UROP is a scheme designed to give undergraduate students at the University of Tasmania an early opportunity to gain some experience and insight into careers in biomedical research.

How does UROP work?

Students undertake a project that is part of a research program at the Menzies Research Institute. They are supervised by a research scientist in a mentoring role, and usually work alongside other research staff and students in the team. The project may be experimental and based in a laboratory, it may involve an epidemiological investigation of the causes of disease or the evaluation of a population health intervention, or it may be statistical in nature.

The scheme is not a formal part of undergraduate coursework, but is supported by the University because it aims to provide an opportunity for students to undertake practical research during the undergraduate years. Additionally, students may be able to practise the knowledge and skills obtained in their undergraduate courses in this program.

How much time does participation require?

Students are expected to participate full-time at the Institute for a total of 10 weeks. It is the responsibility of the supervisor to negotiate these times with the student to suit the availability of both the supervisor and the student. It is desirable that students commence their project during the vacation period, so they can become familiar with the project and integrate into the research team before the academic year commences.

Who can apply?

The scheme is open to undergraduate students currently studying at the University of Tasmania. Students ideally should be located in Hobart. Students can join the Program at any time after the first full year of undergraduate study and prior to the completion of their undergraduate course. The scheme appeals particularly to those studying the biomedical and health sciences, genetics, molecular biology, bioinformatics and statistics, but students from other disciplines are encouraged to apply. Those from non-scientific courses will need to demonstrate a particular interest in biomedical research.

When are applications open?

The UROP intake each year is timed to coincide with the summer vacation.

Applications close Friday 16 October 2009.  

How can students apply?

Students should submit a letter of application including a curriculum vitae copy of their academic transcript, and a cover letter to Dr Sue Pearson at the Menzies Research Institute, University of Tasmania.

Applicants must include the following attachments with their written application:

1.  A letter expressing their interest in participating in UROP. Within the letter, the  applicant must address the following:

What is your motivation for participating in the UROP program and whether you intend to pursue a career in research either in full or in part?Whether you have a special interest in any particular area of research or what you think is the most pressing biomedical problem of our times? What characteristics are required to be a successful researcher?

The letter must be no longer than two A4 pages in font size 12.

2.  A curriculum vitae including:

• The name of the undergraduate course currently enrolled in
• The name and contact details, including email address, of one academic referee.  Note: applicants must obtain permission from the referee to use his or her name. The referee will be contacted if the applicant obtains an interview
• Contact details, including daytime telephone number and email address
• Education and employment history
• Any other relevant information.

How are students selected?

The selection process involves three stages:

• Based on an assessment of their entire application, the most outstanding applicants will be short listed for an interview.
• Once short listed, the student must contact one or more of the research scientists involved in the UROP scheme to discuss potential projects and placements. Details of this process will be outlined by letter to those applicants granted an interview.
• After the interview, the successful applicant(s) will be notified by letter. The letter will contain an outline of the work to be performed.

Please note: All applications will be acknowledged in writing within a week of the closing date.

Are UROP students paid?

Students will receive a payment of $2500 at the commencement of the project and a second payment of $2500 will be dispatched following the completion of the project and on receipt of the students' final report to the supervisor and UROP coordinator. This payment is considered taxable.  

What conditions apply to UROP projects?

Students receive full safety training upon induction into the Institute. In the time that they are present in the Institute, they are covered by all regulations and conditions governing the organisation, including occupational health and safety, good scientific practice, ethics, intellectual property and confidentiality.

What are the students' responsibilities?

Students are required to:

• Work in a manner that complies with codes of good scientific practice, animal and human ethics regulations and occupational health and safety procedures
• Sign the Menzies Research Institute Privacy Policy
• Work in a cooperative manner with other members of the research team, sharing results and meeting regularly with their supervisor
• Keep to the hours of work agreed to between the student and supervisor and give reasonable notice if they need to suspend work on their project in order to concentrate on their studies. Note that the student's performance in their undergraduate course must come first and academic performance will be monitored to ensure it is not detrimentally affected by participation in UROP
• Students will be requested to submit a final report at the end of their placement summarising their experiences during the UROP program. This is for the benefit of both staff (for their records) and student (as an essential part of their research training). As projects will vary greatly from one another, it is important that the supervisor gives clear guidance of what is required in the final report. Final payment will be withheld until this report has been received. 

For more information, contact:

Dr Sue Pearson

UROP Coordinator

Telephone: (03) 6226 4712