ACS Cancer Research Summer Undergraduate Internship
***IMPORTANT: Do Not Apply Through Handshake***
Applications must be submitted using the official Eligibility Form. Handshake is for posting purposes only.
Program Overview
The USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center is seeking motivated undergraduate students for the ACS Cancer Research Summer Undergraduate Internship Program, a paid, full-time, 10-week summer research experience for students interested in cancer research.
Funded by the American Cancer Society, this program provides interns with hands-on research experience while exploring career pathways in cancer research. Interns will work on research projects that address cancer-related questions impacting patients and/or communities and will receive one-on-one mentorship from a USC faculty investigator in a laboratory, clinical, or community-based research setting.
Compensation
- $5,000 stipend for the 10-week program
- Funding is available for eight (8) undergraduate interns
- Please note: Additional funding for housing, food, transportation, or other living expenses is not provided
Program Experience
Selected interns will join collaborative cancer research teams focused on learning, professional growth, and research exploration. Interns are expected to participate full-time for the duration of the program.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must meet all of the following criteria:
- Background: Students from backgrounds historically underrepresented in biomedical research, as defined by the NIH
- Academic Standing: Rising sophomores, juniors, or seniors
- Field of Interest: STEM disciplines (e.g., biology, public health, engineering, chemistry, related fields)
- GPA: Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0
- Enrollment Status: Enrolled full-time (minimum 12 units per semester)
- Summer Availability: Must commit full-time; no concurrent summer coursework permitted
- Graduation Status: Applicants must not graduate before the program concludes
Application Process & Timeline
Step 1: Submit the Eligibility Form by Friday, March 20, 2026
Step 2: Eligible applicants will be invited to contact USC Cancer Center faculty mentors
Step 3: Applicants who secure a mentor will develop a Preliminary Research Proposal, due Friday, May 1, 2026
Step 4: Applicants with approved preliminary proposals will submit a Full Research Proposal, due Friday, May 22, 2026
If you have any questions, reach out to acs-dicr@usc.edu