CSUN-UCLA Stem Cell Scientist Training Program

Our inter-institutional training program will provide an opportunity for engaged, interested, and successful Undergraduate trainees to gain the necessary skills and qualifications to springboard into careers in stem cell research. This program is expected to contribute significantly to the number of students prepared for research careers in stem cell biology and regenerative medicine that span the spectrum, from basic studies to translational approaches.

• Internships will focus on a hands-on, practical laboratory-intensive training experience.
   
• Interns participate in a week-long intensive hESC training course at Pathways for Stem Cell Science paid for by the grant.
   
• Interns will train with one of the 50 stem cell research labs headed by UCLA faculty.
   
• Interns will participate in stem cell biology research in mentor labs at UCLA an average of 40 hours per week, will attend and participate in weekly stem cell biology-related seminars and journal clubs, and will attend major annual stem cell symposia at UCLA and CIRM.
   
• Research that Interns perform at UCLA can culminate in a written and oral Senior Thesis.
   
• Interns will be enrolled at CSUN in special internship courses that will be supported by the Bridges grant for up to $7,000 (for tuition and fees during summer, fall and spring semesters).
   
• Interns will receive a stipend of $2500 per month during the 10 month UCLA reserach time only
   
• Travel fellowships to attend the CIRM symposia and a conference of their choice of up to $2750.

10 available undergraduate internship positions July 1 to May 31 each year beginning July 1

Highly motivated and culturally diverse Undergraduate students at CSUN.

Prerequisites:

• The core requirements for the Bachelor of Science degree in biology
   
• These include one year of Biological Principles and Lab, one year of General Chemistry and Lab, one year of Organic Chemistry and Lab, and one semester of Cell Biology and Lab, and/or Genetics.
   
• 247L (296L) Intro to Molecular Biology Research Lab
   
• 397L Intro to Cell and Stem Cell Culture Lab or 477/L Cell and Tissue Culture and Lab (offered during program in summer and free)
   
• Highly recommended 375 Current Issues in Regenerative Medicine (Upper Division GE)
   
• Minimum GPA of 3.0

• Prerequisite checks
   
• 1 year Commitment to the program
   
• 10 month full time internship at UCLA
   
• Summer Session 3 courses during internship:
  • 397L (3 units, grant pays tuition)
  • Major biology course of your choice (3 units, grant pays tuition)
     
• Fall and Spring courses during internship:
  • 495D, 476 Topics in Stem Cell Research, 498 Senior Thesis (grant pays tuition)
     
• Week-long intensive Stem Cell Techniques training course during internship (grant pays tuition)
   
• Research Presentations at UCLA and CSUN symposia, CIRM meetings, and international research conferences (grant travel funding pays)
   
• Community Outreach activities during internship
   
• Patient Interaction activities during internship
   
• Applications will be screened for compliance with eligibility requirements and scored by the admissions committee
   
• Highest scoring students will be referred to the project director, Dr. Malone, for final approval
   
• Participant selection procedures have been developed to ensure all eligible students have equal opportunity for selection
   
• Students will also be required to take the necessary safety training workshops at UCLA before beginning their internships
   
• Interns can be enrolled in Senior Thesis units and can write an Honors thesis at the end of their internship

Fill out the following Google Forms application online.

Applications are open NOW and will be accepted until all positions are filled.