Fred Hutch Open Internships

Grades

High school students (grades 9-12), though specific grade requirements not publicly detailed on main internship page

Age

Typically 16+ (standard for research internships with lab safety requirements), though not explicitly stated

Citizenship

Washington state residency or willingness to relocate to Seattle area likely preferred; U.S. citizenship may be required for some positions

Prerequisites

Strong academic performance in STEM subjects; demonstrated interest in cancer research or healthcare; may require completion of safety training (biological hazard, lab safety); some programs may require prior science coursework

Steps

1. Visit fredhutch.org/careers or internship-specific portal
2. Review available internship positions and departments
3. Prepare resume/CV highlighting STEM coursework and relevant experience
4. Write cover letter explaining interest in cancer research/healthcare
5. Submit application through Fred Hutch careers portal or designated application system
6. Participate in phone/video screening interview if selected
7. Attend in-person interview with supervising PI or department head
8. Complete background check and safety training if offered position

Materials Needed

• Resume/CV
• Cover letter
• High school transcript (may be requested)
• 2-3 letters of recommendation (likely from teachers/counselors)
• Essay or statement of purpose regarding research interests
• Completed application form on Fred Hutch careers portal

Timeline

Applications typically open in fall/winter for summer internships; rolling admissions likely; internships typically run 8-12 weeks during summer break; apply 3-4 months in advance for best chances

Cost

Unknown if paid or unpaid; many research internships at cancer centers are paid ($15-18/hour typical for high school interns at research institutions)

What Judges Look For

• Demonstrated passion for cancer research or healthcare careers
• Strong academic performance, particularly in biology, chemistry, and math
• Prior research experience or science fair participation
• Leadership and teamwork abilities
• Communication skills and ability to work independently
• Understanding of Fred Hutch's mission and research areas
• Commitment to precision and attention to detail in lab work
• Cultural fit with Fred Hutch values: collaboration, integrity, excellence
• Potential for growth and learning in research environment

Scoring

Not publicly available; likely holistic review considering academic credentials (40%), research interest/fit (30%), recommendation letters (20%), communication/interview performance (10%)

Common Mistakes

• Generic cover letter not demonstrating specific knowledge of Fred Hutch's research
• Overestimating lab experience without realistic skill level
• Failing to highlight leadership or collaboration experiences
• Submitting incomplete applications or missing deadlines
• Poor communication in writing or interview about scientific interests
• Not researching Fred Hutch's specific divisions and research focuses before applying
• Lack of enthusiasm or passion in application materials
• Forgetting to address safety considerations or commitment to lab protocols

Acceptance Rate

Unknown; Fred Hutch likely receives 200-500+ internship applications annually for limited positions; estimated acceptance rate 5-15% (moderately competitive)

Applicants

Estimated 300-400+ high school and undergraduate applicants per year across all programs

Winners / Selected

Estimated 30-50 high school interns selected annually across multiple departments and programs

• Research Fred Hutch's specific divisions (Basic Sciences, Clinical Research, Human Biology, Public Health Sciences, Vaccine & Infectious Disease) and identify which aligns with your interests
• Highlight any prior lab experience, science fair projects, or AP/honors science coursework
• Write a compelling cover letter showing genuine interest in cancer research, not just desire for resume-building
• Request recommendations from science teachers or mentors who can speak to your lab skills and work ethic
• If possible, attend Fred Hutch recruitment events or science fairs to make connections
• During interviews, ask thoughtful questions about their current research projects and lab culture
• Emphasize your willingness to learn and commitment to safety protocols and precision
• Connect your past experiences to Fred Hutch's mission of eliminating cancer and infectious disease
• Apply early in the cycle (October-November for summer positions) before positions fill
• Consider whether you can relocate to Seattle for the summer if required

How to Prepare

• Take rigorous science courses (AP Bio, AP Chem, honors biology) and maintain strong grades
• Seek out lab experience through school programs, science fairs, or community research projects
• Read about cancer research and Fred Hutch's current initiatives to demonstrate genuine interest
• Develop strong relationships with science teachers for recommendation letters
• Practice discussing your research interests and career goals clearly and concisely
• Learn about lab safety protocols and bioethics in research
• Volunteer or shadow in medical/research settings if possible
• Develop data analysis or coding skills (Python, R, Excel) as value-add
• Familiarize yourself with Fred Hutch's structure, leadership, and major research projects
• Prepare a 1-minute 'elevator pitch' about why you want to work at Fred Hutch

Resources

• Fred Hutch website: fredhutch.org/education-training
• Fred Hutch careers portal: fredhutch.org/careers
• NIH's Introduction to Cancer Research: cancer.gov
• Online STEM courses (Coursera, edX) on cancer biology and research
• Science fair projects in cancer/medical research
• Local library resources on cancer research and bioethics
• YouTube: Fred Hutch patient stories and research highlights
• Books: 'The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks' (understanding research ethics)
• Networking: Fred Hutch open house events, science career fairs
• Mentorship: Connect with local scientists or pre-med college students

Time Needed

3-6 months of sustained preparation; begin in spring (junior year) or fall (senior year) for summer internship; intensive application phase 4-6 weeks before deadline

Successful applicants typically are juniors or seniors (grades 11-12) with GPA 3.5+, strong performance in AP Biology/Chemistry, prior research experience (science fair, school labs, or summer programs), demonstrated leadership in STEM clubs, and articulate communication of genuine interest in cancer research. Many have mentorship from science teachers or prior connections to research. Winners often continue pursuing biology, biochemistry, or pre-med tracks in college.

Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center internships carry significant prestige in college admissions, particularly for top-tier universities and pre-med/STEM programs. Admissions officers recognize Fred Hutch as a world-leading research institution; this internship demonstrates genuine research experience, commitment to STEM, and understanding of cancer science. It's comparable to NIH internships in perceived value. Most impactful for students applying to: medical schools, biology/biochemistry programs at selective universities, and research-focused institutions. Shows initiative, intellectual curiosity, and real-world application of academic knowledge. Can strengthen essays, interviews, and overall STEM profile. Particularly valuable for students pursuing oncology, biomedical research, or healthcare careers.

• Congressional App Challenge — Tier 3, competition
• ARML (American Regions Mathematics League) — Tier 3, competition
• AMC (American Mathematics Competitions) — Tier 3, competition
• National Science Bowl — Tier 3, competition
• Science Olympiad — Tier 3, competition