SCI Summer Internship

Simmons Cancer Institute is accepting research internship applications

Applications for the 2026 summer lab internships at Simmons Cancer Institute (SCI) at Southern Illinois University (SIU) School of Medicine are being accepted through February 16, 2026. Positions will be awarded on a competitive basis to qualified undergraduate college students who plan a career in medicine or research with a focus on cancer.

Established in 2009, the paid internship program provides hands-on experience for college undergraduates. It is funded through Denim & Diamonds, the cancer institute’s annual gala to benefit cancer research, patient programs and needs of SCI’s patient population.

Three internships are located at the School of Medicine in Springfield and one is based at SIU’s Carbondale campus. Housing is not provided. The anticipated dates for the nine-week internship program are June 2 through August 1, 2025.

“Our summer internship gives potential future scientists and clinicians their first exposure to real research,” said Dr. Aziz Khan, executive director of Simmons Cancer Institute at SIU. “Most have continued on to medical school, graduate school or careers in research.” To date, 63 students have participated in the internship program.

Qualified applicants will have completed their freshman year of college by June 2026 and will be entering their sophomore, junior or senior year in fall 2026. Previous SCI interns are ineligible.

At the end of the internship, participants in the program provide a brief presentation to researchers, their peers, families and SCI supporters, detailing their research progress during the program.