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- If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click “Apply” and complete the application process for external applicants.
Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.
JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS
We are seeking a highly motivated and enthusiastic Summer Intern to join our Penn State Pediatric Oncology Translational Research Labs. This internship offers an exceptional opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a cutting-edge research environment focused on pediatric cancer. As a Summer Intern, you will work closely with our research team to learn and apply basic laboratory techniques, such as drug testing, western blotting, and cell viability assays, while contributing to our ongoing research projects. You will additionally get hands on experience shadowing in pediatric oncology clinics, grand rounds, molecular tumor boards, surgical procedures, etc. based on area of interest and identified summer mentor.
Key Responsibilities:
- Assist lab personnel in performing experiments related to pediatric oncology research.
- Prepare and maintain laboratory equipment and supplies.
- Conduct basic laboratory techniques, including Western blots and cell viability assays, under supervision.
- Document experimental procedures, results, and data accurately.
- Collaborate with lab members to support ongoing research projects.
- Attend lab meetings, seminars, and workshops to expand your knowledge of pediatric oncology research.
- Present your research project at the end of your 8+ week internship.
Requirements:
Educational Background: Must be a current undergraduate student pursuing a degree in a relevant field (e.g., Biology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, or a related discipline). Completion of at least one year of coursework in biology or a related science field is preferred.
Basic Laboratory Skills: While no prior research experience is required, a strong interest in science and a willingness to learn and apply basic lab techniques are essential.
Enthusiasm and Teamwork: We are looking for individuals with a passion for pediatric oncology research, who can collaborate effectively with lab members and demonstrate a strong work ethic.
Communication Skills: Strong written and verbal communication skills are important for documenting procedures and presenting findings in lab meetings.
Time Commitment: Interns are expected to commit to a full-time schedule during a six to eight week course in the summer of 2026. The exact start and end dates can be discussed during the interview process.
Laboratory Safety: Willingness to adhere to laboratory safety protocols and guidelines is crucial.
Initiative: The ability to take the initiative, ask questions, and actively engage in research activities is highly valued.
GPA: A competitive academic record with a minimum GPA of 3.0 is preferred.
This internship provides a unique opportunity to gain practical laboratory skills, contribute to ongoing research, and explore the field of pediatric oncology. If you are a dedicated, aspiring scientist with a strong interest in pediatric cancer research, we encourage you to apply.
To apply, please submit your resume, a cover letter expressing your interest and qualifications, and any relevant academic transcripts. Additionally, please provide contact information for at least one academic or professional reference. Interns will be expected to be in person May 2026 in Hershey, PA.
BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES
This position requires the following clearances in addition to applicable background checks: PA State Police Criminal Background Check, PA Child Abuse History Clearance Form, and Federal (FBI) Fingerprint Criminal Background Check.
CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS
Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.
EEO IS THE LAW
Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.
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Skills Required
- Must be a current undergraduate student pursuing a degree in Biology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, or a related field.
- At least one year of coursework in biology or a related science field.
- Strong interest in science and willingness to learn and apply basic laboratory techniques.
- Ability to collaborate effectively with lab members and demonstrate a strong work ethic.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Commitment to a full-time schedule for six to eight weeks during summer 2026.
- Willingness to follow laboratory safety protocols and guidelines.
- Ability to take initiative, ask questions, and actively engage in research activities.
- Minimum GPA of 3.0.
- Submission of a resume, cover letter, relevant academic transcripts, and at least one academic or professional reference.
- Ability to work in person in Hershey, Pennsylvania, beginning May 2026.
- Completion of Pennsylvania State Police Criminal Background Check, Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance, and Federal FBI Fingerprint Criminal Background Check.
Penn State University Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Penn State University and has not been reviewed or approved by Penn State University.
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Retirement Support — Employer contributions to SERS and the TIAA Alternate Plan are described as significant, with supplemental retirement options available. Feedback suggests these choices and contributions create strong long‑term value.
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — Full‑time employees accrue over 24 sick and vacation days annually, with additional university holidays and a winter break. Feedback suggests this depth of leave supports work–life balance.
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Inclusive Benefits Coverage — A 75% tuition discount extends to employees, spouses, and dependent children up to age 26 across resident instruction, World Campus, and Penn College courses. Feedback suggests this broad eligibility meaningfully enhances total rewards, especially for families.
Penn State University Insights
What We Do
There’s a reason Penn State consistently ranks among the top one percent of the world’s universities. Across 24 campuses, our nearly 88,000 students and 17,000 faculty and staff know the real measure of success goes beyond the classroom—it’s the positive impact made on communities across the world. From access to state-of-the-art resources to interdisciplinary pursuits in collaborative atmospheres, a Penn State degree is more than an education. The experiences and knowledge gained here will form the foundation for the lives our students build. Their contributions to the world begin with a Penn State degree. We Are Penn State.
