The Simons Foundation's Autism & Neuroscience division is offering the Shenoy Undergraduate Research Fellowship in Neuroscience (SURFiN) program. This program aims to support undergraduate students interested in neuroscience by providing paid research assistantships. The application deadline is May 1, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. (noon) Eastern Time.

Program Overview

The SURFiN program is designed to encourage undergraduate students who have not had prior research opportunities to explore neuroscience. It provides financial support for in-person research assistantships during the academic year. The program aims to introduce new ideas and perspectives to the field of neuroscience.

Selected fellows will gain hands-on research experience with direct mentorship from early-career scientists. The program also includes career development activities, such as a virtual coding boot camp and a scientific symposium in New York City. The program is named in honor of neuroscientist Krishna Shenoy.

The program places fellows in labs within commuting distance of where they typically live. All participating fellows are responsible for coordinating their transportation and any associated costs.

Eligibility Requirements

• Currently enrolled in a bachelor’s or associate’s degree program

• Applicants must remain actively enrolled through at least April 15, 2026.

• Must be able to commute (<1.5 hours) to a 2025-2026 SURFiN Lab Opportunity for regular in-person lab activity from September 2025 through May 2026.

• 18 years of age or older by July 31, 2025.

• No citizenship requirements.

• Must meet any additional criteria required by the individual 2025-2026 SURFiN Lab Opportunities selected in their application.

The program prioritizes providing research training for students who have not had access to these opportunities.

Simons Foundation employees are not eligible to apply as a principal investigator (PI).

Funding and Fellowship Details

The fellowship covers the period from September 1, 2025, to May 31, 2026. Funds are administered by the host laboratory's institution.

Each fellow may earn up to $7,500 USD at a rate of $25/hour for 10 hours a week over 30 weeks during the academic year. The institutions of the host laboratories will receive $11,500 USD per fellow.

The funding includes a resource stipend of $2,000 USD for professional development and an administrative fee of $2,000 USD for the host institution. Funds may be supplemented from other sources of funding.

Application Process

Applications must be submitted via SAM by May 1, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. (noon) Eastern Time. Review the "How to Apply" tab for required materials.

Applicants must identify at least one lab opportunity from the List of 2025-2026 SURFiN Lab Opportunities. The application requires a Statement of Interest, Research Experience Summary, selection of lab opportunities, a CV/Resume, transcript, and a Letter of Reference.

Finalists will be interviewed between June 17 – July 1, 2025. Successful applicants will be notified of lab placement by July 21, 2025. PIs and mentors will be notified of the final pairing in late July.