Overview of Program
The St. Jude Chemistry to Medicine (Chem2Med) 14-Month Internship Program offers undergraduate chemistry students the opportunity to participate in a 14-month research experience in the Department of Chemical Biology & Therapeutics (CBT) at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Interns will participate in drug discovery research and have access to cutting-edge biotech/pharmaceutical technologies to treat rare pediatric diseases.
Selected interns will participate in a 14-month program starting in May of their first summer. They will continue their research throughout the academic year for course credit, culminating in a second summer dedicated to research. Anticipate being available Monday through Friday during standard lab hours, working full-time (40 hours per week) in the summer, with a stipend provided. In contrast, research hours will significantly decrease during the academic year to 10-15 hours per week, alongside your scheduled classes, for course credit. Students will meet with their St. Jude mentor to establish a suitable research schedule that allows for adequate laboratory time while completing their coursework during the Fall and Spring semesters.
Typical Learning Opportunities & Activities
- Interns will engage with St. Jude faculty mentors to perform innovative research at the chemistry-biology interface.
- Attend departmental research seminars.
- Participate in professional development workshops.
- Present summer research progress to the department.
- Complete any University of Memphis required activities to fulfill course credit requirements.
Education Required
- Candidates must be chemistry majors enrolled at the University of Memphis.
- Candidates must have completed at least 60 credit hours.
- Candidates should have a GPA of> 3.25.
Characteristics of a Successful Candidate
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Good problem-solving and critical-thinking skills.
- Basic laboratory and technical skills.
How to Apply
Please complete the application, which includes submitting a cover letter, a CV/resume, and your unofficial academic transcript. Your cover letter should include how participation in this internship would support your educational and career goals. Applicants are encouraged to review the St. Jude CBT faculty research interests and highlight any faculty members who share the applicant’s interests. Applicants should work directly with Dr. Jermaine Johnson at the University of Memphis to complete their application.
Successful candidates will qualify for a summer stipend and receive course credit during the academic year.
Deadline to Apply
The deadline to apply is March 7, 2025.