Can AI be used to improve medical diagnoses? Is there a way to model how the human brain works? How can we predict how measures designed to fight climate change will impact ecosystems?
The CELLS program connects students to careers in biology where they can harness the power of computer science and analytics to answer these big questions in the life sciences. This early engagement career program is an excellent fit for students who are seeking careers at the intersection of biology and data, including biotech, bioinformatics, neuroscience, pharmacology, and more!
Join us for a two-year highly selective adventure, entirely unique to the University of Chicago, where you’ll gain the professional skills and experience you need to thrive in the field. Throughout your journey, you’ll receive support from experts at Career Advancement, the Biological Sciences Division, the Physical Sciences Division, and the Data Science Institute.
All rising first-year students are eligible to apply for CELLS. Prior experience is not required!
COMPREHENSIVE CAREER PREPARATION
Over the course of two years, CELLS participants complete immersive and exploratory career preparation programming that includes professional development workshops, career treks, funded internships and research experiences, and invaluable networking opportunities with industry leaders and faculty.
In addition to expert support from program staff, all CELLS participants will meet with upper-division student mentors, where they can informally discuss career planning, networking, internships, and more.
WHAT STUDENTS CAN EXPECT
- Comprehensive exploration of Computational Biology career pathways
- Employer-led workshops on Data Science and Coding topics
- Networking opportunities and expert speaker events
- Biology and Innovation Career Treks
- Professional development training including public speaking, research talks, and presenting work at conferences
QUESTIONS?
For more information about CELLS, please contact David Lerner at dlerner@uchicago.edu.
EMPLOYER PARTNERSHIPS
With the support of top tech and business firms, national laboratories, and intrepid entrepreneurs, CELLS facilitates pivotal career and industry exploration opportunities for our students.
Thank you to our current Employer Partners for providing incredible mentorship and career exploration opportunities in healthcare, pharmaceuticals, computational biology, research and development, technological innovation, software development, biotechnology, and data science!
Employers: Get Involved
Career Advancement invites employers to connect with CELLS through a gamut of enriching ways, including internships and research opportunities, career treks, job shadowing, participation as an industry speaker or mentor, and other signature events. To become an Employer Partner with CELLS, please contact David Lerner at dlerner@uchicago.edu for more information.
THANK YOU TO OUR COMMITTEE!
Heather Marlow
Assistant Professor of Organismal Biology and Anatomy Committee on Genetics, Genomics and Systems Biology
Dan Nicolae
Professor Departments of Statistics, Human Genetics, Medicine
Faculty Co-Director, Data Science Institute
John Anderson
Associate Professor of Chemistry
Jessica Sweeney
Director of Research Programs and Strategy at the Data Science Institute