Research Opportunities

Research Opportunities

UCLA research programs, clinical exposure, and volunteer opportunities for pre-med & science students.

3
Still Open
3
Paid Programs
7
Total Programs
Tip: Even if formal program deadlines have passed, you can still reach out directly to faculty members about joining their research lab via SRP-99 for academic credit this quarter.
Flying Samaritans
Clinical/Volunteer

Student-run organization working alongside doctors in underserved areas across the US-Mexico border. Provides hands-on clinical exposure for pre-med students.

Deadline: Rolling / Open Year-Round
Duration: Ongoing weekends

Eligibility:

  • • UCLA students
  • • Pre-med or health-related major
  • • Bilingual (Spanish helpful but not required)
💡 Great for clinical hours and community service. Reach out directly to the UCLA Flying Samaritans chapter.
Faculty Research (SRP-99)
Academic Research

Earn university credit for research by enrolling in a Student Research Program (SRP-99) course. Work directly with faculty on their research projects.

Deadline: Week 2 of each quarter (5:00 PM Friday)
Duration: Per quarter

Eligibility:

  • • UCLA students in good standing
  • • Must secure a faculty research mentor first
💡 Email instructors directly — many do active research and welcome student assistants. Signed contracts submitted via MyUCLA Message Center.
CTSI Research Associates Program (CTSI-RAP)
Clinical Research

Allows students to assist with clinical research and shadow physicians. Excellent for students interested in MD or MD/PhD pathways.

Deadline: Applications open early Fall
Duration: Academic year

Eligibility:

  • • UCLA students
  • • Pre-med or research interest
💡 Keep an eye out in early Fall quarter for applications to open.
URC-Sciences Summer Program
Summer Research

Summer research program open to UCLA students in good standing who have secured a faculty research mentor.

Deadline: March 2, 2026 (passed for 2026)
Duration: Summer
Paid / Stipend Available

Eligibility:

  • • UCLA students in good standing
  • • Faculty research mentor required
💡 Plan ahead for next year. Start connecting with faculty in Winter quarter.
Amgen Scholars Program
Summer Research

10-week paid summer research program (June 22 – August 27, 2026) for students pursuing a PhD or MD/PhD. Highly competitive national program.

Deadline: February 1, 2026 (passed for 2026)
Duration: 10 weeks (June 22 – Aug 27)
Paid / Stipend Available

Eligibility:

  • • Pursuing PhD or MD/PhD
  • • US citizen or permanent resident
  • • Sophomore or Junior standing
💡 Apply early next cycle — February 1 deadline. Very competitive; build your research experience through SRP-99 first.
Bruins-In-Genomics (B.I.G. Summer)
Summer Research

8-week immersion in computational biology (June 22 – August 14, 2026). Focused on genomics and bioinformatics research.

Deadline: May 1, 2026 (early submission Mar 1 recommended)
Duration: 8 weeks (June 22 – Aug 14)
Paid / Stipend Available

Eligibility:

  • • UCLA students
  • • Interest in computational biology or genomics
💡 Still open! Early submission by March 1 is strongly recommended even though final deadline is May 1.
Pre-Med Enrichment Program (PREP)
Pre-Med

Focuses on career development and research opportunities specifically for pre-med students at UCLA.

Deadline: March 2, 2026 (passed for 2026)
Duration: Summer

Eligibility:

  • • UCLA pre-med students
💡 Bookmark for next year. Great program specifically designed for pre-med career development.

How to Reach Out to Faculty

  1. Find professors whose research interests align with yours on the UCLA department website
  2. Email them with a brief intro, your GPA, relevant coursework, and why you're interested in their research
  3. Attach your resume/CV and mention you're interested in SRP-99 credit
  4. Follow up once after 1–2 weeks if no response
  5. Once accepted, complete the SRP-99 contract by Week 2 of the quarter