Frequently Asked Questions – Summer Students

1.   Where do I find information for the Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute Summer Student Undergraduate Program?

 All information can be found under the Summer program tab. Please click here.

2.     Where can I find more information on the Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Investigators and the research that they do? 

 A profile of each investigator at the Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum can be found on our website under Our People. 

3.    To whom should I address my cover letter?

 Your cover letter may be read by various investigators. The salutation “Dear Sir/Madam” or “Dear Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Investigator” may be used. Alternatively you can address the letter to the “Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Summer Program for Undergraduates”

4.     How can I improve my chances of being offered a summer student position?

Please make sure that you are choosing laboratories that are hiring for the summer by checking the list of investigators. You may also, once your application has been submitted, contact the investigator directly. However, this must be a selective process and you should be aware of the type of research conducted in the lab prior to any contact. Please note that some investigators do not respond to emails from students.

5.     Do I have to submit official transcripts?

No. You may submit an unofficial copy of your transcripts (such as a print screen from your University's student service web site e.g. ROSI at the University of Toronto or copy and pasting into a Word Doc).

6.     Is there a minimum grade point average (GPA) to apply to the program?

No, there is no minimum required GPA.

7.    How many applications do you receive each year, and how many positions are available?

Each summer we receive over 400 applications. Approximately 65 summer students are hired each summer.

8.    I am currently registered in a non-Canadian University. Am I eligible for the Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Summer Student Undergraduate Program?

Yes, we accept applications from countries around the world. However, if you are accepted into a laboratory position, you will be responsible for obtaining all necessary immigration documents (i.e. work permit, SIN) to legally work in Canada.

9.     When will positions be offered to successful candidates and when would I start working?

There is no date for final decisions. However, most students are contacted by interested laboratories by the end of April or early May. Each Investigator will conduct interviews and make final selections independently. Your start date is flexible; please discuss your availability with your potential supervisor during the interview process.

10.   Will unsuccessful candidates be informed?

No, unfortunately, due to the large volume of applications received each year, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. All candidates selected for the program will have been contacted by mid-May.

11.   How long is the summer work term? What if I am going on vacation?

Start and end dates are negotiated between the student and the supervisor. The standard summer student work terms is three (3) months. Many Investigators will accommodate shorter or longer lengths, as long as there are no conflicts with the needs of the lab. Please discuss this with the Investigator during your interview. Normally, students begin working mid-May until mid-August.

12.   When do my referees submit reference letters? 

At this time, we only ask for your referees' contact information. We do not require reference letters to be submitted. If your application is selected to proceed in the hiring proccess, your referees may be contacted via phone or email by the hiring Investigator or Lab Manager.

For additional queries, please email Susan Chou at schou@luenfeld.ca

You will receive a response within 2-3 business days.