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About UROP

For undergraduate biomedical students and biomedical supervisors.

The Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP) is a platform that facilitates undergraduate student placements with biomedical research programs in Victoria, for hands-on, real-world experience in a research laboratory. Undergraduate students embark on a paid internship under the supervision of a scientist, contributing to Australia’s cutting-edge biomedical research. Research projects include basic biochemistry, molecular biology, cell biology, physiology, bioengineering and bioinformatics. Other non-laboratory positions are also available, such as in computational science, engineering and mathematics.

The program is a development opportunity for STEM professionals too. Experienced researchers play an important guiding role for the next generation of biomedical researchers, by supervising students and sharing their expertise.

The program is delivered twice a year, with recruitment periods at the start of semester 1 in February/March (for placements starting June/July) and at the start of semester 2 in July (for placements starting November-February) for a 6-12 month placement. There is an application process for students and supervisors via the CSIRO Education Portal.

The program is generously supported by CSL.

Learn more about why we're here

Student applications

Student applications for UROP will open on 3rd March 2025 and close on 17th March 2025 at 11.59pm. Please use the link below to read through the requirements and access the application.

Apply for the program

visit Jobs at CSIRO to apply

Student application

Complete our Supervisor form

Supervisor application

The opportunity

Biomedical researchers identify a suitable wet, dry or mixed research project for submission to the Program (at any time), and gain approval for hosting and supervising a student. This includes permission to enter into a contract with, and pay the student for the duration of the placement. The recommended minimum rate is approximately equivalent to CSIRO's Enterprise Agreement pay rate of CSOF1 level (AUD$27.06 per hour). Students are covered by all regulations and conditions governing the research organisation, including occupational health and safety, good scientific practice, ethics, intellectual property and confidentiality.

Students work on their placement project under the supervisor and alongside a team, contributing to a live biomedical research project. The placement allows students to fully integrate themselves into the research group and experience the real-life workings and rhythms of a research team. Actual commencement dates, duration and intensity of the placements are agreed between the supervisor and student.

Program eligibility

Students
To be eligible for UROP, students must be in the second or third year of their undergraduate course, with at least two full semesters remaining at the time of application. For students enrolled in double degrees, they must have completed two full years of their undergraduate degree at the time of application. Students must be enrolled at a Victorian tertiary institution and have a Weighted Average Mark (WAM) of 70% or above.

Students must not be planning to complete Honours at the same time as the desired placement period.

Supervisors
Prospective supervisors must have approvals from their research organisation to host and pay a student. They must submit an appropriate biomedical, computational, or mixed research project that enables an undergraduate student to learn research techniques, and fully participate and contribute to the project.

How to apply

Students

Students must submit a curriculum vitae (resume) that is between one to three A4 pages long, and includes:

  • name of the course you are currently enrolled in, current year of study and anticipated completion date (excluding an Honours year)
  • name and contact details of one academic referee (you must obtain permission from the referee); the referee may or may not be contacted
  • your contact details
  • your education and employment history.

Students must complete free text boxes answering some questions (word limits apply). All documents must be submitted in pdf format, and your name must appear on all documents (in the header or footer). Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted.

At the time of application, students must also submit a copy of their up-to-date academic transcript, including fails. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable if downloaded from the official university page clearly showing the student's name and the name of the university. If selected for placement, you may be required to provide an official academic transcript to the host organisation.

Applicants will be notified of the outcome by email. We do not provide individual feedback. If you are offered another placement, please let us know as soon as possible.

Supervisors

Supervisors can submit their research project proposal at any time.

Contact us

Program outcomes

UROP connects students early-on to real world research scenarios, hands-on experience in laboratory techniques, and expert biomedical research professionals, boosting their success in education and future careers.

Through UROP, students experience being part of a research team; develop expertise in laboratory techniques and experimental design; develop skill sets for future employment; potentially contribute to science publications, patents and presentations; and create a professional network.

In a research report commissioned on program outcomes for students, it was found that UROP helped to improve their research skills and employability. Most students reported that the Program had a significant impact on their decision-making about education and/or career pathways.

Supervisors experience immediate benefits, such as access to exceptional and highly capable undergraduate students to work productively on their research projects, and professional development through practising leadership and management skills. Beyond that, supervisors play a clear role in supporting the next generation of researchers, with many alumni going-on to pursue research careers in industry or academia via pathways such as Honours, Masters and PhDs.


Read our Destination Report
 

Our alumni stories

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