Chemers Neustein Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship Program

The Chemers Neustein Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) program provides a unique opportunity for undergraduates to conduct laboratory research at The Rockefeller University. SURF students work with leading scientists in a broad range of areas including biochemistry; structural biology and chemistry; molecular, cell and developmental biology; immunology; virology and microbiology; neuroscience; physics; and mathematical biology.

College sophomores and juniors are eligible to spend 10 weeks during the summer in a Rockefeller University laboratory. The program begins in early June and ends in mid-August. Placement in laboratories is centralized through the Dean’s Office. Students are matched with laboratories according to their stated research interests, and work on projects under the direct supervision of faculty, postdoctoral fellows and/or senior graduate students.

The university seeks students who have a natural curiosity about science and who have demonstrated aptitude, enthusiasm and commitment to research. Students who enter the Ph.D. program must have received a bachelor or master of arts or sciences, or doctor of medicine or equivalent international qualification. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of achievement in the biological, chemical, mathematical, or physical sciences.

The Rockefeller University is committed to recruiting and supporting a diverse graduate community, and encourages applications from individuals from underrepresented racial and ethnic groups, individuals with disabilities, and individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds.

General and Advanced Subject Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores and TOEFL scores are not required for admission.

A clearinghouse of opportunities, as well as a resource for one-on-one counseling, Rockefeller’s Office of Career and Professional Development is a springboard to a rewarding career in science. From traditional academic appointments to jobs in biotech, pharma, business, and policy, Rockefeller students thrive professionally.

SURF students receive a stipend of $6,000.00. Free housing will be provided for students who cannot commute. Campus facilities include a tennis court, a recently renovated gym and adjacent east west esplanade for jogging, running, walking, or roller blading. SURF students are encouraged to attend social and cultural events occurring both on and off campus. Organized outings for SURF students have included trips to see a Broadway show and professional baseball game.

Rockefeller students enjoy full financial support, live in highly subsidized housing on Manhattan’s Upper East Side, and pay $0 in tuition.

Applications must be submitted online at graduateapplication.rockefeller.edu. They must include:

• A statement of purpose comprised of the following three components:
  • Describe your most meaningful research experience(s) to date.
  • Indicate what area(s) of biological science you would like to study in graduate school and how your interests would fit within the Rockefeller Ph.D. program.
  • Describe how your background and experiences would contribute to the diversity of the Rockefeller community and/or how you might work with us on achieving a more diverse, equitable and inclusive university.
• An official transcript from each college or university you have attended
• Letters of recommendation from three or four sponsors who can assess your potential for research
• An application fee of $50.