Applications for these internships closed on March 15, 2015. Stay tuned to our website and to Chicago Career Connection to apply for 2016 internships!
Science Research Metcalf Internship positions affiliated with the Center in Beijing are open to current University of Chicago undergraduates.
Science Research Metcalf Internships in Beijing
The University of Chicago Center in Beijing and the Office of Career Advancement will sponsor a research internship program in chemical biology and biochemistry for one or two students. Under the direction of Chuan He, Professor of Chemistry and the College at the University of Chicago, the interns will work in selected laboratories at Peking University. Professor He, who holds appointments at both the University of Chicago and Peking University, is the Director of the Institute for Biophysical Dynamics at the University of Chicago and Director of the Synthetic and Functional Biomolecules Center at Peking University. His research is at the interface between life sciences and chemistry, focusing on reversible nucleic acid modifications that impact gene expression.
Specific areas of research may include epigenetics, nucleic acid chemistry and biology, protein engineering, proteomics, systems biology, and computational biology.
Each student will receive a $5,000 scholarship for the 10-week research project.
How to apply
Students may apply via Chicago Career Connection (heavily suggested) or send their application materials to: beijingcenter@uchicago.edu.
Application materials will include:
- Cover letter with a short essay (one-page (approximately 500 words) describing career goals and interests in this program).
- Transcript.
- Resumé
- One recommendation letter.
The application is due on March 15, 2014.
Criteria
1. All undergraduate students in good standing are eligible.
2. Merit-based scholarship.
3. Previous research experience is desirable.
4. Knowledge in Chinese language is desirable but not a prerequisite.
Selection process
Successful applicants will be chosen and interviewed in March by the selection committee. Decisions will be announced shortly after the interview.
Travel and accommodations
The staff of the University of Chicago Beijing Center will issue visa invitation letters for students who require a visa to enter China. Staff will also assist the students in arranging local accommodation in nearby dormitories, hostels, budget hotels or serviced apartments. The students will be responsible for making their own airline reservations. Visa application fees, airfare and other transportation costs, accommodations and meals will be covered by the students from the $5,000 stipend.
Summer quarter
This is a 10-week program. Students should plan to arrive in Beijing in June in coordination with Professor He. Soon after arrival in Beijing, interns will participate in an orientation program led by Beijing Center staff. Students will learn about the various resources offered by the Beijing Center, as well as information about taxis, public transportation, telecommunications and other information needed to ensure a safe, productive and enjoyable stay in Beijing. A reception will also be held to introduce students in the internship research program to undergraduates participating in other summer studies at the University of Chicago Beijing Center.
Science research interns will be based at Synthetic and Functional Biomolecules Center at Peking University. All research interns are welcome to utilize the facilities at the Beijing Center when not at work.
Throughout the summer, there will be optional weekend excursions for the interns and other UChicago students studying at the Center. Excursions will include visits to historical and scenic sites in Beijing and the surrounding area. There may also be visits to sites relevant to the subject matter being studied.
At the end of the summer, the research interns will participate in a mini-symposium to present their research findings. The students will select representatives to organize this mini-symposium.
