Program Details

Currently, the 2025 SURF program is being planned as an onsite program according to schedule. The application will open early November 2024 and will close on February 1, 2025.

As a SURF Program participant, you will meet students from all around the country who have come to Cincinnati for the summer to explore the possibility of a career in biomedical research. You’ll have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in one of our cutting-edge laboratories, working under the supervision of our world-renowned research faculty and taking full advantage of the opportunities available in a professional research environment.

You will also have the opportunity to take research-oriented training courses and participate in research seminars, journal clubs, career days and a research poster competition.

Cincinnati offers a variety of cultural and social activities such as the Cincinnati Reds, Zoo & Botanical Garden, and art museum. You may decide to see a concert at Riverbend Music Center or a play at the Aronoff Center, Playhouse in the Park or Ensemble Theatre of Cincinnati.

Interns should arrange for health insurance coverage, this is not provided for summer students through Cincinnati Children's. Parking at Cincinnati Children’s is available to SURF students.

We hope you will join us for an exciting and stimulating summer of scientific exploration.

Eligibility

Students who will be undergraduate freshman, sophomores, juniors or seniors in the Fall of 2025 (with a 3.0 or better GPA) are eligible to apply to the SURF Program. Applicants must be US citizens, permanent residents, or hold a green card and have an interest in a career in biomedical research or medicine. Criteria for selection include academic record, answers to essay questions and interest in obtaining research experience. International students who live in Cincinnati and attend a Cincinnati based university/college may also be eligible to apply. These students must hold an F-1 visa and be eligible to obtain their own CPT work authorization through their university/college. Please email surf-cchmc@cchmc.org for more information about applying.

Applicants are encouraged to specify their areas of research interest and / or specific mentors they wish to work with. This will allow us to facilitate the match of students with appropriate mentors. We ask that students contact no more than 1-2 faculty members at Cincinnati Children’s to inquire about summer projects. Applicants may be disqualified from consideration for contacting more than 2 faculty.

Program Dates

The program is 10 weeks long and students can start the program on either May 27 or May 29, depending on their availability and the approval of their mentor.

Work Schedule

The program is 10 weeks long. Students work 40 hours per week in person and are paid a salary of $13 per hour. Students start the program on either May 27th or May 29th, depending on their availability and the approval of their mentor. Mentors will decide specific hours. Due to the short length of the program, vacations are highly discouraged. Applicants are asked to list any dates for unavoidable travel on the application. Students are required to get approval for any vacation plans with their mentors at least 2 weeks prior to the date(s).

Housing

SURF students will need to secure their own housing accommodations. Please contact the SURF program at surf-cchmc@cchmc.org if you would like to be added to a list-serv of SURF students interested in sharing housing and housing opportunities.

The University of Cincinnati typically provides summer housing to students working in the area, more information can be found here. There are additional housing resources provided by UC here.

Hiring Requirements

Please note, as safety is our foundational responsibility, COVID-19 vaccination is required of all Cincinnati Children’s employees, contractors, volunteers, vendors, and students. New employees must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 prior to starting work. Complete initial vaccination can range from a single dose to a two-dose series depending on the vaccine product, CDC and FDA guidance.

Cincinnati Children's is a drug-free workplace and requires candidates for hire to take and pass a urine drug screening test before beginning work. The screening takes place in person at a pre-employment appointment.