C-GEM SURP Application

What does C-GEM study? C-GEM is learning how to repurpose nature’s protein synthesizing machine - the ribosome and all its associated factors - to biosynthesize genetically encoded, sequence-defined bio-polymers and natural product-like molecules - with unprecedented structures, functions, and activities. C-GEM's goal is to develop the science that transforms how scientists design and produce both bio-materials and medicines.

C-GEM invites applications from undergraduates who are interested in exploring the intersection of chemistry and biology. 

As a C-GEM SURP participant, you will:

• Carry out an individual research project under the day-to-day guidance of a graduate student or postdoc in a C-GEM faculty's laboratory.
• Interact with faculty and students across C-GEM institutions.
• Participate in an integrated mentorship and professional development program.
• Attend research seminars, group meetings, and C-GEM team meetings.
  Connect and network with current graduate students and postdoctoral researchers, and learn more about life as a graduate student.
• Strengthen your scientific reading, writing, and oral communication skills.

Program details:

• Participants may be placed in laboratories at Berkeley, Yale, Cornell, Georgia Tech, and Boston College, depending on location and scientific preferences.
• The program is 10 weeks, June - August (exact start and end date varies by location).
• Competitive stipend. Varies by location, but approximately $6000.
• Room and board will be provided.
• Travel costs will be covered up to $600.

Eligibility:

• To participate in this program, you must be a US citizen or permanent resident.
• You must be a rising sophomore, junior, senior, etc. Students who have recently graduated with a bachelor's degree are not eligible for SURP.
• No previous research experience is required!

Applications will close on February 1, 2025 at 11:59 PT.

This section asks you to reflect on your goals, motivations, and interests for applying to the C-GEM Summer Undergraduate Research Program. These short statements are an opportunity for you as an applicant to provide the selection committee with additional information and/or context to evaluate your application. We encourage you to draft your statements in a word processor, then copy/paste into the form. Please make sure you read the prompts carefully and address each of the components.

If you have not already, you may want to review the C-GEM website to learn more about who we are and what we do. The phrase "genetically encoded materials" refers to our interest in producing new types of polymers by leveraging the translational machinery of the cell (i.e. ribosomes and other factors). C-GEM does NOT focus on medicine and human genetics.

We require one letter of recommendation. Recommendations should come from someone you have had as a professor, mentor, or advisor, and can speak to your ability/potential as a student/researcher. Entering an email address at the link below will send a request and upload instructions to the listed person, please let them know to expect an email. We recommend that you talk to your letter writer early (at least two weeks before the deadline) so they have time to prepare your letter.

We will accept letters of recommendation until February 14, 2025. Applications without letters of recommendation will not be reviewed.

Submit your letter writer's information here.

If you are ready to submit your application, please click submit below.

Please be sure you are ready to submit!

Once you submit, you will not be able to go back through the application form.