Increasing Diversity for Immersive Lab Research

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The Northwestern University Uterine Leiomyoma Research Center Lab Immersion Program provides paid laboratory internship experiences for BIPOC students interested in conducting uterine leiomyoma (fibroids) research. Uterine fibroids are the most common tumor affecting African Americans. They cause irregular uterine bleeding, anemia, and have led to over 200,000 hysterectomies annually in the United States. Interns will work on research projects that seek to understand the mechanisms responsible for the development and growth of uterine fibroids in order to reduce its morbidity.

You do NOT need prior research experience or knowledge in this specific research area to be eligible, but faculty prefer candidates who want to continue doing research beyond this program. ⁠Candidates with an interest in gaining new research skills are encouraged to apply.

As we look to increase diversity in research, candidates from backgrounds underrepresented in the scientific workforce are preferred and also strongly encouraged to apply.

We will accept two (2) interns per quarter. Program time commitment is also flexible with some remote work permitted. Internships can be part-time or full-time for 8+ weeks. No prior laboratory experience is needed. Applicants must be US Citizens or permanent residents to be eligible, and must currently be an undergraduate student or postbaccalaureate student (within two years of graduation). Please see the Frequently Asked Questions to learn more about program eligibility, stipends, and application requirements. For updates on your application or other inquiries, please contact Laura Tom at laura.tom@northwestern.edu.

The application period has closed for internships beginning Fall 2022. We are currently NOT accepting new applications. New applications will be accepted again in Spring 2023. To apply, applicants must submit an online application. Please review the Frequently Asked Questions and Application Procedures below.

Learn more about uterine fibroids research at Northwestern University

Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions

How do I apply?

Applicants must submit an online application. Application materials include (1) an application form with a 300-word brief essay and submission of two references; and (2) a resume or CV. The review committee will select finalists from the applicants and conduct interviews. Applicants who are selected for interviews will receive details about the remainder of the process upon invitation.

Please note: The application period has closed for internships beginning Fall 2022. We are currently NOT accepting new applications. New applications will be accepted again on a rolling basis starting in Spring 2023.

What are the program expectations?

Interns are expected to conduct research in scientific laboratories within the Northwestern University Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Intern work schedules will be tailored to the needs of the research project(s). Interns working full-time will be expected to participate Monday through Friday from 9 AM to 5 PM. Interns working part-time will coordinate their schedules with their lab faculty director. The laboratory research will primarily take place in downtown Chicago (note: a hybrid model with some remote and in-person work may be available, depending on the lab). Travel support to and from the program is not provided.

Is this a paid research internship?

Interns will receive a research stipend. Interns must be a US citizen or permanent resident to receive the stipend. Housing, meals, local travel support, and health insurance benefits are not provided.

What is the duration of the internship?

Internships can be part-time or full-time for 8 or more weeks, including during the academic year and/or during the summer, depending on the preferences and availability of the selected trainees.

Eligibility

Who is eligible to apply?

Applicants must:

Be an undergraduate student or postbaccalaureate student (within 2 years of graduation).
Students in Master’s programs are eligible if they are within 2 years of receiving their bachelor’s degree.
Be a US Citizen or permanent resident to receive the research stipend.
Be able to commute to/from downtown Chicago. Travel support to and from the program is not provided.

You do NOT need prior research experience or knowledge in this specific research area to be eligible⁠—candidates with an interest in gaining new research skills are encouraged to apply. No prior laboratory research experience is necessary. Students from diverse backgrounds, including underrepresented racial and ethnic groups (including but not limited to African Americans, Hispanic Americans, American Indians/Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders), individuals with disabilities, and/or individuals from economically disadvantaged backgrounds (e.g., low-income, first-generation college students, from a rural area) are encouraged to apply.

I am a graduate student. Can I apply?

Students in Master’s programs are eligible if they are within 2 years of receiving their bachelor’s degree. PhD candidates are not eligible to apply.

I just graduated. Am I eligible to apply?

Yes, if you are within 2 years of receiving your undergraduate degree.

I am not a permanent resident or US Citizen. Can I apply?

If you are an international student, or if you are not a permanent resident or US Citizen, please send an email to laura.tom@northwestern.edu with additional questions. Please keep in mind that, while we welcome your application to the program, we are unable to provide you with the stipend.

What previous experience is required?

No previous laboratory experience is required.

Application Procedures

How do I apply?

The online application includes submission of the following materials:

An application form
An up-to-date curriculum vitae or resume (include all relevant research experience, publications, poster sessions, conference presentations, speaking engagements, work products, etc.)
Two references (at least one must be a faculty member)
One brief essay on the following topic: What are the reasons you want to participate in the Northwestern University Uterine Leiomyoma Research Center's Lab Immersion Program? Include a discussion of your strengths and qualifications for the program and how this training experience will fit with your career plans.

Is there a deadline for submission of applications?

The application period has closed for internships beginning Fall 2022. We are currently NOT accepting new applications. New applications will be accepted again on a rolling basis starting in Spring 2023.

How will I know if you have received my application?

Upon submission, you will see a “Thank you for submitting your application” note. If you have any technical difficulties or do not see this confirmation page, please send an email to laura.tom@northwestern.edu so that we can confirm receipt of your application.

When will I find out if I have been accepted into the program?

We are reviewing new applications on a rolling basis. For updates on your application, please contact Takelia Walker at laura.tom@northwestern.edu.

If I am not selected, can I apply again?

Yes, if you were not selected, we definitely encourage you to apply again.

Complete the application

The Center for Health Equity Transformation is a joint center between the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University and the Institute for Public Health and Medicine.