Aspiring neuroscientists, take note! The Simons Foundation’s Autism & Neuroscience division has opened applications for the prestigious Shenoy Undergraduate Research Fellowship 2025 in Neuroscience (SURFiN) program. This initiative aims to cultivate the next generation of neuroscience researchers by providing invaluable hands-on experience and mentorship to undergraduate students.
SURFiN Program Description
The SURFiN program offers paid, in-person research assistantships during the academic year to undergraduate students residing near Simons Foundation-supported laboratories across the U.S., Canada, and Europe. Fellows will collaborate closely with early-career scientists (graduate students and postdoctoral researchers) and engage in career development activities, including a virtual coding boot camp and a scientific symposium in New York City. The program is designed to spark and sustain interest in neuroscience, particularly among students who have had limited access to research training.
Funding Benefits
SURFiN fellows will receive up to $7,500 USD, paid at a rate of $25 per hour for 10 hours per week over 30 weeks during the 2025-2026 academic year. This funding enables students to focus on their research and gain valuable experience without financial constraints.
Eligibility Criteria
- Undergraduate students who have not had significant prior research experience.
- Students living near Simons Foundation-supported laboratories in the U.S., Canada, or Europe.
- Applicants must be available to commit to 10 hours per week for 30 weeks during the 2025-2026 academic year.
Application Timeline
- Informational Webinar: April 16, 2025
- Application Deadline: May 1, 2025 (12:00 p.m. Noon Eastern Time)
- Mentor and Fellow Interviews: June 17–July 1, 2025
- Fellows Notified of Lab Placement: July 21, 2025
- PIs and Mentors Notified of Pairing: July 31, 2025
- Start Date: September 1, 2025.
The SURFiN program, named in honor of the esteemed neuroscientist Krishna Shenoy, represents a significant investment in the future of neuroscience research. Don’t miss this opportunity to launch your career and contribute to groundbreaking discoveries.