15 Science Laboratory Internships for Undergraduates

Science laboratory internships offer undergraduate students a chance to move beyond classroom theory and engage directly in scientific research. Whether conducted in academic institutions, government facilities, or private research labs, these internships allow students to apply technical knowledge in real-world settings while developing real-world skills that you can’t build through coursework alone. For students considering careers in research, healthcare, biotechnology, engineering, or graduate study, laboratory experience can provide valuable exposure to professional scientific environments and help clarify long-term academic and career interests.

If you want to see what other STEM-related internships are available in other states, find a list of internships in California here & Arizona here.

Why should I do a science laboratory internship in college?

A science laboratory internship can strengthen both your technical abilities and your professional profile in ways that traditional coursework often cannot. Working in a laboratory setting can help you gain hands-on experience with research methodologies, laboratory equipment, data collection, and analytical techniques that are widely used in scientific fields. In addition to technical development, laboratory internships can help undergraduates build important professional connections with researchers, graduate students, and industry professionals.

To help you find opportunities that offer meaningful research experience, mentorship, and professional development, here are 15 science laboratory internships for undergraduates to consider.

Key takeaways

• This list gathers 15 science laboratory internships for undergraduates spanning federal national labs, major research universities, and prestigious international institutions, with standout hosts including NASA JPL, NIST, CERN, and Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory.

• Nearly all of these are paid, with strong stipends ranging from $6,000 to $7,000 at several U.S.-based programs, while a handful of the international options pay in local currency at rates that vary depending on the cost of living in each country.

• Six of these are based outside the U.S., spanning Switzerland, Germany, and Japan, giving students interested in an international research experience several strong options alongside the U.S. national lab and university programs.

• U.S.-based programs cluster around major research hubs like New York, Maryland, and California, while the international options require travel abroad, and Ladder remains the only fully virtual choice on the list.

• The earliest deadline falls in mid-November for one of the Swiss research fellowships, with several U.S. national lab deadlines clustering into January, so it's worth starting applications well before winter break wraps up.

1. Amgen Scholars Program

Location: Multiple sites
Stipend: Varies by location; $4,200 – $6,000 in the U.S.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective
Dates: Summer (varies by site)
Application Deadline: February 1
Eligibility: Varies by region, but typically sophomores, juniors, and non-graduating seniors with a 3.2+ GPA

The Amgen Scholars Program is a science laboratory internship that provides undergraduates with the opportunity to engage in a hands-on research project at one of the world’s leading educational institutions. Participants are matched with a faculty mentor to conduct original research in the biological sciences or related biotechnology fields. Beyond daily laboratory work, you attend seminars, workshops, and networking events to prepare for graduate school. The program culminates in a regional symposium where scholars present their findings to peers and industry experts. It is ideal for students who intend to pursue a Ph.D. or M.D.-Ph.D. degree.

2. CERN Summer Student Programme

Location: CERN, Geneva, Switzerland
Stipend: 93 CHF/day (120.10)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: ~3-4%
Dates: 8 – 13 weeks in the summer
Application Deadline: January 26
Eligibility: Students pursuing a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Physics, Engineering, Computer Science, or Mathematics

This science undergraduate laboratory internship lets you join the day-to-day work of research teams in an experimental or theoretical context. You participate in technical projects involving hardware and software systems that support the Large Hadron Collider and other facilities. In addition to working in the lab, you attend a series of specialized lectures prepared by CERN scientists. The program covers several topics, including particle physics, data modeling, and accelerator technology. You also take part in organized visits to experimental areas and massive underground detectors.

3. NSF Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU)

Location: Hundreds of host universities across the U.S.  and some international sites
Stipend: Typically $6,000 – $7,000
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective
Dates: 10 weeks in the summer
Application Deadline: Varies by site; typically late January to early March
Eligibility: Undergraduates who are U.S. citizens, nationals, or permanent residents 

The National Science Foundation (NSF) funds a vast network of research sites across every major scientific discipline, including physics, chemistry, biology, and engineering. Students are assigned a research project, where they work with faculty and other researchers. Each REU site is themed around a particular research area, such as Sustainable Chemistry or Interdisciplinary Biology. You spend your summer conducting original laboratory or field experiments, attending professional development workshops, and learning about the graduate school application process. Most programs conclude with a formal poster symposium or the submission of a technical paper summarizing the results. 

4. RISE (Research Internships in Science and Engineering) Germany

Location: Universities and research institutions across Germany
Stipend: €992/month ($1,163.16) + €160 travel allowance ($187.61)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: ~300 students
Dates: Minimum 10 weeks and maximum 90 days between May 15 and July 15
Application Deadline: November 30
Eligibility: Undergraduate students (who have completed at least 2 years) from North American, British, and Irish universities majoring in biology, chemistry, computer science, physics, earth sciences, or engineering

RISE Germany pairs undergraduate students with doctoral students for science laboratory internships at top German research institutions. You’ll assist your mentor with experimental work on specific projects within the fields of natural science and engineering. The program is conducted entirely in English, so German-language proficiency is not required but is encouraged for social integration. You gain hands-on experience with modern laboratory techniques and data analysis while immersing yourself in German academic culture. At the end of the internship, you’ll attend a three-day meeting in Heidelberg to share your research results and network.

5. ETH Student Summer Research Fellowship (ETH SSRF)

Location: Zurich, Switzerland
Stipend: CHF 4,000 ($5110.76) + travel and visa expenses
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective
Dates: July 1 – August 31
Application Deadline: December 16
Eligibility: Non-graduating Bachelor’s and Master’s students in Computer Science or related STEM fields who have completed 2 years of study

This fellowship allows you to gain research experience within the Department of Computer Science and related labs at ETH Zurich. Fellows are integrated into research groups and work under the direct supervision of faculty members and senior researchers. The program focuses on technical areas such as machine learning, systems, algorithms, and biological computing. You participate in academic seminars and social events to foster international collaboration and peer networking. The internship concludes with a final report or presentation where you synthesize and present your summer findings.

6. EPFL School of Life Sciences Summer Research Program

Location: École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
Stipend: CHF 3,600 ($4599.68) + reimbursement for travel costs
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Around 26 students
Dates: July 3 – August 27
Application Deadline: November 15
Eligibility: Undergraduate and first-year master’s students in life sciences

Hosted by the School of Life Sciences at EPFL, this program provides eight weeks of intensive laboratory training. Students are placed in laboratories to work on projects spanning molecular biology, neuroscience, genetics, and bioengineering. The curriculum includes weekly workshops that focus on scientific communication, ethics, and career development. You’ll be expected to contribute to ongoing research and learn advanced experimental techniques using the university's core facilities. The program ends with a poster session where you present your work. 

7. OIST Research Internship Program

Location: Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology, Okinawa, Japan
Stipend: 2,400 JPY/working day ($15.28)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: 3 – 6 months; Fall: October 1 – March 31; Spring: April 1 – September 30
Application Deadline: Fall (April 15), Spring (October 15)
Eligibility: Undergraduates in their final two years, Master’s students, and recent graduates

This science undergraduate laboratory internship offers science laboratory internships in various STEM fields, including life sciences, chemistry, and physics. You work in a highly multidisciplinary environment, often collaborating across different scientific domains. The program provides access to state-of-the-art equipment and high-performance computing resources within a specific research unit. You’ll perform experimental work, attend seminars, and contribute to the lab's scientific output. This internship is designed for students seeking research experience and interested in joining OIST's PhD Program. 

8. Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory (CSHL) Undergraduate Research Program (URP)

Location: Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, New York, USA
Stipend: $7,000
Acceptance rate/cohort size: ~20 students
Dates: June 8 – August 8
Application Deadline: January 15
Eligibility: Undergraduate sophomores and juniors. Foreign students can apply if they’re enrolled full-time at a U.S. college or university 

The Undergraduate Research Program (URP) at CSHL provides an immersive research internship in molecular biology, genetics, and neuroscience. You work under the guidance of staff scientists on independent research projects that contribute to the lab’s ongoing mission. You’ll live on-site in a collaborative scientific community, facilitating constant interaction with world-renowned researchers. The program includes workshops on bioinformatics, Python programming, and scientific presentation skills. The summer concludes with a final symposium where you present your research to the entire CSHL faculty.

9. HHMI Janelia Summer Undergraduate Research Experience(Cech Fellows)

Location: HHMI Janelia Research Campus, Virginia, USA
Stipend: Paid (not specified)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective
Dates: June 15 – August 14
Application Deadline: December 22
Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors at an accredited U.S. institution

This program is located at the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s (HHMI) Janelia Research Campus, a premier facility for neuroscience and imaging. You work in a culture that emphasizes small, collaborative research groups and high-risk, high-reward science. The projects typically focus on neural circuits, protein engineering, or computational biology. Interns have full access to Janelia's specialized tool-building resources and world-class microscopy. The program encourages students to participate in scientific discussions and attend campus-wide lectures by visiting experts.

10. NIST Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) Program

Location: NIST Gaithersburg, Maryland/Boulder, Colorado, USA
Stipend: $710/week
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: 11-week program (May 7 - August 27)
Application Deadline: January 26
Eligibility: Full-time undergraduates, U.S. citizens or permanent residents enrolled in a STEM degree

The Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) focuses on metrology and applied science. You work in labs ranging from nanotechnology and quantum physics to chemical engineering and materials science. The program emphasizes the importance of precision measurement and the development of national standards. Fellows work alongside NIST scientists on projects that have real-world applications in industry and technology. In addition to lab work, you attend professional development seminars and present your results at a final poster session.

11. DOE Science Undergraduate Laboratory Internships (SULI)

Location: 17 national labs
Stipend: $650/week
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: 10 weeks in the summer or a semester-long experience
Application Deadline: May 20 (Fall), January 7 (Summer), September (Spring)
Eligibility: U.S. citizens or permanent residents who are undergraduates (or recent graduates) majoring in STEM

The SULI program places undergraduates in Department of Energy (DOE) national laboratories to perform research under the guidance of staff scientists. Research areas are diverse, including high-energy physics, environmental science, advanced materials, and renewable energy. You gain experience with large-scale scientific facilities and instrumentation not found in university settings. The program requires interns to submit a final research paper and deliver an oral or poster presentation. It is designed to encourage students to pursue careers in the national laboratory system or related energy sectors.

12. Chemers Neustein Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship Program (SURF)

Location: Rockefeller University, New York, NY
Stipend: $6,500
Acceptance rate/cohort size: ~25 students
Dates: June 1 – August 7
Application Deadline: February 1
Eligibility: College sophomores and juniors

The Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) at Rockefeller University offers intensive laboratory experience in the heart of Manhattan. Students are placed in one of the university’s 70+ laboratories, focusing on areas such as immunology, neuroscience, and chemical biology. You work as part of a research team on a specific project, learning techniques such as CRISPR, mass spectrometry, and cell imaging. The program includes a seminar series where faculty members present their latest research findings. It concludes with a formal poster session attended by the entire Rockefeller scientific community.

13. Max Planck Institute for Astronomy (MPIA) Internship

Location: Max Planck Institute for Astronomy, Heidelberg, Germany
Stipend: €1,000/month ($1172.54)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective
Dates: Up to 3 months
Application Deadline: January 15
Eligibility: Bachelor’s and Master’s students who have completed at least four semesters of their degree

This science laboratory internship offers students the chance to work on frontline astronomical research and instrument development. Interns are assigned to specific research groups focusing on themes like planet and star formation or galaxies and cosmology. The technical work involves data reduction from major observatories, computational modeling, and laboratory experiments with astronomical hardware. You gain direct experience with the professional software and hardware tools used by research astrophysicists today. The program also includes regular scientific colloquia and a structured mentorship system to guide you through your independent research project. 

14. NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) Internships

Location: NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California, USA/Virtual
Stipend: Varies by academic level and duration
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective
Dates: 10 weeks in the summer; year-round options also available
Application Deadline: March 13 (summer)
Eligibility: Undergraduate or graduate students with a minimum 3.00 cumulative GPA; U.S. citizenship or legal permanent resident status 

NASA JPL offers a variety of internship programs, including summer and year-round science laboratory internships. Interns are paired with a JPL scientist or engineer who serves as a mentor on projects related to planetary exploration, Earth science, and space-based technology. You contribute to real-world missions, performing tasks like data analysis, software development, or hardware testing in high-tech laboratory environments. The work is deeply technical, often involving the design of autonomous systems or the analysis of signals from deep-space probes. Beyond technical tasks, you attend lectures and network with leaders in the aerospace industry. The program is designed to create a pipeline for future full-time employment at NASA or its partner organizations.

15. Fermilab’s ASPIRE

Location: Fermilab, Illinois, USA
Stipend: Varies by academic level
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: May 18 – August 7
Application Deadline: April 7
Eligibility: Undergraduate juniors, seniors, and Master’s engineering students with a minimum cumulative 3.0 GPA, and who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents

The ASPIRE program (Advancing Scholars in Physics and Innovative Research in Engineering) is a science laboratory internship at Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory. It provides undergraduates with hands-on experience in accelerator physics, particle detector technology, and large-scale computing. The laboratory work often involves testing superconducting magnets, developing cryogenic systems, or analyzing data from neutrino experiments. You participate in a structured curriculum that includes technical lectures, safety training, and tours of the underground experimental facilities. The program culminates in a written research report and a formal presentation to the Fermilab scientific staff.

Looking for an immersive internship experience?

Check out Ladder Internships!

Ladder Internships is a selective, virtual internship program where students work with global startups and nonprofits across various industries. As part of your internship,you work on a real-world project that is genuinely needed by the startup you’re working with and present your work at the end of the internship. In addition to working closely with the startup manager, you’re also guided by a Ladder Coach throughout the internship. Apply now!

Questions students often ask about these internships

1. Do I need prior lab experience to apply to these science internships?

It depends on the program. Many of the most selective national lab and university fellowships do favor students with some prior coursework or lab exposure, though not necessarily hands-on research experience. Reading each program's eligibility details closely will help you gauge fit.

2. Several of these programs are based outside the U.S. Do I need to already speak the local language to participate?

No, most of the international programs on this list are conducted entirely in English, so local language proficiency isn't required, though it can help with day-to-day life abroad. Check each program's language requirements to be sure.

3. Do I need to be a U.S. citizen to apply to these internships, or are international students eligible too?

It varies by program. Several U.S. federal lab internships require U.S. citizenship or permanent residency, while the international programs and a few university-run options are open to students from a wider range of countries. Check each listing's eligibility section closely.