SBP is a preeminent, independent biomedical research institute dedicated to understanding human biology and disease, and advancing scientific discoveries to profoundly impact human health.  

Internships at Sanford Burnham Prebys are unpaid opportunities that have great benefits for students interested in a career related to life science. Our internships are designed to provide hands-on experiential learning outside the classroom that connects theories and concepts learned in academic coursework. Here you will find closely-supervised training and opportunities to develop your professional skills along with research experience. You will also get to learn about the uniqueness of an academic research institute. We identify a clear training plan at the beginning to ensure that learning objectives are met. 

About the Lab: Our labs are primarily focused on understanding developmental biology during organogenesis of the heart. Using the fly, zebrafish, and human iPSC model systems, we are currently researching how transcription and signaling factors regulate progenitors during organogenesis, homeostasis, regeneration, and disease states (such as Congenital Heart Diseases.) 

Training Plan highlights: Our goal is to introduce undergrad students to perform basic science and get exposed to a laboratory environment. The lab focuses our scientific research on leveraging the fly (invertebrate) and zebrafish (vertebrate) as in vivo model systems to study human genetic diseases. 
Interns will receive full training on basic laboratory maintenance protocols that include preparing buffers and other solutions, maintaining supplies, Fly and Zebrafish husbandry, and maintaining a clean lab. Moreover, they will gain experience operating microscopes - such as dissecting fly and zebrafish embryonic tissues and using fluorescent microscopy to analyze immunofluorescence staining. 

Required Experience

• Must be currently enrolled in an undergraduate program pursuing scientific course of study. Minimum 3.2 GPA
• Applicants should already have received approval to earn school credit through their university or have a syllabus to follow
• Must be able to participate a minimum of 12 hours per week for 6 months

Knowledge, Skills and/or Abilities

• Be self-directed and work well in a team environment
• Be responsible and have strong time management skills
• Possess strong attention to detail and organizational skills
• Demonstrate professional communication and interpersonal skills
• Embody the lnstitute's core values of Commitment, Collaboration, Communication, Community and Compassion

The scientists at Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute are making research breakthroughs in cancer, neuroscience, immunology, and children's disease. We are also at the forefront of finding solutions for health threats such as COVID-19, where we are working to identify drugs that may help millions of people. During our more than 40 year history, we have established an NCI-designated Cancer Center, designed one of the most sophisticated drug discovery centers in the nonprofit world, and created global collaborations that are leading to preventions, treatments and cures to improve human health.