Education and Training

At the Earle A. Chiles Research Institute, we’re training the next generation of immunologists. We offer a rich training environment with programs for students in different phases of higher education – from undergraduate students to postdoctoral fellows.

We have a fellowship program for postdoctoral fellows seeking professional skills and experience needed for independent scientific careers. Fellows are mentored in:  

  • Communication  
  • Leadership
  • Publication
  • Pursuit of external funding
  • Research skill development
  • Responsible conduct of research  

Previous fellows have received funding from:

  • The American Cancer Society
  • NIH Career Transition Award
  • NIH Pathway to Independence Award 
  • Prostate Cancer Foundation
  • Susan G. Komen

They have received appointments from:

  • Biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries
  • Legacy Research Institute
  • Ohio State University
  • Oregon Health & Science University
  • Rush University  

Through partnerships with Oregon Health & Science University and other universities, we help graduate students gain experience in the following skills while advancing to doctoral candidacy:

  • Conducting laboratory research under guidance of laboratory leaders with university appointments
  • Giving poster presentations at national conferences
  • Presenting research at department seminars

Previous students have been accepted to postdoctoral fellowships at:  

  • Biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies
  • INSERM (French National Institute of Health and Medical Research)
  • National Cancer Institute

We offer a one-year immuno-oncology research fellowship for physicians interested in immuno-oncology. This fellowship can be completed independently or as an additional year added to one of our other surgical fellowship programs. The purpose of this fellowship is to provide structured education and training to prepare the next generation of physician scientists and to equip the fellow for a successful academic career in immuno-oncology. Hallmarks of the program include:

  • Completing rotations in the medical oncology clinic, inpatient biotherapy service (includes TIL, CAR-T and high-dose IL-2), immune monitoring laboratory and clinical trials
  • Having an expert program faculty for instruction and mentorship
  • Receiving a structured immuno-oncology curriculum that includes curated reading syllabi, one-on-one discussion and teaching sessions with leaders in the field
  • Using 70 percent of the time to conduct mentored, independent research in immuno-oncology, with the expectation of publication

Previous fellows have received appointments from:

  • Baylor College of Medicine 
  • MD Anderson Cancer Center
  • Oregon Health & Science University  

We offer a research opportunity for undergraduate students who are seriously considering a career in biomedical sciences but have little to no lab experience. With guidance from a faculty member, participants complete an intensive nine-week paid internship, which includes:

  • Providence new employee orientation  
  • Institute orientation (laboratory introduction, safety training, facility tour)  
  • Direct research experience in one of our dedicated cancer research labs 
  • Luncheon with laboratory leaders
  • Weekly lab seminars  
  • Journal club  
  • End of program poster session

To qualify, applicants must meet these requirements:

  • At least college-level general biology and/or introductory chemistry completed  
  • Available for the full summer session (typically five days per week, 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. from mid-June to mid-August)  
  • Minimum GPA of 3.0 (4.0 scale)
  • Undergraduate freshman, sophomore or junior who is considering a biomedical research career as a Ph.D.-trained scientist  
  • Must be 18 or over as of May 1, 2024

The deadline for submissions is February 15, 2024. Application acceptance or rejection will be communicated no later than March 15, 2024

Application process

Inquiries and applications may be directed to EACRI Summer Program. To apply, send the following via email:

  • Cover letter addressed to Tacy Brotherton introducing yourself and acknowledging a commitment to work the entire nine weeks of the program
  • Current transcript (official or unofficial is acceptable)
  • One-page description of your goals, scientific interests and prior research experience
  • One letter of recommendation from a research mentor or undergraduate teacher (email separately or with application)
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Making progress possible

With your support, together we can finish cancer.

At the Earle A. Chiles Research Institute, we rely on the generosity of donors like you to support cancer research in immunotherapy. Your gifts help our researchers discover and develop medicines for all types of cancers – leading to more breakthroughs and saving more lives.

Clinical Trials

At the Providence Earle A. Chiles Research Institute, our clinical research team works directly with physicians to find trials appropriate for their patients’ specific stage of disease.

Find a Clinical Trial