Become a HELIOS lab Student Researcher
Applications for 2024-2025 are closed but if you’re interested in applying please submit an interest form or book an office hour with Dr. B
Help us build a better health system for medically under-resourced communities
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!
Where We Work
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UCI Family Health Center-Santa Ana
800 N. Main St. Santa Ana, CA 92701
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UCI Department of Family Medicine
200 S Manchester Ave Suite 835, Orange, CA 92868
Who Can Get Involved
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UCI Undergraduates
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UCI Medical Students
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UCI Graduate Students/Post baccs
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Non-UCI Students/Volunteers
Requirements & Expectations
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Enroll in BioSci199 *
Visit the Biosci199 website for more information. Our lab requires Packet B to enroll.
*Does not apply to non-UCI students -
Complete Online Trainings
Before beginning research, members must complete assigned training including CITI human subjects research and other modules.
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3 Quarter Minimum Enrollment
For undergraduates and volunteers. UCI School of Medicine postbacc students complete a six-month research rotation and enroll in 4 units per quarter .
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3 Units Minimum per Quarter
1 unit = 3 to 4 hours per week
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Attend Weekly Research Meetings
Fridays 3:00 - 5:00 PM, mandatory during Fall, Winter and Spring quarters
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Get cleared to work in the clinic
You will obtain a UCI Health ID Badge and be cleared to interact with patients.
Preferred Qualifications
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Prior experience in research or in clinical settings is not required.
We train and support our members. HELIOS welcomes students with many kinds of experience.
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Personal connection to communities
that are under-represented in medicine or driving passion to work within medically underserved communities
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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.
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Future health professionals
Interest in a career in the health professions or health research
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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.
FAQs
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Review the HELIOS Curriculum
Read about our Projects
Review the Preferred Qualifications for our open positions
Learn about the Requirements and Expectations for lab members
Submit an Application!
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We primarily recruit in May, June and July for positions beginning in Fall Quarter (end of September), but occasionally have openings at other times of the year. For these positions, we typically set a priority deadline in early July.
To receive notifications about when we are actively recruiting and when our priority application deadlines are, please complete the Interest Form at the bottom of the page.
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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)
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No, but you should have an interest in a career in the health professions or health research. Please send us an email so we can better assist you.
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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!
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You don't need to complete online trainings before you apply. But when you join the lab, you must complete the following CITI Trainings before beginning research:
1) Basic HRP Course for Biomedical Investigators
2) Basic HRP Course for Social & Behavioral Investigators
3) Good Clinical Practice Course
4) Research and HIPAA Privacy Protections
If you aren’t looking to apply right now, but would like to learn more about the lab or future opportunities, please fill out the Interest Form below.