Help us build a better health system for medically under-resourced communities

We are looking for Student Researchers

Applications for 2024-25 academic year will open in May

Student researchers help us conduct our active research projects aimed at improving the health and well-being of medically underserved communities. Although HELIOS provides impactful and valuable experiences for student members from all backgrounds, some of the richest opportunities in the lab require at least a conversational level of Spanish language proficiency for these open positions. But if you have a heart for health equity, and a drive to serve under-resourced communities in your career, there is a place for you in HELIOS!

Information and Q&A Session Recording

View in sections

0:00 Introductions
10:18 Overview of the presentation
10:57 Who we are
12:15 What we do
20:00 Our team
20:38 Hearing from current students
24:47 Lab projects, student "Microprojects" and UROP
29:26 What we expect from student members
32:44 What you can expect to gain from HELIOS
33:42 Next steps and how to apply
35:54 Q&A with students

Application Process

1. Active Projects

HELIOS members may get involved in any of these projects. Many build on these opportunities to develop and conduct their own independent or group projects within the UCI Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP), and go on to present or publish their work through Excellence in Research and other Honors programs, and at regional or national conferences.

✔  Personal connection to communities that are under-represented in medicine or driving passion to work within medically underserved communities

✔  Interest in a career in the health professions or health research

✔  All majors welcome.  We especially prefer to work with students pursuing degrees in Biological Sciences, Nursing, Public Health, Psychological Science, Chicano-Latino Studies, Sociology, Art/Digital Arts, and Journalism.

✔   2nd or 3rd Year UCI Undergraduate Students preferred (if you are not a current UCI student, please fill out the Interest Form at the bottom of the page and we can discuss opportunities)

✔   1 Year Commitment

✔   Although not required, we do have special roles for students with experience or interest in: 

visual design (creating appealing flyers, infographics, or educational materials), 

statistical or data management software (like R, SPSS, Excel), 

digital communication (like web design, social media), 

written communication (creative writing, journalism, or scientific writing),

qualitative research (conducting and analyzing focus groups/interviews)

✔   Spanish language proficiency is highly preferred, and opens the most opportunities to work with patients and community members. And if you do not speak Spanish, rest assured there are still many ways you can make a very positive impact within HELIOS!

3. Requirements & Expectations

Undergraduate & Post-Baccalaureate students must receive clearance from the UCI School of Biological Sciences and enroll in Bio 199 to receive course credit.

Once selected to join the lab, all HELIOS lab members will be expected to:

✔   Submit Bio 199 Packet B (go to Bio Sci 199 website)

✔   Obtain a UCI Medical Center ID Badge (provided after clearance) 

✔   Complete Additional Trainings:

✔   Basic HRP Course for Biomedical Investigators

✔   Basic HRP Course for Social & Behavioral Investigators

✔   Good Clinical Practice Course

✔   Research and HIPAA Privacy Protections

✔   Commit to the following:

✔   3 Quarter Minimum Enrollment*

✔   3 Units Minimum per Quarter* (1 unit = 3 to 4 hours per week)

✔   Attend Weekly Research Meetings (Fridays 3:00 - 5:00 PM, mandatory during Fall, Winter and Spring quarters)

✔   For members who wish to work at the clinics:

✔   Must be able to work 3 to 4 consecutive hours at least one weekday per week (Usually between 8-12 AM or 1-5 PM)

✔   Be able to travel from campus to clinic locations, mostly in Santa Ana or Orange (either have own transportation or be willing to carpool with other HELIOS members if available)

*UCI School of Medicine postbacc students are expected to commit to a six-month research rotation and enroll in 4 units per quarter to investigate questions relating to health disparities in the community.

Sound like a lot? The HELIOS Lab staff members are here to guide you through this process and help you fit research in with your many other obligations to school, work and family. To discuss how you can make this all work, please submit an interest form at the bottom of this page, or write to our Lab Coordinator at thehelioslab@hs.uci.edu.

4. Review HELIOS Curriculum

5. Ready to Join the HELIOS lab?

Applications for 2023-2024 Academic Year are closed

If you’d like to meet with us to learn more about the lab or would like to be notified of any other application cycle details, please fill out the Interest Form below.

When you apply, you will be asked to:

• Upload a copy of your resume or CV

• Answer 5 brief free response questions:

  • Why would you like to join the HELIOS lab? (200 words or less)

  • What life experiences have shaped who you are today and what challenges have you overcome in achieving your education (personal, financial, etc)? (200 words or less)

  • Describe your academic and career goals. (50 words)

  • In what ways do you feel you will be able to help increase equity or improve the well-being of marginalized or under-resourced communities after college? (150 words)

  • Please describe how you have served your community (school, neighborhood, city, church, etc) and something valuable you gained from the experience. (150 words)

• If selected for an interview, we will schedule you to interview by zoom on Monday September 11 and/or Tuesday September 12. For those not available to interview on those dates, we will send instructions to schedule a different day.

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

If you have any questions about the lab or application process, please email thehelioslab@hs.uci.edu.

Thank you for expressing interest in the HELIOS lab. We value your experiences and do not expect you to have a complete research or clinical background. We strive to help students from different backgrounds get connected to opportunities and achieve their goals.
We look forward to meeting you soon!