Computational Cancer Genomics
at Washington University in St. Louis
Summer Research Program
Our summer research program is designed for undergraduate or masters students who have computational or statistical skills and are interested in applying them to cancer research. If you like the idea of writing code that uses real data from real patients to improve the way we diagnose and treat cancer, you might be a good fit!
No biological expertise is necessary (though it doesn't hurt!). Students do need to have foundational programming skills, including working with a unix shell and familiarity with a language like Python or R.
Students will participate in a "Bioinformatics Bootcamp" in their first week, then spend the summer completing a hands-on research project with a faculty mentor and their lab. Participants will learn skills in biology, big data analysis, visualization, and high performance computing. Weekly seminars and training opportunities will occur throughout the course, as will interaction with your peer summer researchers.
"This summer internship taught me to work independently and troubleshoot complex bioinformatics projects. The mentorship connections I made continue to support me, and this experience was crucial in defining my future career path. The challenge of integrating biology and informatics sparked a curiosity that I still pursue today."
Current WashU Graduate Student
Eligibility
Applicants should be completing at least their sophomore year of an undergraduate degree and be available to work in-person in St Louis for the summer.
Students from Summer 2023
Students must be a U.S. citizen, a permanent U.S. resident, in possession of a F-1 visa through Washington University, or completing the optional practical training (OPT) on a F-1 visa through another university. DACA students are also eligible to apply. The summer program does not qualify for an H-1B visa, J-1 visa or TN visa.
The number of positions available depends on the number of participating labs each year. Diversity is important to us, and we strongly encourage students with diverse backgrounds and experiences to apply.
Stipend, Travel, & Housing
The program runs from May 26th - July 31st (10 weeks). Daily schedules will depend on the research area and lab, but students will be expected to work approximately 40 hours per week.
Students will be provided a $7,000 stipend that will be disbursed in two payments on the last days of June and July.
Housing is available on campus for participants at summer term rates. Participants are also welcome to secure their own housing off campus. All participants are responsible for their travel to St. Louis and any housing fees.
Students are highly encouraged to avoid missing any of the official program, but requests for time away will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis
To Apply
Fill out the online application form by January 23, 2026. It includes a request for your resume/CV. It will also ask you to enter contact info for someone willing to give you a letter of recommendation - preferably from a STEM teacher, professor, or other person who can speak to your skills and potential to succeed in this program.
Applications and references must be received by January 23, 2026.
For other questions about the program, contact Chris Miller (c.a.miller@wustl.edu)
Support
Support comes from individual laboratories and the Siteman Cancer Center