The SickKids Summer Research Program
Purpose of Program
The SickKids Summer Research Program (SSuRe) program provides opportunities for university students to conduct research in a laboratory or clinical setting at The Hospital for Sick Children under the supervision of a Research Institute scientist.
The program runs for 15 weeks from early May to mid-August. Specific start dates are arranged directly with the hiring scientists. The program includes weekly seminars presented by Hospital and Research Institute staff members. The final event of the program is the Annual Summer Student Symposium. At the Symposium, most students present the results of their summer projects in poster format while seven outstanding students present orally. Awards are presented to select students with exceptional research projects.
Eligibility Criteria
Eligible students include:
- Students in year 1, 2, 3 or 4 of an undergraduate degree program at time of application
- Students in medical school at the time of application
- Students who are Canadian residents or landed immigrants
- Scientists and students must be conducting their research at SickKids
Students who are NOT eligible include:
- High school students
- Students enrolled in a Masters or Doctoral program
There is no minimum grade point average (GPA) to apply to the program.
Remuneration and Work Hours
Students will be paid $6,000CAD for the 15-week program (based on an hourly rate of $11.43 for a 35-hour work week). The SickKids Summer Research Program provides a portion of the stipend and the supervisor provides the balance. Students accepted into the program may also apply through their supervisor for external funding.
The program typically runs Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. However, this may vary slightly within each scientist's lab.
Application Procedure
The list of scientists recruiting summer students, descriptions of the available positions and applications for the 2011 summer program will be posted in mid December 2010. Each scientist will indicate the method by which they wish to receive applications (i.e. mail, fax, e-mail). The method(s) indicated are the only way to apply to each scientist.
You must apply directly to each scientist. The Research Training Centre and the Human Resources Department will not accept applications.
If you would like to apply to more than one scientist, you must send individual applications to each one as each scientist is responsible for selecting their own student.
To apply students must submit the following:
- SickKids Summer Research Program Student Application form
- Resume
- Current university transcripts
It is at the discretion of the scientist if (s)he will accept unofficial transcripts (copies or printed versions) instead of official ones. In advance of submitting a full application, please contact the scientist(s) to whom you wish to apply to determine their preference regarding transcripts. - One (1) reference letter from an individual familiar with your skills and best able to describe your past and/or current work/school experience. (e.g. professor, high school teacher, previous employer).
- It is at the discretion of the scientist how (s)he would like to receive reference letters (i.e. hard copy or electronic format) and from whom (the student or directly from the referee). In advance of submitting a full application, please contact the scientist(s) to whom you wish to apply to determine their preferences regarding reference letters.
- There are no specific criteria the referee should address in the reference letter, but in general, such letters should describe a student’s education background, academic performance, relevant research training or work experience, characteristics and abilities. The letter should also highlight the student’s achievements to date.
- It is at the discretion of the scientist how (s)he would like to receive reference letters (i.e. hard copy or electronic format) and from whom (the student or directly from the referee). In advance of submitting a full application, please contact the scientist(s) to whom you wish to apply to determine their preferences regarding reference letters.
Application Deadline
Applications for the 2011 Summer Program are no longer being accepted.
Due to the large volume of applications received, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.
Each Scientist will conduct interviews and make final selections independently. All candidates selected for the program will have been contacted by early April 2011.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THIS PROGRAM
Please see the Frequently Asked Questions link to your left
Or contact us:
SickKids Summer Research Program
The Research Training Centre
The Hospital for Sick Children
email: summer.program@sickkids.ca