15 Biology Internships for Undergraduates
Biology internships for undergraduates provide a structured opportunity to develop practical laboratory and research skills while gaining insight into complex scientific workflows. By working alongside experienced researchers and industry professionals, you can deepen your understanding of experimental design, data analysis, and emerging biotechnologies.
These experiences also help you establish meaningful connections with mentors, collaborators, and peers—relationships that can open doors to future opportunities. You will be exposed to various subfields such as genetics, ecology, biotechnology, and more, which will allow you to evaluate which area best fits your interests and career goals.
To create this list of biology internships for undergraduates, we evaluated each opportunity based on its prestige, the rigor of professional experience it delivers, and the quality of networking opportunities it offers. Our selections prioritize programs that blend academic excellence with hands-on training in a supportive environment.
Below are 15 biology internships for undergraduates that will strengthen your resume and propel your career forward. If you're looking for more prestigious internships, check out this set of blogs!
15 Biology Internships for Undergraduates
1. Ladder University Internship Program
Location: Remote! You can work from anywhere in the world.
Cost/Stipend: Varies depending on program type; full financial aid available | None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 10% | 70-100
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.
Application Deadline: Deadlines vary depending on the cohort. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September) and Winter (November). Fall deadline is August 24
Eligibility: Students who can work for 5 – 10 hours/week for 8 weeks. Open to college students and young professionals!
A highly selective start-up internship program, the Ladder University Internship Program is for ambitious college students. You can intern with a high-growth start-up to gain work experience. These start-ups are involved in a diverse range of industries, such as tech/deep tech, AI/ML, health tech, marketing, journalism, consulting, and more. Here, you will develop practical skills relevant to the field you are interested in. This internship experience will help you understand how a business functions and what career options are available to you. You will work with and be mentored by a manager and company coach. By the end of the program, you will complete and present a solution for a real-world problem. You can apply here.
2. BioLim Online Internship – Junior Research Fellow Role
Location: Remote
Cost/Stipend: Unspecified but applicable (varies by specialization) | None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not selective | Not specified
Dates: 4 weeks; year-round; start dates not specified
Application Deadline: Rolling, based on session availability
Eligibility: Undergraduate students in life sciences (microbiology, biotechnology, biochemistry, food science) in any government-approved institution/college/university | At least 18 years and not more than 39
This internship provides undergraduate students with a structured, virtual pathway to explore core tasks in life sciences research. You will work through a self-paced curriculum that includes mentoring from academic or industry experts, guided assignments, and periodic viva-style evaluations, aiming to mirror responsibilities found in junior research positions. The program begins with foundational theory and lab methods, then shifts toward practical exercises like experimental design, data interpretation, and report writing. Throughout, mentors offer feedback on performance, and interns engage in discussions on industrial standards and challenges. The program concludes with a capstone assignment reflective of your learning and a certificate of completion.
3. CamCID Virtual Internship – Molecular Biology
Location: Remote
Cost/Stipend: £229 (approx. $290) | None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Small cohorts (around 3 participants)
Dates: 4 weeks, beginning August 15
Application Deadline:
Eligibility: All student levels
CamCID’s Molecular Biology virtual internship provides a concise yet structured introduction to research-oriented molecular biology tasks. You begin by learning how to conduct literature searches and form research proposals, then proceed to guided research exercises in areas like genetics, cell imaging, and molecular techniques. Mentorship is provided by researchers and international guest lecturers, and weekly research–style assignments encourage application of learned concepts. Throughout the program, you receive feedback on practical tasks and reports. At the conclusion, participants submit a capstone report and receive an e‑certificate of completion.
4. Columbia University – Amgen Scholars Program
Location: Columbia University, New York, NY (in-person)
Cost/Stipend: None | $5,000
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective
Dates: 10 weeks generally starting late May into early August
Application Deadline: February 1
Eligibility: U.S. citizens or permanent residents | Sophomores, juniors, or non‑graduating seniors at a four-year college or university in the United States, Puerto Rico or other US territory | GPA ≥ 3.2) | All majors with interest in biotechnology
Columbia/Barnard’s Amgen Scholars Program brings motivated undergraduates into hands-on summer research within Columbia’s biology, biotechnology, or biomedical labs. You work approximately 40 hours per week under faculty and postdoctoral guidance, gaining meaningful exposure to experimental design, data collection, and professional lab practices. Weekly small-group seminars cover scientific communication, including critical paper reading, writing, and oral presentation development, culminating in a student-authored research paper submitted after the program. In parallel, the program includes skill-building events such as a mid-summer national symposium in California, networking with peers, faculty-led seminars on cutting-edge research, and coaching on delivering succinct research pitches (e.g., elevator pitches).
5. Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory (CSHL) – Undergraduate Research Program (URP)
Location: Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Laurel Hollow, NY (in‑person)
Cost/Stipend: None | $6,000
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Around 20–25 students
Dates: June 9 – August 9
Application Deadline: January 15
Eligibility: Undergraduate sophomores and juniors (first‑year undergraduates only considered in rare cases)
CSHL’s URP immerses undergraduates in laboratory-based research across disciplines such as molecular biology, cancer, genetics, genomics, neuroscience, plant biology, and quantitative biology. You will be paired with expert faculty at the lab to conduct independent, mentor-guided projects using cutting-edge research infrastructure in genomics, microscopy, and computational tools. In addition to benchwork, you will attend professional development workshops: weekly Python-based bioinformatics sessions, seminars on responsible conduct in research, and training in scientific communication. By program’s end, each student produces a manuscript-style report and delivers two formal research presentations at the URP Symposium. Weekend access to Long Island beaches and nearby NYC adds to the experience.
6. Harvard University – Amgen Scholars Program
Location: Harvard University, Cambridge, MA (in-person)
Cost/Stipend: None | $5,000, travel allowance of $650
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective | Over 40–50 scholars
Dates: June 4 – August 9
Application Deadline: February 1
Eligibility: Undergraduate students enrolled in accredited four-year colleges or universities in the United States, Puerto Rico or other U.S. territories | Sophomores (with four quarters or three semesters of college experience), juniors or non-graduating seniors | Minimum GPA of 3.2 on a 4.0 scale | U.S. citizens and permanent residents
The Harvard Amgen Scholars Program involves intensive, hands-on summer research at Harvard’s top-tier facilities, including the Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Medical School, and affiliated institutes like the Broad and Wyss Institutes. Working approximately 40 hours per week, you'll join a lab that aligns with your interests in biotechnology or biomedical sciences, contributing to faculty-led research projects. You participate in weekly seminars, tailored professional development workshops (covering science communication, research ethics, graduate school pathways, and funding), and cohort activities designed to foster academic and social connections. The program culminates in your presentation of original research and attendance at the North American Amgen Scholars Symposium.
7. University of Notre Dame – NSF REU in Integrative Cell and Molecular Biology
Location: University of Notre Dame, IN(in-person)
Cost/Stipend: None | $6,000 stipend, which includes $1000 lab supplies, free housing on campus, $1400 fund for meals, and travel expenses up to $500
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive | 10 to 15 undergraduates
Dates: May 19 – July 25
Application Deadline: January 20
Eligibility: U.S. citizens or permanent residents | Current freshmen, sophomores, juniors and non-graduating seniors majoring in biological sciences
Notre Dame’s NSF-REU offers undergraduates a structured summer research experience centered on integrative cell and molecular biology. Over 10 weeks, you’ll work full-time in faculty‑supervised labs, conducting independent research projects tailored to your interests. The program includes weekly seminars, lab group meetings, and specialized workshops covering scientific ethics, career development, and communication. You'll also become part of a broad research cohort on campus, attending professional and social events. The summer concludes with a formal symposium where you present your findings and submit a research paper or proposal.
8. MIT – Bernard S. and Sophie G. Gould MIT Summer Research Program in Biology
Location: MIT campus, Cambridge, MA (in‑person)
Cost/Stipend: None | Weekly stipend (unspecified amount)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Highly selective
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
MIT’s BSG‑MSRP‑Bio provides undergraduates with an immersive 10-week summer in leading biology, Brain & Cognitive Sciences, or chemistry labs. You will work 40 hours per week under faculty and graduate-student mentorship, engaging in hypothesis-driven projects using state-of-the-art techniques. You’ll be part of weekly faculty meetings, academic seminars focused on graduate school, science communication, and career pathways, and attend departmental retreats and colloquia. The program includes peer mentoring and community-building events, such as a 4th of July barbecue, Boston excursions, and weekend social activities that enrich networking and learning beyond the bench, MIT Department of Biology. The summer concludes with a poster presentation.
9. Princeton University – PNI Summer Internship Program (SIP)
Location: Princeton Neuroscience Institute, Princeton, NJ (in-person)
Cost/Stipend: None | $6,300: non–Princeton students; non-Princeton students: Travel and housing allowances
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Highly selective
Dates: June 2 – August 1
Application Deadline: February 3
Eligibility: U.S. citizens or permanent residents | Undergraduates at non-Princeton institutions
Princeton’s PNI SIP provides undergraduates with a rigorous, lab-based research experience in neuroscience. Over nine weeks, you'll be placed in a faculty-led PNI lab, conducting original research projects and contributing meaningfully to ongoing investigations. The program offers education through weekly lectures from PNI faculty, journal clubs, lab meetings, and technical summer courses in R, Python, and MATLAB. Professional development workshops covering career guidance and graduate school preparation supplement your hands-on work. The internship culminates in an end-of-summer poster session and participation in the national Leadership Alliance Symposium.
10. Marine Biological Laboratory – NSF REU Biological Discovery in Woods Hole
Location: Marine Biological Laboratory, Woods Hole, MA (in-person)
Cost/Stipend: None | $7000
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Highly selective
Dates: June 15 – August 15
Application Deadline: March 10
Eligibility: U.S. citizens or permanent residents | Current undergraduates (all years), with a strong interest in life sciences; students from small colleges and underrepresented groups encouraged
The NSF‑funded REU in Woods Hole allows you to explore molecular and cell biology, neurobiology, physiology, developmental biology, and evolutionary biology. Over 10 weeks, you'll be matched with an MBL research scientist and engage in independent, faculty‑mentored research, participate in regular lab activities, contribute real data, learn current scientific methods, and utilize the MBL’s state-of-the-art facilities. You will receive close scientific mentorship from faculty and graduate students, enabling you to develop technical, problem-solving, and analytical skills and receive feedback on your scientific progress. The program is complemented by weekly seminars, ethics and career workshops, field experiences, and community-building events, culminating in a student research symposium.
11. University of North Florida – NSF REU in Coastal Biology
Location: University of North Florida, Jacksonville, FL (in‑person)
Cost/Stipend: None | $5,500
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Competitive | 10 students each summer
Dates: May 19 – July 25
Application Deadline: March 16
Eligibility: U.S. citizens or permanent residents | Enrolled in a degree program (part-time or full-time) leading to a baccalaureate degree
UNF’s NSF‑funded REU in Coastal Biology immerses undergraduates in ecological and environmental research over a 10‑week summer period. Paired with experienced coastal biologists at UNF and the nearby Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve, you’ll conduct field‑based projects in coastal ecosystems. Early in the program, a one‑week orientation introduces you to research methods, safety protocols, and project planning. Alongside independent research, you’ll participate in departmental seminars and workshops on science communication and ethics. At the culmination of the summer, students present their findings at a departmental mini‑symposium and gain experience in science communication, along with critical thinking and problem-solving.
12. Stanford University – SSRP‑Amgen Scholars Program
Location: Stanford Biosciences, Stanford, CA (in-person)
Cost/Stipend: None | $4,800
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Highly selective; typically 20–30 scholars per year
Dates: June 21 – August 16
Application Deadline: February 1
Eligibility: Sophomores, juniors, or non-graduating seniors enrolled in accredited four-year colleges or universities in the United States, Puerto Rico or other U.S. territories | U.S. citizens and permanent residents | Cumulative GPA of 3.2
This program places students in top-tier biomedical or biological research labs for an eight-week, full-time summer research experience under faculty and lab mentor guidance, where you’ll gain hands-on exposure to advanced research techniques. Complementing lab work, the program includes weekly professional development workshops, faculty-led lectures, journal clubs, and personalized guidance for PhD preparation, covering areas like CV crafting and graduate application essays. You will also participate in structured social and networking events, including group outings to local destinations in the Bay Area. This program is tailored for students aiming to pursue doctoral studies in the biosciences and provides extensive opportunities for mentorship and skill development.
13. Yale University – BioMed Amgen Scholars Program
Location: Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT (in-person)
Cost/Stipend: None | $5,000 stipend, $725 food allowance, housing on the Medical School campus, and travel reimbursement up to $750
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Highly selective
Dates: May 27 – August 1
Application Deadline: February 1
Eligibility: U.S. citizens or permanent residents | Undergraduate students enrolled in accredited four-year colleges or universities in the United States, Puerto Rico or other U.S. territories | GPA ≥ 3.2 | Sophomores (with four quarters or three semesters of college experience), juniors or non-graduating seniors (who are returning in the fall to continue undergraduate studies)
The Yale BioMed Amgen Scholars is a biomedical research-intensive summer program for undergraduate students who plan to get a PhD or MD-PhD in biomedical sciences. You will conduct hands-on research within Yale School of Medicine labs for an intensive, nine-week summer experience under faculty mentorship. You’ll engage in daily lab work, participate in journal clubs, shadow physician‑scientists, and attend structured professional development sessions, including workshops on graduate-school preparation, faculty lectures, and peer mentoring. The program culminates in presenting your research at a closing symposium, with networking opportunities alongside senior researchers and fellow scholars.
14. UC Berkeley – NSF REU in Molecular & Cell Biology and Integrative Biology
Location: University of California, Berkeley, CA (in-person)
Cost/Stipend: None | $6,000 stipend; paid on-campus housing and meals allowance; travel reimbursement up to $720
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Competitive
Dates: June 3 – August 9 (tentative)
Application Deadline: February 1 (tentative)
Eligibility: U.S. citizens or permanent residents enrolled in undergraduate STEM degree programs | Must have completed at least one biology and one chemistry course
The UC Berkeley NSF REU in Molecular & Cell Biology and Integrative Biology engages undergraduates in hypothesis-driven research across molecular, cell, developmental, plant, microbial, and ecosystem biology. Over 10 weeks, you will contribute to individual projects under direct faculty mentorship, gaining experience with advanced techniques in core life sciences. The program integrates weekly tutorials, faculty seminars, and professional development workshops, covering research ethics, science communication, graduate school pathways, and career planning. It also includes cohort-building outings in the Bay Area and a concluding mini‑symposium where students present posters. With full funding, structured mentorship, and a strong institutional reputation, this REU epitomizes prestige, professional rigor, and networking opportunities.
15. Syracuse University – NSF REU in Biological Microscopy (MicroFFABS)
Location: Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY (in-person)
Cost/Stipend: None | $6,000 stipend for 10 weeks, plus campus housing, meal plan, travel reimbursement, and research supply support
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Competitive
Dates: June 1 – August 9
Application Deadline: February 28
Eligibility: U.S. citizens, nationals, or permanent residents who have completed at least their freshman year in a STEM major and will not graduate before Fall
Syracuse University's MicroFFABS REU program gives students hands-on experience in biological microscopy training across scales from molecular to organismal systems. You work full-time, learning advanced imaging techniques under faculty mentors using state-of-the-art microscopy facilities. Regular seminars, journal clubs, and weekly group meetings support professional and technical development. The summer ends with a student research symposium where interns present their work to peers and faculty. The program is backed by NSF funding, conducted at a respected university biology department, providing rigorous, project-based training and strong networking through faculty mentorship and cohort community.