Want to be part of the team? Here's some tips.
Understand what we do.
Berman Lab takes its responsibility to students seriously; we want to know that not only are the students a good fit for us, but that we are also a good fit for the students. Take some time to look through our What We Do section to learn about what we do and what we don't, so you can determine if our lab is a good fit for the skills you want to learn. Not every lab is the right fit for every student, and we want you to choose a lab where you will thrive.
Who you are is more important than your preexisting skills.
While having a strong understanding of statistics and some programming skill (R, MATLAB, etc.) is a definite asset, the qualities we're most looking for are a deep interest in cancer, a strong attention to detail, and an eagerness to learn. We've taken on a number of students who had no or few preexisting research skills, but they were able to demonstrate strong interest in cancer through their cancer-specific volunteer activities.
We're a lab home, not a quick stop.
We're a long-term lab; our student researchers often stay with us for the duration of their undergrad, and many continue with Berman Lab throughout their Master's or PhD programs. We're looking for undergrads at the end of their first year, or anytime during their second year, who want a "lab home" where they can grow their skills and interpersonal networks over time. We no longer accept students currently in their third or fourth year.
We're a dry lab.
While we work with human specimens in the form of tumor sections and liquid samples, we are not a wet lab; most of our students don't do dissections or hands-on biochemistry experiments. If you want "wet work" or lab animal experience, we're not the right lab for you. Almost the entirety of our work is computer-based, using data extraction from patient charts, visual analysis of histological images, and interpreting DNA, mRNA, and protein data generated by partner laboratories.
Write your own cover letter.
When you write your cover letter to us, don't use an AI. If your letter looks like it was written with the assistance of ChatGPT or another assistive device, it will bump you down in the rankings. We want students who care about the authenticity of their work and who are committed to what they're doing. We want to know who you are, so tell us yourself why you care about cancer, why this placement is appropriate for you, and why you want to be part of Berman Lab.
Intake is currently closed.
We will likely be having another intake round in July or August of 2025, so keep an eye on this space. We accept roughly six new volunteer interns a year, and the process is very competitive. Successful candidates will then participate in a multi-month training to learn about data extraction, pathology, research variables and principles, programming, and gain familiarity with their fellow students and staff through participating in Journal Club, our weekly lab meeting, and group meetings for projects.
First-year undergrad? Read this.
We believe that the first year of an undergrad is for learning how to be a student, managing coursework and extracurriculars, and adjusting to your new environment. First-year students are welcome to apply in early February of their first year, to potentially interview in March and join the lab near the end of their first year.
Hopeful Independent Study (e.g., 499/595) student? Read this.
Students who join the lab at the end of their first year or during their second year as volunteers or work-study students are eligible for a fourth-year project. If you're interested in doing a 499/595 project with us, you'll need a minimum of 1.5 years of skill development and opportunities with us to establish your accuracy, aptitude, and commitment. Additional full-time work such as the Summer Work Experience Program (SWEP) is a terrific way to gain the skills and momentum needed for a 499.