Summer Intern (Biohub Chicago)

The Chan Zuckerberg Biohub Chicago (https://www.czbiohub.org/chi) is an independent nonprofit research institute that brings together three powerhouse universities - Northwestern University, the University of Chicago, and the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign - into a single collaborative technology and discovery engine. CZ Biohub itself supports some of the brightest, boldest engineers, data scientists, and biomedical researchers to make breakthroughs in medicine and develop new technologies, frequently in collaboration with our partner universities. We are guided by our values of scholarly excellence; disruptive innovation; hands-on engineering/hacking/building; partnership and collaboration; open communication; and respect, inclusiveness, and opportunity for all.

Our Vision

• We pursue large scientific challenges that cannot be pursued in conventional environments
• We enable individual investigators to pursue their riskiest and most innovative ideas
• The technologies developed at CZ Biohub Chicago facilitate research by scientists and clinicians at our home institutions and beyond

Diversity of thought, ideas, and perspectives are at the heart of CZ Biohub Network and enable disruptive innovation and scholarly excellence. We are committed to cultivating an inclusive organization where all colleagues feel inspired and know their work makes an important contribution.

The Opportunity

CZ Biohub Chicago is seeking talented undergraduate students to join the organization for the 10-week Summer Internship Program (June 16, 2025 - August 22, 2025). The successful candidates will spend the summer immersed in real-world science with our biomedical researchers, data scientists, and engineers. They will gain technical experience contributing to CZ Biohub Chicago’s goals while also developing skills like communication and critical thinking. Additionally, they’ll have the opportunity to network with scientists who offer valuable advice and mentorship.

Possible responsibilities/projects include:

• Conduct wet lab experiments to support the validation of AI/ML-driven research (AI/ML)
• Perform bioinformatics analysis of large-scale biological datasets to understand inflammation (AI/ML)
• Build front-end applications for AI/ML projects and participate in model testing (AI/ML)
• Develop an incubator-compliant printed circuit board for mechanical actuation (Biomemetronics)
• Develop biomaterials and bioink and test their mechanical and biological performance for 2D and 3D engineered cardiac tissue culture (Cardiac Biointerface Engineering)
• Use CRISPR technology to characterize and learn to control tissue-level interactions with the immune system (Functional Immunogenomics)
• Create innovative metabolome-tuning biomaterials designed for the efficient and precise delivery of mRNA and proteins into various cell types for inflammation modulation (Spatiotemporal Omics)
• Identify and test different biomarkers for psoriasis (Tissue Models)

What You'll Do

• Receive support through a 10-week research experience
• Receive mentorship to support your personal and professional development
• Gain and enhance your technical and transferable skills through trainings and seminars
• Learn how to design, plan, and carry out laboratory and/or computational scientific experiments
• Present at the end-of-program symposium
• Build relationships with peers and colleagues

You have 

Program eligibility 

• Must be a current undergraduate student (enrolled full time at a college or university both Spring 2025 AND Fall 2025 terms)
• Must be able to commit to the 10-week Summer Internship Program (June 16, 2025 - August 22, 2025)
• Must be able to be onsite at the Biohub for the duration of the program

Compensation

• $20/per hour
• Transportation reimbursement

What We Provide 

• Resources to disrupt and innovate at the frontiers of our knowledge of biology and disease
• A collegial and collaborative environment consisting of diverse expertise
• Existing collaborations within CZ Biohub: AI/ML, Bioelectronics, Biomemetronics, Cardiac Biointerface Engineering, Functional Immunogenomics, Mass Spec Omics, Microtissue Signaling Dynamics, Spatiotemporal Omics, and Tissue Models
• Access to collaborators, resources and facilities at our three partner universities (Northwestern, UChicago, and UIUC) and at partner organizations in the Chicagoland Area and beyond

Intern Benefits

• Hands-on, one-of-a-kind experience
• Hourly compensation
• Invaluable relationships
• Trainings and seminars
• Social events/activities