Biological Sciences

Spanning a wide range of disciplines, from CRISPR gene editing technology, understanding the neural basis of consciousness and developing treatments for neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, to global climate change solutions, UChicago's cutting-edge biological and neurosciences curriculum equips students with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in a diverse range of careers. The Careers in Biological Sciences program, utilizing UChicago’s liberal arts approach, supports and fosters careers in research, education, policy, business, and more.

Coursework at UChicago prepares future leaders in these areas. More information about the different pathways through majors and minors can be found on the Biological Sciences Collegiate Division and the Neuroscience Institute sites.

Those students aiming for clinical careers, such as MD, DMD and DVM, can access specialized guidance from the Careers in Healthcare team.

Get updates on internships, professional development events, and more! Join the Careers in Biological Sciences listhost.

Resources to Get Started

Biological Sciences

Personalized Advising

Tony Abeyta, Assistant Director of Careers in Biological Sciences, is a seasoned scientist and educator who works to foster the development, success, and retention of students in STEM fields. Prior to joining UChicago, Tony was an Assistant Professor and Assistant Director of Academic Affairs at Rush University. He is a biologist and educator by training, with an undergraduate degree in biology and a doctoral degree in molecular and cellular biology from the University of Washington. With broad experience in academia and the non-profit space, Tony brings his strong commitment to mentorship as the lead advisor for students interested in pursuing roles in the biological sciences. Students can schedule an advising appointment online through UChicago Handshake or email Tony at tabeyta@uchicago.edu

Get Experience

While at the University of Chicago students pursue a range of research and internship opportunities to prepare for meaningful career paths in academia, industry, non-profits, and government. Many students gain hands-on research experience with faculty members at UChicago, a preeminent center for biological and biomedical research. These experiences effectively prepare students for top graduate programs and professional schools to continue their scientific training for impactful career paths in research and healthcare.

Bio Sciences Zoo

Research

Students work in University research labs throughout the Biological Sciences Division and the Neuroscience Institute, participating in basic and translational research in fields such as neurobiology, ecology, molecular biology, computational biology, public and global health and more. Students can also conduct research at our affiliate institution, the Marine Biological Laboratory in Woods Hole, Massachusetts. Students also have opportunities to present their research and gain a BS degree by writing a thesis based on their work. Recent University of Chicago student research projects included:

  • Imaging at the interface of the biological and physical sciences, including in vascular surgery, radiation therapy, and nuclear medicine (SURFBOARD program).

  • Understanding the molecules and developmental programs that regulate neuronal development and wiring of Drosophila (Carillo Lab)

  • Elucidation of gene regulatory networks via interrogating chromatin accessibility and DNA methylation profiles in cells from patients vs. healthy controls (Chromatin and Epigenetics program)

  • Understanding the role of Hippo signaling in asymmetric cell division of Drosophila neural stem cells (Fehon Lab)

  • Evaluating the role of extracellular ATP plays in wound healing of epithelial cell in Clytia hemispherica (Malamy lab)

  • Investigated how the phytosulfokine pathway may contribute to early senescence in plants (Greenberg Lab)

  • Investigated the signal meaning and function of captive bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) (Mateo Lab)

Learn more about getting involved in research through Career Advancement.

Internships

Students intern with employer partners and organizations including national laboratories, biotech organizations, museums, zoos, aquariums, legal firms, and non-profits where they gain experience and exposure to roles and organizations leading efforts in environmental legislation, sustainability and conservation, pharmaceuticals, STEM outreach and education, and more.

University of Chicago internship hosts have included:

  • Allen Institute

  • Alliance for the Great Lakes

  • Argonne National Laboratory

  • Buck Institute

  • Cascade Forest Conservancy

  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

  • Chicago Biomedical Consortium

  • Climate Impacts Research Centre

  • Heat Biologics

  • Illinois Medical Professionals Action Collaborative Team

  • John Edward Porter Neuroscience Research Center

  • Lincoln Park Zoo

  • National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

  • Shedd Aquarium

  • Smithsonian Environmental Research Center

Appointments to explore career paths and potential future opportunities of interest are available on Handshake with the Career Advancement team.

Career Events

Events allow students to meet with alumni and employers as they inform their career paths and learn about roles and organizations of interest. Career Advancement also organizes treks, career exploration experiences that bring groups of students to meet with alumni and employers throughout the United States and around the world. Past biological sciences speakers and employer hosts have featured professionals working in research, medicine, consulting, medical communications, patent law, education, biotechnology, conservation and sustainability, global and public health, and more. Trek hosts in Boston, North Carolina, San Francisco, and Seattle have included:

  • Abbvie

  • BillionToOne

  • Biogen

  • Conservation Law Foundation

  • Ginkgo Bioworks

  • Flatiron Health

  • Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center

  • Impossible Foods

  • Marine Biological Laboratory

  • Ramboll

  • Seattle Aquarium

  • Shape Therapeutics

  • Tempus

  • Tessera Therapeutics

These events and treks are designed to give students a practical understanding of both daily life in their field of interest and the best way to successfully find a career in that field. Participating students have the opportunity to expand their professional network, learn more about potential jobs and internships, and find out whether a particular career field matches their interests, skills, and values. Visit the upcoming treks page to stay up to date on future treks!

Computation and Engineering in the Life Sciences (CELLS)

CELLS helps students explore careers that use the tools of computer science and data analytics to answer big questions in the life sciences. Cohort members receive two years of comprehensive support to help them begin careers in biotech, bioinformatics, neuroscience, pharmacology, and more. For more information, contact Tiana Bowden at tianab@uchicago.edu.

Support the Program

Careers in Biological Sciences could not succeed without the support of alumni and experienced professionals. If you are an employer or practitioner in a biology-oriented field, please consider getting involved in our career treks, participating in our signature events, hosting an intern, and donating to the program. If you are interested in any of these options or have ideas of your own, please contact Will Lutterman at wplutterman@uchicago.edu.