Student Research Internships

• Gain knowledge of and exposure to current topics in translational science, including the genetic basis for common and complex traits and diseases in humans, as well as the integration of mobile technologies to monitor and improve health care.
• Learn study design and analysis procedures relevant for translational research, including genomic/genetic association studies and mHealth trials.
• Observe the various steps of proposing, designing, undertaking and analyzing clinical trials, particularly those evaluating genomics and mobile monitoring of patients with disease.
• Become proficient in presenting scientific concepts—including study design, research findings, data analysis and results interpretation—to peers and mentors.

Based on the intern’s individual interests, he or she will be assigned a primary mentor. It is the mentor’s responsibility to advise and guide the intern with respect to achieving the aims and requirements of the program. The mentor may also, to the degree appropriate, provide information and insights regarding future academic and career development goals. Although each intern will work primarily with his/her individual mentor, dialogue with other investigators at the Scripps Research Translational Institute is highly encouraged.

Most of our interns work in a dry lab setting; however, we do have a limited number of wet lab positions available. You must indicate your preference on the application for dry lab, wet lab or either.

1. Seminar attendance: Interns will attend one-two weekly seminars (listed below) and prepare for these seminars accordingly (e.g., read assigned journal articles).
2. Research Proposal: Interns, together with their mentors, will each develop an independent research project to be completed by the end of the internship.
   • Write a one-page description of this project, which requires mentor approval.
   • Present this proposal to the mentor for final approval, any time prior to the midpoint of the internship.

3. Presentation of Research Project: Present results of the independent research project at a Translational Institute Research Meeting, scheduled during the second half of the internship period.
4. Poster Symposium: Share the outcomes of the independent research project during the conclusing intern poster sympsium.

If appropriate, interns may submit abstracts for presentation at a scientific meeting mutually agreed upon by the intern, his/her mentor and a senior faculty member.

1. Candidates will be selected based on qualifications and research interests.
2. After all applications are reviewed, individuals whose interests and coursework/experience match current research projects and available mentorship at the Translational Institute will be offered positions. Some mentors may contact applicants first for a brief telephone or video interview prior to final decision.
3. Interns must receive school credit or transcript notation for participation in our non-paid summer research internship. Please check with your guidance counselor or department dean about whether this will be possible. If not, we will help coordinate your required credit through an affiliated community college.
4. Interns aged 18 and older who are matched with clinical mentors will be required to complete background checks and drug screening before working in clinical areas.

Internship dates: June 2 - August 8, 2025 OR June 16 - August 22, 2025

Application deadline: March 31, 2025

Date of notice: May 2, 2025

High school, college and master's students application

SURI Program is a 10 week summer program that brings approximately 40 talented and motivated students (high school, undergraduate, graduate and professional) to Scripps Research Translational Institute for an immersive research experience.

Please note: Funding has yet to be determined. We will update the website when information becomes available. We will continue to have unpaid positions completed for school credit or transcript notation. If your school does not provide credit or transcript notation for outside internships, we will help coordinate credit through Scripps-affiliated MiraCosta Community College and San Diego Mesa.

The Scripps Research Translational Institute does not offer housing or housing support for those taking part in the internship program.

Some local housing resources:

• UC San Diego Summer Intern Housing Program 
• UCSD Student Off-campus Housing Facebook group 

Medical student application

• Application deadline: January 26, 2025
• Date of notice by: February 14, 2025
• Internship Dates: May 19 - July 28, 2025 (8-weeks) or write in other

Download the 2024 Medical Student Research Internship flyer.

Available projects for Summer 2025 will be added as they develop. In addition, we are often able to tailor projects to students’ interests.