15 Biotech Summer Internships for Undergraduates in 2026
For students interested in biotechnology, summer internships provide an opportunity to work on cutting-edge research, develop lab techniques, and engage with interdisciplinary applications spanning healthcare, agriculture, and environmental science. Given the wide range of options available, this list focuses on programs that offer strong mentorship, rigorous hands-on experience, and meaningful networking opportunities.
If you’re interested in looking at STEM internships in certain states, find a list of STEM internships in California here & Arizona here.
Why should I do a biotech summer internship in college?
A biotech summer internship gives you direct exposure to experimental design, data analysis, and emerging technologies such as genomics, bioinformatics, and synthetic biology. These experiences make you significantly more competitive for full-time roles or graduate programs by demonstrating applied skills beyond coursework. You also gain familiarity with lab protocols, regulatory frameworks, and industry standards, which are critical in biotechnology careers. Many programs connect you with researchers, industry professionals, and peers, helping you build a network that can support future collaborations or job opportunities. Additionally, internships signal to employers that you can operate in professional research or industry environments, improving your employability after graduation.
Below is a list of the 15 best biotech summer internships for undergraduates in 2026.
Quick Look
15 internships total spanning drug discovery, biotech manufacturing, stem cell research, regenerative medicine, and bioinformatics, hosted by major companies including Biogen, Novartis, AstraZeneca, Pfizer, Gilead, Eli Lilly, and Regeneron, alongside academic programs at Harvard, Amgen Scholar host institutions, and Wake Forest
The strongest disclosed stipends are Pfizer ($26 to $29 per hour), Biogen's Manufacturing Specialist Internship ($23 to $27 per hour), and Wake Forest's Summer Scholars Program ($6,000 flat)
Pfizer stands out for its early application window, opening October 1 and closing October 31, well before most other programs on this list
The Amgen Scholars Program, Novartis Summer of Science, and Harvard Stem Cell Institute internship are the most academically oriented, with small cohorts (10 to 25 students) and a strong emphasis on independent research projects
Most programs require U.S. work authorization, with several also requiring students to return to school after the internship concludes
1. Biogen Summer Internship Program
Location: Cambridge, MA (Biogen Global Headquarters) and other U.S. locations
Stipend: Paid hourly, rate not disclosed
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; cohort size varies annually based on business needs
Dates: Summer (12 weeks); typically June to August
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: Must be 18+ years old, legally authorized to work in the U.S., and currently enrolled in an accredited post-secondary program (Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, MBA, MD, JD, PharmD, or Ph.D.) with at least one semester completed
The Biogen Summer Internship Program is a 12-week experience where you work on project-based assignments aligned with the company’s mission in biotechnology and pharmaceuticals. During the internship, you contribute to ongoing initiatives in areas such as research, drug development, data science, or business operations, depending on your role. You collaborate with scientists, researchers, and industry professionals, gaining exposure to how large-scale biotech organizations operate. The program includes structured professional development opportunities, such as networking events, learning sessions, and a final poster presentation where you showcase your work to company leaders.
2. Ladder University Internship Program
Location: Remote (work from anywhere)
Stipend: Cost varies depending on the program type; financial aid is available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 10–25%; 70–100 students per cohort
Dates: Multiple cohorts (Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter)
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort (January, May, September, November)
Eligibility: Undergraduates or gap year students able to commit 10–20 hours/week for 8–12 weeks
The Ladder University Internship Program is a selective virtual internship where you collaborate with startups and nonprofits across industries, including biotech and health innovation. During the program, you work on a real-world project that addresses an actual need within the organization, allowing you to apply research, analytical, or operational skills in a practical context. You engage directly with startup managers, gaining insight into early-stage company workflows, product development, and problem-solving approaches. The program emphasizes ownership and accountability, as you are expected to contribute meaningfully and present your work at the end of the internship. Apply now!
3. Novartis Biomedical Research Summer Internship
Location: Cambridge, MA or San Diego, CA
Stipend: Paid, amount not disclosed
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; cohort size not specified
Dates: Summer (10 weeks; begins late May/early June)
Application Deadline: December 1 (notifications Feb)
Eligibility: 18+ years old; enrolled in a U.S. college with 3+ semesters completed; U.S. work authorization required
The Novartis Biomedical Research Summer Internship, also known as the Summer of Science Program, offers a rigorous, full-time research experience in an industry setting. You design and execute your own research project under the mentorship of a Novartis scientist, contributing to ongoing drug discovery and patient-focused research initiatives. The program emphasizes both technical and professional development, with training in experimental design, data analysis, and scientific communication. A distinctive feature is its cohort-based residential model, where you live and collaborate with fellow interns, fostering peer learning and long-term professional connections. You also participate in workshops, scientific discussions, and final presentations to the broader research community.
4. Amgen Scholars Program (U.S.)
Location: Multiple host universities across the U.S., e.g., Harvard, Stanford, Yale, UCLA, Johns Hopkins
Stipend: Paid, amount varies by institution
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; approximately 15–25 scholars per host institution
Dates: Summer, 8–10 weeks; typically May/June–July/August
Application Deadline: February 1
Eligibility: Undergraduate sophomores, juniors, or non-graduating seniors with a GPA of 3.2+; must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents
The Amgen Scholars Program is one of the most prestigious undergraduate research internships in biotechnology and biomedical sciences. You conduct hands-on research at a leading university under faculty mentorship, working on projects related to drug discovery, molecular biology, or related disciplines. The program emphasizes both technical training and scientific communication, culminating in presentations of your research. A key component is the North America Symposium, where you engage with leading scientists from academia and industry while networking with peers across institutions.
5. AstraZeneca Summer Internship Program (U.S.)
Location: Multiple U.S. sites, e.g., Maryland, Massachusetts, California, North Carolina, Indiana, Texas, Delaware
Stipend: Paid, amount not disclosed
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; cohort size not disclosed
Dates: Summer (10–12 weeks)
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: Undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral students; must be at least 18 and eligible to work in the U.S.
The AstraZeneca Summer Internship Program is a structured 10–12-week experience designed to provide you with hands-on exposure to the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries. You work on real-world, impact-driven projects across domains such as biology, chemistry, engineering, or data science, depending on your academic background. The program integrates professional development through workshops on resume building, personal branding, and career planning, as well as 1:1 advising and networking events. You also participate in showcase events, such as poster presentations, where you present your work to peers and professionals.
6. Biogen Manufacturing Specialist Internship (MTO Team)
Location: Research Triangle Park, NC
Stipend: $23 – $27/hour
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; cohort size not disclosed
Dates: June – August (12 weeks)
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: Undergraduate students, sophomore level or above in science or engineering; must be authorized to work in the U.S.; at least 18 years of age prior to the scheduled start date
The Biogen Manufacturing Specialist Internship offers a hands-on introduction to biotech manufacturing and technical operations within a regulated industry setting. In this role, you support process documentation, compliance activities, and technology transfer for new product introductions, gaining exposure to GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) environments. You collaborate with cross-functional teams to improve workflows, assist in maintaining technical documentation, and participate in continuous improvement initiatives. The internship also provides insight into how large-scale biologics manufacturing systems are managed, from process design to regulatory compliance.
7. Bristol Myers Squibb Summer Internship Program
Location: Multiple global locations (primarily U.S. sites)
Stipend: Paid hourly, rate not disclosed
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; cohort size varies by department
Dates: Summer (10–12 weeks)
Application Deadline: Mid-January
Eligibility: Currently enrolled undergraduate with a minimum 3.0 GPA, returning to a bachelor's program post-internship, authorized to work in the U.S.
The Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS) Summer Internship Program offers a 10–12 week experience where you gain exposure to the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry across multiple functional areas. You work on real-world projects that align with your academic background, such as research, drug development, operations, or business functions. The program is designed to help you translate classroom knowledge into practical applications while developing professional and technical skills. You also have opportunities to build your network through interactions with experienced professionals and peers across the organization.
8. Harvard Stem Cell Institute – HSCI Internship Program (HIP)
Location: Harvard University, Cambridge and Boston, Massachusetts
Stipend: Paid, amount not specified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; ~10 students
Dates: June 8 – August 6
Application Deadline: February 1
Eligibility: Rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors enrolled in undergraduate programs; first-time participants only
As a HIP intern, you spend nine weeks embedded full-time in an HSCI faculty member's laboratory, working at the core of stem cell and regenerative biology that underpins modern biotech. You develop your own project within your host lab's ongoing research. You learn to design and perform scientific experiments, read and critique scientific literature, create a scientific poster, and present your research findings at the HIP Symposium, while career-pathways programming maps biomedical and research routes. You close the program with a ten-minute scientific talk followed by five minutes of Q&A. The experience builds practical wet-lab technique, experimental design, and science-communication skills valued across biotech and research careers.
9. Gilead Sciences Summer Internship Program
Location: Foster City, CA and other U.S. sites (including Kite locations)
Stipend: Paid hourly, rate not disclosed; a $20/month device stipend is also provided
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; 80–120 interns annually
Dates: Summer (10–12 weeks)
Application Deadline: January and mid-February
Eligibility: Undergraduate (rising sophomore–senior), graduate, or doctoral students with a minimum GPA of 2.8; must be authorized to work in the U.S.; returning to school in the fall
The Gilead Sciences Summer Internship Program provides a structured, hands-on experience across multiple areas of the biopharmaceutical industry, including research and development, manufacturing, and operations. During the internship, you contribute to projects that support the discovery and delivery of therapies for serious diseases, working alongside scientists and industry professionals. The program emphasizes real-world application of your academic training, along with opportunities to build technical and professional skills through collaboration and mentorship. You also benefit from cohort-based programming, networking events, and wellness resources, which help you develop connections within the organization.
10. Eli Lilly and Company Summer Internship Program
Location: Multiple U.S. locations
Stipend: Paid hourly, rate not disclosed
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; ~1,500+ global interns across all programs and tracks
Dates: Summer (10–12 weeks; typically May–September)
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: Current undergraduate students (typically rising juniors and seniors) enrolled in a bachelor's degree program with a minimum 3.0 GPA
The Eli Lilly Summer Internship Program provides a structured opportunity to work on real-world challenges across biotech and pharmaceutical domains. During the internship, you engage in project-based work in areas such as clinical research, data analytics, engineering, or pre-clinical R&D, depending on your academic background. The program emphasizes professional development through mentorship, networking events, and exposure to cross-functional teams within the organization. You also gain insight into drug development pipelines, manufacturing processes, and data-driven decision-making in a large pharmaceutical company.
11. QB3-Berkeley Undergraduate Biotech Internship Program
Location: Bay Area, CA (partner biotech companies)
Stipend: Paid (salary determined by host company)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; cohort size varies annually based on partner company demand
Dates: Summer (10 weeks; May/June–August)
Application Deadline: Early February
Eligibility: UC Berkeley undergraduates (sophomore/junior) with GPA ≥ 3.2 and relevant biology/chemistry coursework; return to UC Berkeley for the Fall semester
The QB3-Berkeley Undergraduate Biotech Internship Program places you directly within leading biotech companies, where you work as a full-time intern on active research projects. During the program, you gain hands-on experience with experimental techniques, data analysis, and interdisciplinary problem-solving in a professional lab environment. You are mentored by industry scientists and contribute to ongoing innovation in areas such as synthetic biology, therapeutics, and bioengineering. The internship also provides exposure to startup and industry ecosystems in the Bay Area, helping you build technical skills, professional connections, and clarity around future research or graduate study pathways.
12. Pfizer Futures Summer Internship Program
Location: Multiple Pfizer sites across the U.S.
Stipend: $26 – $29/hour
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; cohort size not specified
Dates: Summer (10–12 weeks; start dates in May–June)
Application Deadline: October 1–31 (rolling review)
Eligibility: Undergraduate students with GPA ≥ 3.0 (≥3.3 for R&D roles); must be authorized to work in the U.S.
The Pfizer Futures Program is a structured summer internship designed to provide you with hands-on experience in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry. During the program, you take ownership of a project aligned with your field, such as research and development, manufacturing, or business operations, while working closely with cross-functional teams. You participate in regular team meetings, design sessions, and stakeholder interactions, gaining insight into how large-scale drug development and commercialization processes operate. The program also emphasizes mentorship and feedback, helping you refine both technical and professional skills.
13. Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine – Summer Scholars Program in Regenerative Medicine
Location: Winston-Salem, North Carolina (Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, 391 Technology Way)
Stipend: $6,000
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; ~24 undergraduate positions
Dates: May 27 – July 31
Application Deadline: January 15
Eligibility: Enrolled in a degree-granting undergraduate, community college, or university program in the U.S., Puerto Rico, or other U.S. territory; 18 years of age by the first program day with at least two completed semesters of undergraduate study and interest in postgraduate education; cumulative GPA of 2.85 or higher on a 4.0 scale
In this program, you join a 10-week mentored internship at the Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, working alongside a faculty mentor and a graduate or postdoctoral co-mentor on tissue engineering and regenerative medicine projects spanning biomaterials, cell and molecular biology, biomanufacturing, biofabrication, and cell and gene therapy. You design and run an individual research project, gain hands-on experience with modern laboratory instrumentation and rigorous analysis methods, and complete short courses, seminars, and professional development workshops. You write a research summary, deliver an oral presentation, and showcase findings at a final symposium and poster session. Training in bioethics, responsible conduct of research, and scientific communication rounds out your biotech preparation.
14. Regeneron Summer Internship Program
Location: Multiple locations (U.S. and global; some virtual opportunities)
Stipend: Paid hourly, rate not disclosed
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; cohort size not disclosed
Dates: Late May/early June through August (10–12 weeks)
Application Deadline: August–November (rolling basis)
Eligibility: Undergraduate students who return to school after internship
The Regeneron Summer Internship Program offers a hands-on opportunity to work on impactful biotech and pharmaceutical projects within a research-driven environment. During the internship, you collaborate with scientists and professionals across teams, gaining exposure to drug development, laboratory research, or business functions depending on your role. You build technical skills while participating in networking and professional development events that expand your industry knowledge. The program emphasizes mentorship and feedback, and you present your work to leadership, reinforcing scientific communication skills.
15. Thermo Fisher Scientific Internship Program
Location: Multiple global locations (varies by role; some virtual/hybrid options)
Stipend: Paid hourly, rate not disclosed + relocation assistance if moving 50+ miles
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; cohort size varies annually
Dates: 10–12 weeks during the summer (typically starting mid-May or mid-June)
Application Deadline: Rolling; varies by role
Eligibility: Actively enrolled in a bachelor's degree program (STEM, IT, Business, etc.); legal work authorization typically required without employer sponsorship
The Thermo Fisher Scientific Internship Program provides a flexible, hands-on experience across a wide range of biotech and life sciences functions. During the internship, you contribute to projects that support areas such as research and development, laboratory services, manufacturing, or bioinformatics, depending on your major. You gain exposure to real-world applications in fields like molecular biology, clinical research, and pharmaceutical development while working alongside experienced professionals. The program also includes structured professional development through workshops, leadership interactions, and networking events.
Questions Students Often Ask About These Programs
1. There are a lot of large pharmaceutical companies on this list alongside more academic programs. Which type of experience is better for someone considering graduate school?
Academic programs like Amgen Scholars, Harvard Stem Cell Institute, and Wake Forest Summer Scholars tend to be stronger preparation for graduate school specifically, since they're built around independent research projects, literature reviews, and scientific presentations in a university environment, all of which mirror what graduate school actually looks like. Corporate programs at companies like Biogen, Gilead, or Pfizer are more applied and industry-oriented, which is valuable but structured differently. If you're deciding between the two, a good strategy is to do one academic research program and one industry internship across different summers, since graduate school applications benefit from both types of experience.
2. Do I need prior lab experience to apply to these programs?
It varies by program. Several of the corporate programs, including Eli Lilly, Thermo Fisher, and Regeneron, are open to rising juniors and seniors and don't explicitly require prior research experience beyond relevant coursework. The more selective academic programs, like Amgen Scholars and Novartis, are more competitive and benefit from some prior lab or research exposure, though they don't always require it formally. If you're newer to lab work, starting with a program at your own institution before applying to these nationally competitive options is a reasonable approach.
3. Several programs list rolling deadlines, but others have specific early windows. How should I prioritise my applications?
Prioritise by deadline rather than by prestige. Pfizer opens and closes its applications in October, months before most others, and Novartis closes December 1, making both significantly earlier than programs like Amgen Scholars (February 1) or Wake Forest (January 15). For rolling deadline programs like Biogen, AstraZeneca, and Thermo Fisher, applying early in the cycle gives you the best chance of being considered before cohort spots fill. A practical approach is to apply to the fixed-deadline programs first in the order they close, then move to rolling programs with your remaining time.