Education Program Coordinator
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University of Chicago Comprehensive Care Center (UCCCC)
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Mentors

Eileen Dolan, PhD, Associate Director for Education, UCCCC
Kathy Goss, PhD, Director for Strategic Partnerships, UCCCC
Megan Mekinda, PhD, Assistant Director for Education, UCCCC
Christopher Peña, PhD, Scientific Coordinator, UCCCC

Background

The University of Chicago Medicine Comprehensive Cancer Center (UCCCC) is a national leader in supporting the training and career development of next-generation cancer researchers. Our cancer research pipeline programs provide immersive summer training experiences for aspiring young scientists interested in careers in research and medicine. Chicago EYES on Cancer serves high school and undergraduate students from populations underrepresented in the sciences. The program also welcome secondary science educators. ResearcHStart, a multi-institutional program centrally coordinated through the UCCCC, serves high school students from the Chicago and Urbana-Champaign areas.

Participants of both programs work full time in the laboratories of established cancer researchers, gaining hands-on experience in areas at the forefront of the field: cancer immunology, pharmacogenomics of anticancer agents, bioengineering, experimental cancer therapeutics, cancer disparities, and more. Rigorous research training is complemented by career development and skill-building workshops, a cancer-based faculty lecture series, and a network of faculty and peer mentors dedicated to students’ success. The programs culminate in respective research symposia, during which students present their work to family, friends, and members of the scientific community. The 2019 program dates are June 17th – August 9th.

Internship Description

Working closely with the UCCCC education team, the Education Program Coordinator will gain hands-on experience in the design, administration, and evaluation of intensive research training programs for high school and undergraduate youth. The intern will help to develop and implement a series of career- and skill- building workshops for participants of EYES and researcHStart, lead a team of peer mentors in providing ongoing support to program participants, and assist the program leadership team in the facilitation and evaluation of all scheduled events and activities. This is an excellent opportunity for an individual with an interest in education and career development programming, particularly that which targets aspiring scientists at the beginning of their career journey.

Specific Objectives

• Assist with implementation of week-long orientation and research training “boot camp” for program participants

• Lead the development of a biannual alumni newsletter to share program updates, alumni accomplishments, and education and career opportunities (e.g., programs, scholarships, professional meetings)

• When needed, assist with design and implementation of weekly skill- building workshops to prepare program participants for the next stages of their biomedical career path

• Lead team of peer mentors in providing support to participants throughout summer research experience

• Conduct periodic visits of program participants in their assigned laboratories with members of the administrative team

• Assist in the documentation of program activities (e.g., photographs, observational field notes) and facilitation of participant interviews and/or focus groups for the purposes of program evaluation

Qualifications

• Current graduate student or postdoctoral trainee at the University of Chicago
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• Strong interest in education, career development, and/or mentoring
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• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills
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• Able to attend program training “boot camp” (June 17th – 21st), weekly group meetings (Wednesdays June 26th – August 7th, 1PM-4PM,) and culminating research symposia (August 8th and 9th)

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Please provide your CV and a cover letter describing your interest in this internship and how this experience is applicable to your career goals.