To increase access to talent by removing potential barriers to Basser Center’s recruitment of the most accomplished and promising candidates, we encourage applications from eligible undergraduate students from a variety of backgrounds, such as:

• Students from low to moderate income backgrounds
• Students who are the first to attend college
• Students attending small liberal arts colleges and universities with limited research opportunities

Eligibility

• Applicants must be academically strong students enrolled full-time as an undergraduate at an accredited institution of higher learning in the United States or US territory.   
• Must be a rising junior or senior, defined as students who have completed at least two years of coursework by June 14, 2027, and will not have earned their bachelor’s degree by September 1, 2027. 
• Must have a strong interest in lab research and or in careers in genetic counseling or related basic laboratory research in the genetics of cancer. Prior research experience is not required.
• Applicants must be available to commit to full participation for the duration of the program.
• Applicants who have previously participated in the Basser Summer Scholars Internship Program will not be accepted.
   

Logistics and Funding

• The 2027 internship will be an 8-week program located on the campus of the University of Pennsylvania from June 7, 2027, to July 30, 2027.

• Interns will be paid an hourly wage of $23.44 subject to taxes. Interns are responsible for expenses such as housing and transportation.

• Interns are matched with a lab based on their interest (depending on lab availability).

• Interns are required to deliver an end-of-summer presentation highlighting their research findings and overall experience.

• There will be a one-week orientation component followed by a seven-week experiential component.

• Students will have the opportunity to meet with a diverse group of faculty members to gain exposure to various career paths in basic science and clinical/translational medicine.
   

When is the application deadline?

• All applications for the 2027 Basser Summer Scholars program are due on January 26, 2027 by 5:00 pm EST. All components of the application, including letters of recommendation, must be received by the deadline. Incomplete applications or applications submitted after this deadline will not be considered. 
• Applicants selected for a virtual interview will be notified via email by early March 2027.  
   

What required documents do I need to apply?

• Completed online application form (button below)
• Personal Statement - (no more than 2 pages) including:  
  • Why do you want to participate in the Basser internship?
  • How do you anticipate Basser internship contributing to your career path?
  • Why should you be chosen to participate in Basser internship?
  • What aspects of genetic research or counseling interest you?  
  • Describe any research positions you may have held (no prior research experience is required)
• Undergraduate transcript
  • Your transcript must include all semesters/terms attended at your primary institution. Please also include any study abroad transcripts.
  • Unofficial transcripts will suffice.
• Resume
• Letters of recommendation:
  • Two letters of recommendation are required.
  • Letters from academic faculty who know you personally and can comment on your academic abilities and your aptitude for research are highly encouraged.
  • Requests for letters of recommendation will be sent through the application portal to the email that applicants provide.
     

Apply to the Basser Summer Scholars Internship