15 Biochemistry Summer Internships for Undergraduates
Summer internships can play an important role during your undergraduate years, especially if you’re trying to understand how a specific field operates beyond the college classroom. In biochemistry, internships allow you to work directly with scientific concepts you’ve learned in lectures—whether that’s studying proteins, analyzing DNA, or testing biochemical pathways in cellular systems. These experiences help you see how basic science connects to areas like medicine, biotechnology, pharmacology, and public health.
Interning during undergrad is also a practical way to assess whether research is something you want to pursue long-term. You’ll gain experience with common lab methods, learn how experiments are designed and interpreted, and work alongside researchers or graduate students who can provide guidance and feedback. For students considering graduate school, medical school, or industry roles, these internships offer relevant skills and a clearer understanding of what different career paths involve.
In this blog, we’ve compiled a list of 15 competitive summer internships in biochemistry for undergraduates.
1. Biochemistry Summer Research Experience for Undergraduates
Location: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois
Cost/Stipend: No cost. Students receive weekly stipends, travel reimbursements, and a housing allowance (or accommodations)
Dates: Late-May to late-July (10 weeks)
Application Deadline: Early February
Eligibility: Undergraduate students with at least one year of biology, chemistry, or related coursework
In this full-time biochemistry summer program for undergraduates, you’ll work at a biochemistry lab and work on scientific questions with university faculty and graduate mentors. You’ll learn experimental design, data analysis, and how to present findings. Weekly seminars and skill-building workshops are also a part of the program. You'll get to tour facilities, join journal clubs, and attend research talks across campus. By the end of the program, you’ll present your work at a research symposium. Their hands-on structure helps you understand the pace and rigor of academic science.
2. Ladder Internships
Location: Remote
Cost/Stipend: Varies with the program type
Dates: Multiple 8-12 cohorts throughout the year, including summer, fall, winter, and spring
Application Deadline: Multiple deadlines throughout the year; varies with the cohort
Eligibility: High school, college, and gap-year students can apply
With Ladder Internships, you will work on projects in biochemistry and biotech under the mentorship of researchers or startup founders. You’ll analyze data, review scientific literature, and help build reports or pitch decks. Most internships are research-based, and some may also offer exposure to startups and nonprofits. You will meet your mentor weekly and collaborate with other interns. At the end of the program, you will present your work to peers and professionals. The program runs remotely and is designed to help you build research and professional communication skills while working on projects that reflect current challenges in science and innovation.
3. Harvard Stem Cell Institute (HSCI) Internship Program (HIP)
Location: Harvard University, Cambridge & Boston, Massachusetts
Stipend: Paid
Dates: June to August (10 weeks)
Application Deadline: February 1
Eligibility: U.S. citizens or permanent residents, at least 18 years old, enrolled in a credited US institution or university
This internship program offers undergraduates the chance to immerse themselves in stem cell research within Harvard-affiliated laboratories. You will gain practical experience in experimental design, lab techniques, and data analysis, while working under the guidance of a mentor, typically a PhD student or postdoctoral researcher. The program also includes weekly seminars on stem cell biology and career opportunities, as well as visits to different research sites. Over the course of the internship, students develop both technical skills and professional connections, culminating in a final presentation of their research at the program’s closing symposium.
4. Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) by the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF)
Location: REU sites in the U.S. or an international location
Stipend: Paid
Dates: Depends on the internship you are applying for
Application Deadline: Depends on the internship you are applying for
Eligibility: Undergraduate students who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents
Supported by the U.S. National Science Foundation, the Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program provides paid summer research opportunities for students in STEM disciplines. You will be placed in small research teams at universities and laboratories across country and, in some cases, internationally. Working under the guidance of faculty members and experienced mentors, you will contribute to projects in fields ranging from marine science and biochemistry to cloud security and renewable energy. Depending on the site, the work may involve conducting experiments, analyzing data, or developing presentations to share research outcomes.
5. Biochemical Society's Summer Vacation Studentship
Location: UK-based universities or research institutions
Cost/Stipend: No cost. Students will be paid approximately $420 per week
Dates: Typically June to August (max 8 weeks)
Application Deadline: February
Eligibility: Undergraduate students in the middle years of a bioscience degree
As a Summer Vacation Studentship awardee, you’ll assist in a biochemistry lab under the guidance of an academic supervisor. You’ll learn to plan experiments, handle lab equipment, and record and analyze data. Most projects that students get to work on focus on a current research question, providing you with hands-on experience in scientific methods and techniques. You may also have the opportunity to contribute to a larger publication or present your findings at internal meetings. This biochemistry summer program for undergraduates is a chance to deepen your interest in research while working alongside experts in the field.
6. Beckman Scholars Program
Location: Universities across the country
Stipend: $18,200 total stipend + $2,800 for travel and research supplies
Dates: 15-month program; includes two summer terms and one academic year
Application Deadline: Varies by institution
Eligibility: Undergraduate students at participating institutions, majoring in biology, chemistry, or related fields
This program aims to support students conducting research in chemistry, biochemistry, the biological and medical sciences, or some interdisciplinary combination of these subjects. As a Beckman Scholar, you’ll commit to a long-term research project under the guidance of a faculty mentor. You’ll spend two summers and an academic year in a lab, building technical skills and working through complex scientific questions. Many projects lead to conference presentations or journal submissions. The program also includes writing workshops, research symposia, and interactions with scholars across disciplines. You’re expected to take full ownership of your project and communicate your progress regularly. It’s a rigorous but supportive environment where you explore scientific inquiry through trial, collaboration, and lab work.
7. Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) at Princeton
Location: Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey
Stipend: Monthly stipend; amount varies
Dates: Early June to early August (10 weeks)
Application Deadline: February
Eligibility: U.S. citizens or permanent residents enrolled in an undergraduate STEM program
As an REU student at Princeton’s Center for Complex Materials, you’ll work on hands-on research in materials science, chemistry, biochemistry, among others. You’ll join a lab team, attend weekly seminars, and participate in professional development sessions. The program includes site visits to labs and interaction with industry partners that will offer insight into the field of biochemistry. You’ll also present your findings at the closing symposium. The program builds lab techniques, critical thinking, and scientific communication skills. This is a structured and research-intensive experience that prepares you for graduate school or a career in science-related fields.
8. Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology
Location: Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts,
Cost/Stipend: Stipend provided (amount may vary by project or funding source)
Dates: Typically 8–10 weeks during summer (June to August)
Application Deadline: Varies by lab or program
Eligibility: Undergraduate students with coursework in biology, chemistry, or related fields
In this program, hosted by the university’s Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, you’ll assist in lab research for projects on protein function, drug mechanisms, cell signaling, among other topics. You’ll use lab techniques like gel electrophoresis, PCR, and imaging tools. Faculty and post doctoral researchers will guide your work, helping you understand scientific methods and lab routines. You may attend department seminars or joint research meetings. Some labs may also offer a chance to co-author posters and papers. This summer program is research-intensive and collaborative, offering insight into how larger labs work. You’ll build technical and analytical skills while exploring complex questions in molecular science.
9. Chemical Biology Summer Program (ChBSP)
Location: Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York City, New York
Stipend: $6,500 stipend; housing provided; travel support available
Dates: Early June to mid-August (10 weeks)
Application Deadline: Early February
Eligibility: Undergraduate students majoring in chemistry, biochemistry, or related fields
At ChBSP, you’ll work full-time in a chemical biology lab under expert mentorship. Projects focus on drug discovery, protein chemistry, and molecular imaging. At this summer internship, you’ll learn techniques like synthesis, spectroscopy, and cell-based assays. Weekly seminars introduce you to research from across the center, while career panels help you explore next steps. You’ll join lab meetings, attend facility tours, and present your work in a final poster session. The environment is rigorous and collaborative, giving you a clear picture of research in a clinical setting. If you're thinking about grad school or lab work, this program helps you build both skill and perspective.
10. MIT – Bernard S. and Sophie G. Gould MIT Summer Research Program in Biology
Location: MIT campus, Cambridge, Massachusetts
Cost/Stipend: No cost | Weekly stipend (unspecified amount)
Dates: May 26 – August 2
Application Deadline: January 30
Eligibility: Full-time U.S. undergraduates (sophomores, juniors, non-graduating seniors) at non-MIT institutions | STEM GPA ≥ 3.5 | Prior research experience
This program offers undergraduates a 10-week summer research experience in top laboratories within the Biology, Brain & Cognitive Sciences, or Chemistry departments. You will work full-time alongside faculty members and graduate students, contributing to hypothesis-driven projects and gaining hands-on experience with advanced research methods. Beyond the lab, the program features weekly faculty meetings, academic seminars on graduate school preparation, science communication, and career development, as well as opportunities to join departmental retreats and colloquia. Students also benefit from peer mentoring and community events, that foster both professional and peer connections. The program culminates in a poster session where interns present their research to the MIT community.
11. Research Experience for Undergraduates in Chemistry and Chemical and Biological Engineering
Location: University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, Wisconsin
Stipend: $6,000
Dates: Late May to early August (10 weeks)
Application Deadline: February
Eligibility: U.S. citizens or permanent residents pursuing an undergraduate degree in chemistry, biochemistry, or chemical/biological engineering
At UW–Madison, you’ll join a research lab in chemistry or chemical and biological engineering. You’ll work on projects involving catalysis, drug design, or molecular systems. You can expect to learn about lab safety, data analysis, and communication through weekly seminars and writing workshops. You’ll visit research centers, collaborate with grad students, and present your work at a closing symposium. Mentorship is a key part of the program, with regular feedback and guidance. The campus setting provides access to advanced lab facilities and the scientific community.
12. Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) - Genetic and Biochemical Analysis of Proteins
Location: Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana
Stipend: $7,000 stipend
Dates: Late May to late July (10 weeks)
Application Deadline: March
Eligibility: U.S. citizens or permanent residents enrolled in an undergraduate program in biology, chemistry, or related fields
At Purdue’s REU program, you’ll study how proteins function by working in labs focused on genetics, molecular biology, and biochemistry. You’ll run experiments, collect data, and learn how to interpret results with guidance from faculty mentors. Weekly workshops help build skills in research ethics, scientific writing, and presentations. You’ll also visit core research facilities and end the program with a formal poster presentation. The program is intensive but supportive, designed to give you a realistic view of scientific research. If you're interested in graduate school or lab-based careers, this program is a good option to consider!
13. Summer Research Experience for Undergraduates Program in Chemical Biology
Location: Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee
Stipend: $7,000 stipend
Dates: Late May to late July (10 weeks)
Application Deadline: February
Eligibility: U.S. citizens or permanent residents enrolled in an undergraduate STEM program
At Vanderbilt’s REU in Chemical Biology, you’ll join a research lab to explore how chemistry applies to biological systems. You’ll learn lab techniques like spectroscopy, synthesis, or molecular modeling, depending on your assigned project. At this program, faculty and graduate mentors will guide your work. You’ll attend weekly seminars, research talks, and go on site visits to local research centers. The program also hosts workshops on career paths and grad school prep. At the end of the program, you’ll present your findings at a poster symposium. It’s a structured program where you build both lab and communication skills, while understanding how research connects across disciplines in chemistry and biology.
14. Summer Experience at the Coriell Institute For Medical Research
Location: The Coriell Facility, Camden, New Jersey
Stipend: $1,000
Dates: July 17 - August 19
Application Deadline: May 15
Eligibility: Students who will be at least 17 years old before the start of the program, and have a U.S. citizenship, can apply.
The Coriell Institute, known for its work in stem cell and genetic research, offers this summer program for undergraduates that allows students to join top scientists in the Cytogenomics and Stem Cell labs, gaining practical experience in techniques such as DNA extraction and working with induced pluripotent stem cells. Depending on their placement, interns may focus on laboratory production, research and development, or project management, each offering insights into the operations of a major biobank. The program also includes lectures, mentorship, skill-building workshops, and a final research presentation.
15. Mechanistic Biology Summer Program (MBSP)
Location: Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York City, New York
Stipend: $6,500 stipend; housing provided; travel support available
Dates: Early June to mid-August (10 weeks)
Application Deadline: Early February
Eligibility: Undergraduate students majoring in biology, chemistry, or related fields
In the Mechanistic Biology Summer Program (MBSP), you’ll work on research that explores how molecules drive biological processes. Projects focus on areas like protein function, gene expression, and cancer biology. You’ll train in lab techniques such as imaging, structural biology, and biochemistry, while receiving guidance from faculty and post doctoral researchers, helping you to share your findings in a final poster session. Weekly seminars, facility tours, and career panels round out the experience. This program offers a focused environment where you build lab skills, ask scientific questions, and engage in biochemistry research.