The Hurvitz Brain Sciences Summer Student Research Program offers undergraduate students an opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a hospital-based research program. Summer studentships typically run from May to September of each year, culminating in an end of summer studentship Presentation Day. Students will also be able to attend regular seminars led by Sunnybrook Research Institute whereby leading faculty talk about their research.
Deadline: Friday, March 27, 2026 at 4 p.m
Eligibility
To be eligible, students must be enrolled in a university program and have at least a B+ average in their most recent year of study. Students who have recently completed a program before the summer but who show strong evidence of an intended career trajectory in medical research may be considered.
How to apply
Students interested in summer placements are encouraged to review the profiles of scientists and their respective platforms to identify areas of interest. Principal Investigators (PIs) seeking to hire a summer student will post available positions on the careers page. Applicants must complete the mandatory screening process and submit a cover letter and résumé through the job posting. Once mutual agreement with the supervisor is reached regarding program guidelines, both parties will sign the offer letter and submit the required HR new hire documentation. HR recommends that all documentation be submitted at least three weeks prior to the start date; therefore, students are advised to have their legal identification (such as SIN, valid ID), and banking information (deposit form or void cheque) prepared in advance. Successful candidates will be connected with a platform manager for on-boarding instructions.
Funding
Summer students are hired as SRI employees and paid an hourly wage + 4% vacation pay. The supervisor agrees to cover the salary and can apply for awards to offset this obligation. The program attracts outstanding university students into postgraduate careers.
Summer studentship funding is offered to Hurvitz Brain Sciences Research Program scientists. The Program provides an amount of funding to the principal investigators and the supervisor pays the rest for a minimum of 12 weeks. Scientists apply for these awards with a specific student and project in mind.
The application deadline is Friday, March 27, 2026 at 4 p.m. Overseeing the selection process will be a review committee comprised of members from the Hurvitz Brain Sciences Research Program. Awards will be announced early May.
End of term summer student presentation competition
Every year, students who have been funded through the Hurvitz Brain Science Summer Student Research Program and any other Brain Sciences research summer student who has been hired through Sunnybrook’s research administration is invited to present their research project by participating in the end-of-term summer student presentation day held in August 2026 (TBC).
Pay rates
Rates are set at the discretion of the supervisor and may vary based on experience. All rates are guaranteed to meet or exceed provincial minimum wage standards and incorporate a 4% adjustment in lieu of paid vacation. The pay rates for 2026 are to be confirmed.
For questions regarding the program, please contact: