in the last question of the FAQs.
Office of Scientific Education and Training (OSET) programs:
- Computational Biology Summer Program (CBSP)
- Chemical Biology Summer Program (ChBSP)
- Immunology Research Summer Program (IRSP)
Gerstner Sloan Kettering Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences (GSK) programs:
Epidemiology and Biostatics program:
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What is the length of these programs?
These programs are hosted over 10 weeks in the summer (early June to mid-August). -
What is the purpose of these programs?
These programs are designed to bring outstanding undergraduate researchers in the program’s field (computational science, chemical biology, engineering and imaging, immunology, mechanistic biology, or quantitative science) who are interested in pursuing careers in that field to participate in a research experience in the labs of MSK, Weill Cornell, and/or Rockefeller (depending on the program – see Q6 below for participating institutions in each program).
These programs provide immersive, hands-on, cutting-edge research experiences under the mentorship of a more senior scientist working in the field. Each intern will have an independent research project and will work under the tutelage of faculty/mentor. In addition to working in the lab, interns will attend journal clubs, scientific and professional development seminars, and community networking events. At the end of the 10-weeks, all interns will present their work at a capstone poster session.
The CBSP is supported by the National Cancer Institute (R25 CA233208).
QSURE program is supported by the National Cancer Institute (R25 CA214255) and the MSK Society. - Are these summer programs limited to specific majors?
| Program | Majors eligible |
CBSP | Those who have completed college-level computer science courses (C/C++, Perl, Python, R or other languages) are prioritized. Applicants that have taken some courses in general biology and/or chemistry (preferred but not required) and have an interest in the application of computational techniques to biological problems are encouraged to apply. |
ChBSP | Those who have completed at least 2 years of college-level chemistry and general biology courses and have an interest in application of chemistry techniques to biological problems are invited to apply. |
EISP | Those who have completed advanced college-level science courses, have some hands-on experience with lab work and have an interest in engineering, molecular imaging, and/or biomedicine are invited to apply. |
IRSP | Those who have completed college-level biology and chemistry courses, have some hands-on experience with lab work and have an interest in studying immunology, immunobiology and immune-oncology questions are invited to apply. |
MBSP | Those who have completed college-level biology and chemistry courses, have some hands-on experience with lab work and have an interest in studying fundamental biological questions are invited to apply to the MBSP. |
QSURE | Those who have complete at least one semester of college statistics (AP statistics courses do not count), experience or aptitude for independent and collaborative data analysis and/or quantitative research and proficiency in a statistical programming language (e.g., R, SAS, STATA, Python) are invited to apply to QSURE. |
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Are applicants supposed to contact MSK Principal investigators (PI) during the admission window or during the review process?
Applicants are strongly discouraged from emailing or contacting MSK faculty during the application process or during the review window. Speaking to program faculty bears no weight in the review process. Furthermore, intentionally misleading faculty or falsely representing your status in the program will disqualify an applicant from participating. -
How do the lab placements take place?
Program leadership makes sure that applicants are matched with labs that could leverage their skillset. - Where are these internships located?
| Program | Location |
CBSP | CBSP interns are placed in labs at MSK main campus from 67th to 69th streets between York and First Avenues or at the Macklowe Building (61st street between York and first Avenues). Interns can also be placed in labs at The Rockefeller University (66Th st at York Avenue) and Weill Cornell Medicine (69th St and York Avenue) campuses. |
ChBSP | ChBSP interns are placed in labs at MSK main campus from 67th to 69th streets between York and First Avenues. Interns can also be placed at The Rockefeller University (66th st and York Avenue) and Weill Cornell Medicine (69th St and York Avenue) campuses. |
EISP | Interns are hosted in the MSK’s main campus from 67th to 69th streets between York and First Avenues, or at the Macklowe Building (61st street between York and first Avenues). |
IRSP | |
MBSP | |
QSURE | QSURE interns are hosted at the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, located at 633 3rd Avenue in Midtown of Manhattan. |
Programs are in-person and located in New York City, predominantly in the upper east side and midtown of Manhattan. There are a few building locations for the different programs (see below). Accepted applicants will be provided with specific details during the onboarding phase for each program.
For commuting between locations, MSK operates regular shuttle buses between midtown and MSK’s main campus on the Upper East Side, where interns will have access to relevant lectures, seminars, and other educational activities.
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Are these paid internships?
Yes, all of the MSK summer research programs listed here are paid programs.
| Program | Stipend |
CBSP | $6500 paid by weekly over 10 weeks |
ChBSP | |
EISP | |
IRSP | |
MBSP | |
QSURE | $6,375 paid bi-weekly over 10 weeks |
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How many slots are available per program?
MSK summer programs are highly competitive and dynamic. While the number of participants varies by program and by year, on average each program hosts between 6 and 15 interns. -
Is summer housing provided?
Yes, summer (dormitory) housing is provided to participants who need it. Upon acceptance into these programs or another MSK affiliated summer undergraduate program with similar dates of engagement, assignments to shared units will be made based on legal sex indicated in the program application. Students who prefer gender neutral housing regardless of legal sex, gender identity, expression and/or orientation can be considered for placement in the same suite as other residents selecting gender-neutral housing and can request to be assigned with others who match their gender identity. Students who want to be considered for gender neutral housing should contact the program after acceptance (see below in the last question for the contact information of each program).
Accepted applicants who require a housing accommodation that differs from the standard housing arrangements may be asked to provide documentation. Reasonable accommodation requests will be addressed and subject to available resources. -
What amenities are included in housing?
All suites have two bedrooms (utilities and Wi-Fi included) and will accommodate 4 interns of the same gender (2 per room). Each suite has a shared kitchenette which contains a microwave, electric stove-top burners, sink, cabinets, a large refrigerator and private bathroom. The bedrooms consist of two twin-size beds, 2 dresser, 2 desks, and a shared closet space. Cooking supplies are not provided, but interns will receive a plate, bowl, mug, and cutlery to be used for the summer. - Does the program cover travel costs?
| Program | Travel reimbursement costs |
ChBSP | Travel or relocation costs are not covered. |
EISP | |
IRSP | |
MBSP | |
CBSP | Travel relocation will be considered on a case-by-case basis. |
QSURE |