Summer Research Opportunity in Los Angeles: City of Hope Internship 2026
Are you interested in gaining hands-on experience in cutting-edge biomedical research this summer? A unique and exciting opportunity is now available for UPR undergraduate and graduate students to participate in a Summer Research Internship at City of Hope, one of the Top 10 Comprehensive Cancer Care Organizations in the United States.
🔬 About the Program
This internship offers students the chance to work in a world-class research environment at the Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation in Duarte, California. Participants will join the laboratory of Dr. Michael A. Caligiuri, a globally recognized physician–scientist and leader in immunotherapy research.
👨🔬 About Dr. Caligiuri
Dr. Michael A. Caligiuri is an internationally recognized leader in immunotherapy and natural killer (NK) cell biology. His laboratory has spent over 35 years advancing the understanding of NK cells, producing more than 420 peer-reviewed publications and shaping the field of cancer immunotherapy.
His pioneering work has led to key breakthroughs, including:
The development of CAR-NK cell therapies for cancer treatment
Advances in genetic modification of NK cells
Discovery of IL-15 as a critical cytokine for NK cell development and function
Insights into how NK cells originate and mature from hematopoietic stem cells
These contributions have enabled the translation of laboratory discoveries into clinical therapies used in cancer patients.
Dr. Caligiuri has also led clinical studies involving over 1,000 cancer patients, bridging basic science and patient care. His leadership roles include serving as:
President of the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR)
President of the Association for American Cancer Institutes
President of the Society of Natural Immunity
He is a member of the U.S. National Academy of Medicine, a Fellow of the AAAS, and recipient of numerous prestigious awards, including a lifetime achievement award from Stanford University School of Medicine and the Basic Science Mentor Award from the American Society of Hematology.
Beyond his scientific achievements, Dr. Caligiuri is a dedicated mentor. More than 150 trainees from his laboratory have gone on to receive over 225 awards, highlighting his strong commitment to developing the next generation of scientists.
🧪 What You’ll Do
As an intern, you will:
Conduct laboratory research in cellular biology, molecular biology, and immunology
Work closely with junior faculty and senior postdoctoral fellows
Gain exposure to translational cancer research
Develop practical lab skills and scientific thinking in a collaborative setting
📅 Program Details
Dates: June 8 – August 14, 2026
Location: Los Angeles campus in Duarte, California.
Schedule: ~40 hours per week
Compensation: $21/hour
Housing: Provided
🌍 Why Apply?
This program is more than just a summer internship—it’s an opportunity to:
Work at a leading cancer research institution
Learn from internationally recognized scientists
Build a strong foundation for careers in biomedical research, medicine, or graduate studies
Join a legacy of trainees who have received numerous awards and distinctions
🎓 Who Can Apply?
UPR undergraduate and graduate students with an interest in biomedical research
Students motivated to learn, contribute, and engage in a rigorous research environment
📩 How to Apply
Interested students complete the following form: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/f1eZZsCF93