QB3 Biotech Undergraduate Summer Internships

Once accepted into the program, students are required to attend all meetings, orientations, activities, and fulfill the following internship requirements:

1. Once a student accepts an internship offer, whether verbally or in writing, acceptance is considered binding for the duration of the entire work period;
2. Interns are required to turn in UCSC, company employer, and internship program forms by stated deadlines;
3. Interns may be required to sign a confidentiality compliance statement protecting a company’s proprietary information and must observe company rules and regulations.
4. Interns may be required to participate in a background check and drug test and may be asked to supply a copy of their most recent immunization record, and current residence status.
5. Interns will participate in weekly workshops and complete all QB3-UCSC assignments by the stated deadline.
6. Interns will participate in end-of-program evaluation procedures and short presentation.
7. Interns are required to report any internship issues or difficulties to their supervisor and if not resolved to the QB3-UCSC program coordinator.
8. Interns are required to resume a normal course of study (Fall quarter) upon completion of the internship program.

The program is from mid June until mid August for ten weeks and 40 hours per week.

The intern will receive a fellowship of $10,000 paid out through Financial Aid in two $5,000 payments. Payment will be withheld if intern drops out of the program. It is a scholarship-based experience, which means payments will be included in any financial aid received from UCSC and payments cannot exceed your cost of attendance at UCSC. Contact Financial Aid if you have any questions about your financial aid package.  

The company supervisor has direct responsibility for hiring, training, and evaluating interns. The supervisor creates internship training plans, and may assign mentors to oversee and train interns. The supervisor defines specific duties and assignment responsibilities, including research project and presentation goals. Supervisors also provide an overview of the company’s operations, create professional networking opportunities, and encourage informational interviews.

The QB3-UCSC program coordinator manages the initial application and screening process, acts as a liaison between applicants and company representatives, leads a weekly workshop and organizes activities before and after the internship to share information and solicit feedback.

A:  The program is open to UC Santa Cruz undergraduate students. Most students who are selected to participate in the program are sophomores or juniors. However,

• If you are a senior: You are eligible to apply only if you will be enrolled in a course(s) at UCSC in the quarter following the summer of the internship.
• If you are a transfer student: You must have completed at least two quarters of coursework at UCSC in order to apply.

A:  Academic credit is not available.

A:  QB3-UCSC partners with different Bay Area biotech companies, so while your internship placement will be local or remote, the particular job duties will depend entirely on the needs of the company. You will work on a real project with a team that will support your development.

• UCSC Career Success has many resources.
• Discovery: Career Coaching Sessions for all UCSC students. Blackstone LaunchPad has partnered with Basta to offer career coaching until early June 2024. If you need assistance with your resume or LinkedIn profile considering filling out this form.

A:  There is no guarantee that an applicant will receive an internship at any of QB3-UCSC’s partner companies.

A:  No, it’s up to the student to arrange and pay for summer housing.

A: At the end of the program, consider asking your supervisor if you can list him or her as a reference for future employment opportunities. You might also ask for a general letter of recommendation. This letter should be on company letterhead and addressed to “To Whom It May Concern. ” The letter can be photocopied and utilized when applying to multiple jobs.

A: Companies will reach out to applicants in April and May.

A: Interns are required to report any internship issues or difficulties to their supervisor and if unresolved to the QB3-UCSC program coordinator. The company supervisor will discuss an unsatisfactory situation with the intern and notify the QB3-UCSC program coordinator. Grounds for immediate dismissal from the program include failure to fulfill responsibilities due to tardiness, absence, or other forms of undependability or incompetence.

A: Please email  qb3interns@ucsc.edu with any questions not answered on this page.