Paid Cancer Prevention Summer Research Fellowship

Are you a U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident?

Are you a current college or graduate student who likes science?

Are you interested in what motivates behaviors around health?

Do you want to learn the causes of disease and health conditions?

Are you curious about cancer prevention?

Embark on a transformative journey in cancer prevention research with our 10-week summer fellowship in the Cancer Prevention Research Training Program (CPRTP) at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas. This exciting opportunity is funded by a grant award from the National Cancer Institute (NCI) and is designed for motivated Undergraduate Junior and Seniors, Master's, Doctoral, and Medical students eager to make a real impact in the field of cancer prevention and control, risk assessment, and survivorship. 

For ten weeks, from June to August, summer interns engage in mentored research using cutting-edge technologies, explore potential careers in science, and participate in seminars covering cancer prevention and control, career development, and scientific communication. The program culminates in presenting research findings in a 90-second elevator speech and scientific poster presentation. Many students collaborate with mentors for publications and conference presentations after the fellowship ends. 

An internship in cancer prevention can open doors to various research opportunities beyond academia and medicine. Many CPRTP alums achieve successful careers in cancer prevention and control, such as epidemiologists, program directors, public health specialists, clinical research coordinators, doctors, surgeons, nurse practitioners, research scientists, biostatisticians, dieticians, health educators, genetic counselors, policy analysts, occupational health specialists, environmental health scientists, and medical writers. 

Terms and Qualifications:

• Must be a U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident.
• Must be enrolled in a United States degree-granting program during the 2024 fall semester, 2025 spring semester, and 2025 fall semester.
• Preference will be given to students in a Master's degree program, Doctoral degree program, and first-year medical school program.
• Rising undergraduate juniors and seniors (by the fall 2025 semester) are also welcome to apply.
• We accept applicants from any field, however, an interest in cancer prevention research must be reflected in the submitted personal statement.
• The fellowship is funded by an R25 grant from the National Cancer Institute (NCI R25 CA056452, Dr. Shine Chang, Principal Investigator).
• Stipend: $17 per hour ($6,800 before taxes).
• Schedule: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Central Time, no paid time off or health benefits.
• Other support: All interns will receive an additional $1,000 for research support expenses (e.g., lab supplies, travel to conferences).
• COVID-19 Requirements: Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) may be required on campus due to immunocompromised patients.
• Benefits: Qualified students will receive complimentary round-trip airfare to/from Houston, Texas, and housing assistance at a local hotel (students will share a hotel suite).
• Required Application Materials by the deadline:
  1. Slate application form (Under ‘Select your program’, select the Cancer Prevention Summer Research Program (CPRTP) from the drop-down menu as your first or second program choice),
  2. CV/Resume,
  3. Statement of Research Experience and Areas of Interest (must state an interest in cancer prevention),
  4. Two (2) letters of recommendation, and
  5. Proof of enrollment for fall 2025 semester.
• Location: All CPRTP summer interns will be appointed on-campus OR on-campus/hybrid and must reside in Texas during the 10-week fellowship term. 
• Term: Monday, June 2, 2025, through Friday, August 8, 2025 (10-weeks). Note: The fellowship dates are set and cannot be modified. Students will not be permitted to start or end their fellowship early.

Please apply at www.CancerPreventionTraining.org/Summer by 11:59 p.m. Central Time on Wednesday, January 15, 2025. Please read the web page thoroughly and the FAQs before applying. 

Seize this unique opportunity to contribute to impactful research and advance your career in cancer prevention and control. Apply today and be part of the next generation of leaders in the fight to #EndCancer!