16 Summer Medical Research Internships for Undergraduates
College internships give you a chance to grow in ways that go beyond what you learn in the classroom. They let you build practical skills in your field, strengthen your resume, and gain experience that can make the transition into a career smoother after graduation. If you’re interested in medical research, an internship can introduce you to lab work, research methods, and the guidance of mentors who work in the field every day.
During the summer, these opportunities also give you the time and space to explore different areas of biomedical science—whether that’s molecular biology, neuroscience, cancer research, or clinical studies—without the pressure of regular coursework. And if traveling for an in-person internship isn’t possible, many programs now include virtual options, making research experience more accessible no matter where you are.
This list highlights 16 summer medical research internships for undergraduates that provide hands-on learning, mentorship, and exposure to real-world research environments
1. NIH Summer Internship Program (SIP)
Location: National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, and Framingham, MA
Stipend: Provided based on academic level
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive, varies by institute
Dates: 6-8 weeks between May and September (flexible start dates: May 19, May 27, or June 2)
Application Deadline: February 19
Eligibility: U.S. citizens or permanent residents, 18 years or older, enrolled at least half-time in college
The program creates research experiences for undergraduate students interested in biomedical sciences. You’ll work with NIH principals on research projects in science, clinical research, and translational medicine across multiple institutes like NHLBI, NIEHS, and NCI. You’ll also engage in full-time research while participating in professional development seminars, poster sessions, and networking events with scientists. The program provides mentorship, and you’ll be receiving guidance from faculty, postdoctoral fellows, and even graduate students. The experience culminates in a poster presentation day where you can showcase your research findings to the entire NIH community.
2. Ladder Internship Program
Location: Remote! You can work from anywhere in the world.
Application deadline: Deadlines vary depending on the cohort. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November).
Program dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.
Eligibility: Students who can work for 10-20 hours/week for 8-12 weeks. Open to undergraduates, and gap year students!
Ladder University Internship Program is a selective, virtual internship program where you work with startups and nonprofits from around the world! The startups range across a variety of industries. As part of their internship, each student will work on a real-world project that is of genuine need to the startup they are working with, and present their work at the end of their internship. In addition to working closely with their manager from the startup, each intern will also work with a Ladder Coach throughout their internship. Apply now!
3. Amgen Scholars Program
Location: Institutions across the U.S.
Stipend: $5,000
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective, varies by institution
Dates: 8-10 weeks during summer (specific dates vary by location)
Application Deadline: February 1
Eligibility: U.S. citizens or permanent residents interested in pursuing a PhD or MD-PhD in biosciences
You’ll conduct biotechnology-focused research under the supervision of faculty at various institutions, with access to laboratories and research facilities. The program features cohort-based experiences that include seminars, networking events, and a regional symposium where you can present your research and interact with scientists from academia and industry. The program is focused on biotechnology applications and drug discovery processes, providing you with insights into academic research and the resulting industry applications. There’s also the Faculty Lecture Series and Biotechnology Journal Club, which offer exposure to scientific developments and networking opportunities.
4. Johns Hopkins Summer Internship Program (SIP)
Location: Baltimore, MD
Stipend: $3,000-$5,500 plus free housing
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive
Dates: Approximately 10 weeks, May 25 to August 2
Application Deadline: February 1
Eligibility: Current undergraduate students from all backgrounds, U.S. citizens and permanent residents preferred for some divisions
Johns Hopkins SIP provides undergraduate students with research experiences in biomedical and public health research. You’ll work under faculty supervision on independent projects while engaging in professional development activities, networking events, and research discussions during the course of the program. You’ll receive pre-arrival reading materials related to research projects and participate in formal lab meetings to discuss research progress and scientific literature. Many continue presenting their summer research at national conferences throughout the academic year and can feel the lasting impact of their work.
5. Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Undergraduate Research Program
Location: Cold Spring Harbor, NY
Stipend: $6,000
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Approximately 20-25 students accepted annually
Dates: 10 weeks, June to August
Application Deadline: January 15
Eligibility: Current sophomores and juniors interested in molecular biology, genetics, and related fields
This program enables students to conduct research at a biological research laboratory. You’ll work on independent research projects in molecular biology, cancer biology, neuroscience, and plant biology. The program features a curriculum including Python programming workshops, career planning sessions, and seminars on biological research topics. You’ll live and work among CSHL scientists, participating in laboratory social activities and having access to exclusive events such as a dinner hosted by the CSHL President. The program places emphasis on scientific communication, with participants writing manuscripts about their summer work and presenting their findings at the URP Symposium.
6. University of Pennsylvania Summer Undergraduate Internship Program (SUIP)
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Stipend: $5,500, plus on-campus housing and round-trip transportation costs
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Approximately 30 students accepted annually; highly competitive selection process
Dates: Monday, June 2 to Friday, August 8 (10 weeks)
Application Deadline: March 6
Eligibility: U.S. citizens and permanent residents only, enrolled in a four-year college for the fall semester following the program
SUIP at the University of Pennsylvania provides a research experience designed to prepare undergraduate students for doctoral studies in the biomedical sciences. You’ll be matched with mentors from the Biomedical Graduate Studies program based on research interests and conduct independent research projects in the laboratory. The program combines lab work with professional development through research seminars, graduate school preparation workshops, and training in research and laboratory safety. You’ll also present research findings at the SUIP Symposium and participate in The Leadership Alliance National Symposium.
7. UCSF Summer Research Training Program (SRTP)
Location: San Francisco, CA
Stipend: $5,000, housing, health insurance, transportation pass, and up to $500 travel allowance
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: 10 weeks during summer
Application Deadline: February 1
Eligibility: U.S. citizens or permanent residents, currently enrolled undergraduates with a desire to pursue a PhD or MD-PhD
SRTP provides undergraduate students with research experiences in biomedical and biological sciences. You’ll work with UCSF faculty members on research projects while participating in seminars, lectures, and social events that create a cohesive and supportive community. You’ll also engage in daily research activities complemented by seminars on scientific and professional development, journal talks, and presentations.
8. Scripps Research Summer Undergraduate Research Fellows (SURF)
Location: La Jolla, CA (with similar program in Jupiter, FL)
Stipend: $6,900 and on-campus housing provided
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: 10 weeks, June 2 to August 8 (flexible start/end dates)
Application Deadline: Varies (typically February)
Eligibility: College undergraduates in chemical and biological sciences
The Scripps Research SURF Program offers students access to research in over 150 laboratories. Unlike traditional coursework, you'll identify research interests and collaborate with faculty mentors to craft personalized research projects. You’ll work under the supervision of graduate students or postdocs initially and then transition to independent work as you become more comfortable with your projects. The program features weekly seminars including "Career Options for PhDs," "Life as a Graduate Student," lab techniques presentations, GRE preparation classes, and "Hot Topics in Science" discussions. You can also present research at the Summer Student Symposium, providing opportunities to develop public speaking and networking skills with the Scripps Research community.
9. Jackson Laboratory Summer Student Program
Location: Bar Harbor, ME, and Farmington, CT
Stipend: $4,500-$6,000 including room and board, plus travel costs
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Approximately 40 students annually
Dates: 10 weeks, June 6 to August 10
Application Deadline: February 2
Eligibility: Undergraduate students interested in genetics and genomics research
The Jackson Laboratory Summer Student Program is a genetics and genomics research experience with support from experienced scientific mentors. You’ll develop independent projects, implement research plans, analyze data, and report results. The program creates opportunities for experiencing laboratory discovery, communication of knowledge, and professional growth within a community of science scholars. You can have access to research facilities and explore recreational opportunities, including climbing Mount Katahdin and hiking in Acadia National Park. The program culminates in presentations to researchers, students, and parents at the summer symposium and graduation ceremony.
10. West Virginia University Summer Program for Undergraduate Research in Biomedical Sciences
Location: Morgantown, West Virginia
Stipend: $4,500, on-campus housing, and travel assistance
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective, focuses on building diversity in biomedical sciences
Dates: 8 weeks, May 29 to July 24
Application Deadline: February 1
Eligibility: Rising juniors, seniors, or recent graduates interested in biomedical sciences or physician-scientist careers
The West Virginia University program creates a summer research experience across eight areas, including biochemistry and molecular medicine, cancer cell biology, neuroscience, and pharmaceutical sciences. You’ll conduct full-time research on projects while participating in professional development workshops. The program offers an MD/PhD Physician Scientist Pathway for students interested in combining medical and research careers. The program culminates in a research presentation, allowing you to showcase findings with the academic community.
11. Texas A&M University College of Medicine Summer Research Program
Location: Bryan-College Station and Houston, TX campuses
Stipend: $4,000
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: 10 weeks, May 19 to July 25
Application Deadline: February 1
Eligibility: Undergraduate students from any institution interested in biomedical research careers
The Texas A&M program matches undergraduate students with faculty mentors for research projects in basic or clinical science disciplines across two campus locations. You’ll gain experience in laboratory settings while participating in weekly meetings focused on scientific investigation principles, ethical aspects of research, and career development. The program features scientific seminars, workshops, and group activities designed to provide research training. You are expected to commit full-time (40 hours per week minimum) for the entire 10-week duration. The experience culminates in Research Day, where you can present your projects to judges, students, and faculty, with awards given for best presentations and a keynote speaker.
12. University of Missouri Summer Research Internship in Medical Sciences
Location: Columbia, MO
Stipend: Available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open to students meeting eligibility criteria
Dates: 9 weeks, May 28 to July 25
Application Deadline: February 16
Eligibility: Preference given to first-generation college students and underrepresented groups in medicine
The University of Missouri program focuses on improving access to biomedical sciences through research experiences. You can work on independent research projects while receiving guidance from experienced faculty mentors throughout the nine-week program. The program emphasizes practical research skills and culminates in a poster forum where you can present research results to the academic community. The program is integrated into the Translational Biomedicine Summer Research Program, providing resources and networking opportunities. You’ll also gain exposure to translational research approaches that bridge basic science and clinical applications.
13. Gerstner Sloan Kettering Summer Undergraduate Research Programs
Location: New York, NY
Stipend: Various stipends depending on program
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Varies based on program
Dates: Varies based on program
Application Deadline: Varies based on program
Eligibility: Freshmen, sophomores, and juniors with research experience, GPA > 3.0
The Gerstner Sloan Kettering provides research experience in laboratories at cancer research institutions. You’ll interact with faculty, postdoctoral fellows, and graduate students while attending weekly luncheon/seminar series presentations. The program includes skills development workshops focused on presentation and interview techniques, preparing you for future academic and professional opportunities. Some programs require previous research experience, ensuring participants can contribute meaningfully to ongoing projects from the beginning of their fellowship. You’ll gain exposure to biomedically related sciences with emphasis on cancer research and translational applications.
14. Broad Institute Summer Research Program (BSRP)
Location: Cambridge, MA
Stipend: $5,400, free housing, and travel to/from Boston
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective, small cohort focused on diversity and inclusion
Dates: 9 weeks
Application Deadline: January 10
Eligibility: Students with demonstrated commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion in STEM disciplines
The Broad Institute BSRP provides research opportunities in projects across areas such as infectious disease and computational biology. You’ll conduct original research while participating in a curriculum that also emphasizes communication and collaborative problem-solving. The program features scientific communication courses, seminars with scientists, and weekly workshops on professional development and diversity in science. You can receive travel sponsorship to present your summer research at national scientific conferences, extending the impact of your work beyond the program.
15. Columbia University Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowships (SURF)
Location: New York, NY (Morningside campus and Health Sciences Center)
Stipend: $5,000
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive, based on grades and recommendations
Dates: 10 weeks during summer
Application Deadline: Varies (typically February-March)
Eligibility: Current first-year students, sophomores, and juniors in Columbia College, Columbia Engineering, and the School of General Studies
Columbia University's SURF program provides students with biology-related research opportunities on both the Morningside campus and biomedical labs at the Health Sciences Center. You’ll work full-time on projects under the guidance of research scientists to further your practical skills and scientific understanding. No previous research experience is required, and students do not need to be biology majors. You’ll participate in orientation programs and periodic research seminars with Columbia scientists that provide ongoing professional development throughout the experience.
16. Mayo Clinic Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF)
Location: Mayo Clinic campuses in Minnesota, Florida, and Arizona
Stipend: $6,000
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Approximately 100 spots available annually (Selective)
Dates: 10-week program late May to early August
Application Deadline: February 1
Eligibility: Undergraduate students with a GPA of 3.0 or higher
The SURF Program provides undergraduate students with research experiences at their medical institution. You’ll work with Mayo Clinic faculty on projects designed for summer participants to gain experience in areas like biochemistry, molecular biology, biomedical engineering, immunology, and neuroscience. You’ll have access to research facilities while collaborating with scientists in chosen fields. You can also earn acknowledgment or co-authorship in peer-reviewed publications, acknowledging the contributions you make to ongoing research projects. The program's approach includes mentorship from faculty, postdoctoral fellows, graduate students, and medical students across different career paths.
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