Summer Research Internships
GSBS Summer Research Internships
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center offers two summer research internships in Biomedical Sciences: ABRI and SABR. See below for specific program dates.
SABR 2024 is tentatively planned to be in-person from May 21 - July 26. The deadline to apply is March 1.
Amarillo Biomedical Research Internship
Amarillo Biomedical Research Internship (ABRI) is located in Amarillo, TX and affiliated with the Pharmaceutical Sciences graduate program and the Jerry H. Hodge School of Pharmacy.
The mission of the ABRI program is to foster interest in the graduate program at the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center Jerry H. Hodge School of Pharmacy as well as among promising and gifted students considering graduate studies leading to research careers in biomedical sciences.
Program Information
Each of the students selected for the biomedical sciences research program will be provided with a stipend and placed in a laboratory setting under the guidance of a graduate faculty mentor. Most placements are in Amarillo; however, placements may be available in Abilene (this depends on SOP faculty participation and varies from year to year). The students will work for 10 weeks during the summer, learning research skills and conducting laboratory studies. Students typically begin their 10-week internship on the fourth week in May, completing their work the last week of July. The focus of the ABRI program is to provide the interns with one-on-one, hands-on experience in investigator-initiated research. The program will provide an opportunity for interns to conduct serious research and develop applied research skills. Upon completing this program, interns will be equipped with solid skills and experience that will better enable them to successfully pursue graduate studies in biomedical fields.
- Complete a 10-week program of intensive research. Internships will not be calculated based on hourly work; the stipend will be awarded in two payments for the entire 10-week internship.
- Develop and conduct an investigator-initiated research project, in consultation with the faculty mentor.
- Participate in other research activities at the School (e.g., attend research seminars, group meetings, etc.)
- Complete a research project within the time-frame of the internship.
- Present work/findings at the ABRI Closing event.
All interns are awarded a stipend of $3,800 for the program.
The program runs from May 27 - August 2, 2019
The multi-disciplinary faculty of the Jerry H. Hodge School of Pharmacy are encouraged to participate in the ABRI program. Each participating faculty mentor should have an ongoing investigator-initiated research program with enough funding to support half of the student stipend and to cover other research expenses. Lab personnel (e.g., post doctoral research associates, graduate students, technicians, etc.) should already be in place in the laboratory and available to assist the intern throughout the internship.
Faculty members interested in participating in the ABRI program may apply in March to the Graduate Program Office for approval and subsequent student placement.
Application Information
Applications for ABRI are completed through BioRaider.com, which hosts our application system.
While creating a BioRaider.com account, rather than selecting ABRI for the academic program of interest select the eventual graduate program of interest (for example, Pharmaceutical Sciences M.S. or Ph.D.). Then after your account is complete, you can select the Summer Internships application for ABRI.
- College Transcript (Unofficial transcripts accepted)
- 1 Letter of Recommendation
- Essay (Define your motivation for participating in the ABRI program)
Students who have completed their first year toward a bachelors degree or their first year of a professional degree will be eligible for the program. Preference will be given to third- or fourth-year students. Applicants should express a serious interest in obtaining hands-on, intensive research experience. All interested students will complete an application. Final selections of students will be made by a panel of mentors in the program.
Biomedical Research Internship of Abilene
The Biomedical Research Internship of Abilene (BRIA) is located on the Abilene campus of Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center and is associated with the Department of Immunotherapeutics and Biotechnology. The vision of the Department is to be a leader in precision oncology therapeutics through cutting-edge interdisciplinary research. As part of a diverse research team, our interns work in state-of-the-art labs on projects to develop new cancer therapies and uncover new knowledge of cancer biology that could lead to a cure for cancer. This internship offers undergraduate students a unique hands-on opportunity to gain research skills. BRIA is ideal for highly motivated students who aspire to become biomedical researchers and are considering further training in a biomedical or pharmaceutical Ph.D. or MS program.
Interns accepted into the BRIA program will work full-time for 10 weeks from May 30 to Aug 4.
Summer Accelerated Biomedical Research
Summer Accelerated Biomedical Research (SABR) is located in Lubbock, TX and affiliated with the Biomedical Sciences Ph.D. program.
The Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences has faculty involved in many relevant, interesting research areas with state-of-the art labs and equipment. The SABR Program is an excellent educational opportunity, with a commitment to fostering the intern's desire for science and research. Our program is intended for undergraduate students or current graduates who wish to gain more research experience before entering graduate school.
The SABR program will introduce its interns to a full-time work schedule, which can be a first-time experience for many. During these 10 weeks, our interns will be exposed to the life of a graduate student, as well as learn to become more independent and self-autonomous. Along the way, interns will be helped by their mentor, graduate students, other lab staff members, and the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences' administration.
The program runs from the end of May to the end of July.
Program Information
- A full stipend is predicated on the 10-week period; payment dates are July 1st and August 1st. The SABR Program begins May 30 and ends August 5. The stipend for this 10-week program is $3800 (before taxes).
- A typical workweek will consist of at least 40 hours – sometimes more, if your experiments require. (Night or weekend hours may be necessary). You will work with your mentor to create a daily/weekly schedule to support your experiments and research. Your lunch hour should not exceed 60 minutes. Anytime you are going to be 30+ minutes late or are sick, you must to notify the GSBS office (806-743-2556) and your mentor or lab.
- Due to the large amount of time spent in the lab each week, students will be unable to concurrently take summer school classes or work a second job. If you currently hold a job position within the TTU System you will need to ask them to end this position for the summer, in order for the system to allow us to process your stipend.
- Orientation, Safety Training, and Tuesday seminars are REQUIRED Attendance; NO EXCEPTIONS. You may access the SABR schedule at any time online. Any time you will not be attending due to sickness, you must notify the GSBS office prior to the event. (Please try to arrive a few minutes early so we may start all functions on time).
- The SABR Program is designed to complete your research project in a 10-week time-frame. Working on your own research project will be an immersing experience for the entire duration. Time off during the 10 weeks is only approved by GSBS in emergency situations.
- You are required to attend and participate in the entire Final Research Symposium. Travel plans are to be made accordingly. (Interns will prepare an abstract during the 10-week program and present their findings at this symposium).
- Most importantly, our SABR Program is for you to learn new ideas, learn new techniques, meet new friends, grow independently and to have a great summer!
You will be richly rewarded for your dedication and hard work, and we hope to have you join us this summer!
Michael Blanton, Ph.D.
Senior Associate Dean
Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences
Housing opportunities in Lubbock are plentiful and students have had little trouble finding housing for the 10 week program in the past.
If you need assistance finding suitable accommodations, please reach out to us!
There is a local bus line in town called Citibus. Interns are encouraged to utilize this city service to procure groceries, go shopping on weekends, and other tasks that can circumvent the lack of a car. The bus routes and pricing information can be found here.
If you would like to rent a car for the duration of your stay, Lubbock has a variety of car rentals to choose from.
Recreational Center:
Texas Tech University main campus offers many exciting recreational sports and events
in their REC center. Please visit the Rec Center's Website for information on summer pricing and available amenities. Rock climbing wall, indoor
and outdoor track, 2 lap pools, a leisure pool, and so much more!
Interns who choose to pay for a Recreation Center membership can use their membership ID for a discount on the local City Bus, but this is completely optional.
All Tuesday Seminars are tentatively from 12:00 P.M. to 1:00 P.M.
Lunches will be provided during the seminars.
The SABR program will provide optional extra-curricular activities.
Application Information
Applications for SABR are completed through BioRaider.com, which hosts our application system.
While creating a BioRaider.com account, rather than selecting SABR for the academic program of interest select the eventual graduate program of interest (for example, Biomedical Sciences PhD). Then after your account is complete, you can select the Summer Internships application for SABR.
- College Transcript (Unofficial transcripts accepted)
- 1 Letter of Recommendation
- Essay (Define your motivation for participating in the SABR program)
To be eligible for this program we ask that you are an undergraduate who has interest in performing scientific research and attending graduate school.
Applicants who are currently enrolled in graduate school will not be eligible for review.
Applicants taking post-baccalaureate classes with the intent to enter graduate school will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Interns must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, or DACA recipient with original, unexpired, and valid EAD card.
The deadline to apply to the 2024 SABR program is March 1. After the deadline, the SABR committee will review the applicant's research interests, academic performance, letters of recommendation, and personal essays. This process determines which applicants are the best fit for the TTUHSC GSBS faculty as well as establishing an alternate group. Decisions are announced in early April.
The SABR program receives ~70 applications per year, taking only 10 interns based on the availability of funds and mentors.
Late applications will not be considered for the SABR program, so please have all of your materials submitted before the deadline!