Biomedical & Bioinformatics Research Internship and Training Experience (B-BRITE) at the Knight Cancer Institute
Engaging Curiosity in the Next Generation of Biomedical Scientists
The Biomedical & Bioinformatics Research Internship and Training Experience (B-BRITE) aims to inspire curiosity in the next generation of research scientists by providing upper-level undergraduates hands-on research opportunities at the OHSU Knight Cancer Institute and an introduction to cancer research career paths.
The B-BRITE summer internship program seeks highly motivated college students interested in exploring biomedical research as a career path. B-BRITE interns will work directly with accomplished mentors during an 8-week immersive research experience from June 21 to August 13, 2027. Interns will work in Knight Cancer Institute laboratories at the Oregon Health & Science University campus in Portland, Oregon.
The B-BRITE Summer Program at the OHSU Knight Cancer Institute offers:
- Participation in a guided research project facilitated by an experienced researcher.
- Hands-on experience in cutting-edge biological and/or quantitative cancer research methods.
- An introduction to experimental design and data analysis.
- Educational and professional development seminars.
- Development of written and oral communication skills, including preparing and presenting a scientific research poster.
- Networking across a broad community of scientists.
- Stipend of $4,500 for the full 8-week program.
- Limited need-based housing and travel support may be available.
- See our 2026 program schedule
Contact Us
If you have questions or would like additional information, please email us at cancerbiointern@ohsu.edu.
Application
Applications for the 2027 program will open in the fall.
Eligibility
- We are looking for motivated college undergraduates with a strong interest in a career in biomedical and/or data sciences research who have completed foundational introductory science courses, such as biochemistry or computer science courses, depending on a student’s research interests.
- Applicants will have completed at least two undergraduate years but will not have graduated by the start date of the program in June 2027.
- Students must be available and present for the entire duration of the internship, from June 21 – August 13, 2027. No vacations or breaks may be taken. A commitment of 40 hours per week is required, including time spent on research and educational programming.
- We are unable to provide visas to foreign students. Therefore, we are only able to accept international students who are studying in the U.S. with a valid visa, dependent upon approvals from their current visa sponsor and OHSU.
- Students must be at least 18 years of age by the start of the B-BRITE program in order to participate.
Undergraduates with strong motivation for gaining hands-on research experience, including first generation college students, those from low socioeconomic backgrounds and those at schools without comparable research facilities, are encouraged to apply. Successful applicants will demonstrate qualities that position them for success in a research environment, including curiosity, teamwork, resilience, creativity, and strong problem-solving skills. Prior research experience is not required, though familiarity with basic research methods, such protein assays, cell culture, coding, or data analysis, will strengthen an application.
B-BRITE is designed to support undergraduates considering careers in biomedical research. Information about other internships at OHSU, including some focused on healthcare careers, can be found at Summer Internships.
Frequently asked questions
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Our application consists of a questionnaire requesting information about you and your research experience and interests.
We also request the name and contact information of two professors or supervisors who can provide letters of recommendation commenting on your potential to be successful working in a basic science research environment. At least one of the letters should be from a science professor or research supervisor. The second recommendation can be from a work supervisor, teacher, community leader, coach, or other person able to comment on your preparedness for this opportunity.
In addition to completing the application questionnaire, you will need to submit the following documents:
- Resume/CV (highlight science courses and any lab or work experience, if applicable).
- Unofficial college transcript(s) from the past 12 months (if selected, official transcripts may be requested).
- A one-page (single-spaced) essay explaining your motivation for applying to the B-BRITE program at the Knight Cancer Institute. In your response, describe a personal, academic, or professional experience that sparked your interest in cancer research. What aspects of cancer biology, treatment, or prevention are you most curious to explore through laboratory or computational research? Why are you specifically drawn to the research environment and mission of OHSU and the Knight Cancer Institute? Finally, how do you envision this summer experience shaping your long-term career in cancer research or related fields?
These documents should be in pdf or Microsoft Word format and all files should be named with your “Last Name, First Name – Document Type” (for example, Smith, Jane – Personal Statement).
All applications and materials MUST be submitted by 11:59 p.m. PST on Tuesday, January 19, 2027. Late applications will not be accepted. Notifications will be sent out in early March 2027.
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No. Only students who are pursuing but have not yet completed a four year degree by the start of the program are eligible.
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This is a full-time internship experience. Interns are expected to work 40 hours per week in the lab and participate in scheduled activities. Interns should discuss scheduling details with their assigned mentor.
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B-BRITE interns are expected to participate full-time, from approximately 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. every weekday. In addition, interns will prepare a poster presentation of their research project and may attend other scientific seminars while at OHSU. Therefore, it is not advisable that interns pursue other coursework during the program.
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No. Vacations or breaks are not allowed during the internship due to the intensive nature of the program. The internship is a full-time commitment and therefore should not be combined with significant other school or work.
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Students selected for the internship will receive a stipend of $4,500 for the full 8-week program.
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A limited number of housing and travel support awards may be available to selected interns based on need. Interns receiving housing support will stay in dormitory rooms at nearby Portland State University. Requests for housing and travel assistance must be included at the time of application to be considered.
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All interns onboarded at OHSU are required to meet institutional health and safety requirements. If selected for the program, you may be asked to verify your vaccination records depending on your lab placement. Please be prepared to adhere to these requirements, as compliance is necessary to participate in an in-person internship at OHSU.
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We strive to match interns and mentors based on research interests; however, not all Knight Cancer Institute researchers are available to serve as mentors during any given summer. The more explicit you are in your application about your research interests, the better we can match you with a mentor. You can learn more about the research being conducted at the Cancer Research | Knight Cancer Institute | OHSU.
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The internship takes place in Knight Cancer Institute laboratories at either the OHSU South Waterfront Campus or Marquam Hill Campus in Portland, OR. Interns are expected to use mass transit, walk or use a bicycle to get to campus (daily on-site parking is available, but it is expensive and not guaranteed). These locations are easily accessible by public transportation; public transit passes will be provided by the program.
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We are unable to provide visas to foreign students. Therefore, we are only able to accept international students who are studying in the U.S. with a valid visa, dependent upon designated school official approval. Please note that students with certain visa designations may require an Affiliate Agreement between OHSU and their school. These agreements can only be established with schools that participate in the Oregon Higher Education Coordinating Comission (HECC) or are part of NC-SARA. Please use the links provided to confirm whether your school participates in either organization.
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Notifications will be sent out in early March via email. There will be several onboarding steps to complete before the internship begins, so please be sure to monitor your emails and act quickly if you are accepted.