15 Biochemistry Internships for Undergraduates
- Stephen Turban
- Oct 3
- 9 min read
If you’re an undergraduate student studying biochemistry, joining an internship is one of the most effective ways to build experience outside the classroom.
Biochemistry internships place you in labs and research centers where real scientific work happens every day. You might practice lab techniques, run experiments, analyze data, or support ongoing projects alongside faculty and researchers. Each internship gives you a closer look at how discoveries in biochemistry are made and applied.
For students planning to pursue graduate school, medical research, or careers in biotech, completing an internship can also strengthen college and job applications. It shows that you’ve gained practical skills, worked in professional lab settings, and taken initiative to prepare for the future.Â
To help you explore, we’ve compiled 15 of the best biochemistry internships for undergraduates. If you're looking for more prestigious internships, check out this set of blogs!
15 Biochemistry Internships for Undergraduates
Location:Â Virtual
Cost:Â Varies by program, with financial aid available.
Dates:Â Multiple 8-week cohorts available from June through August.
Application Deadline:Â Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, typically starting in May.
Eligibility:Â Undergraduate students
The Ladder University Internship Program is an 8-week opportunity for undergraduate students to gain real-world experience in a field that matches their interests. You’ll be paired with a startup or research team and work on projects that align with your goals. You’ll work closely with mentors like industry experts, startup founders, or academic researchers who offer guidance, feedback, and career advice. You’ll build practical skills, receive training and resources, and strengthen your resume through meaningful project work.
Location:Â Various host institutions across the U.S., Europe, and Asia
Cost:Â No cost; includes a stipend, housing, and travel expenses
Dates:Â 8-10 weeks in the summer, available from June through August
Application Deadline:Â February 1, varies by host institution
Eligibility:Â Undergraduates with a strong interest in pursuing a Ph.D. or M.D.-Ph.D
The Amgen Scholars Program gives you the chance to do full-time lab research in biochemistry and related fields at top universities around the world. You’ll work under a faculty mentor, using real tools and techniques to explore topics like molecular biology, cell biology, and biomedical science. You’ll attend seminars and workshops, meet other students in science, and present your work at a final symposium. The program covers your housing and travel and provides a stipend. It’s designed to help you prepare for graduate school and careers in research, and it’s open to undergraduates from hundreds of colleges across dozens of countries.
Location:Â NIH campuses in Bethesda, MD, and other locations across the U.S.
Cost:Â No cost; a stipend is provided
Dates:Â 8-10 weeks in the summer, available from late May/ early June through August
Application Deadline:Â March 1
Eligibility:Â Students who are 17 years or older and are U.S. citizens or permanent residents
The NIH Summer Internship Program (SIP) gives you the chance to do full-time research at one of the National Institutes of Health campuses across the United States. You’ll work with leading scientists on a project that matches your interests in biology, chemistry, biomedical science, or behavioral and social sciences. You’ll gain hands-on lab experience, attend lectures and workshops, and take part in career development activities that help you prepare for graduate school or future research careers. You’ll be placed in a lab and mentored by NIH researchers while building skills in data analysis, scientific writing, and lab techniques.
Location:Â Scripps Research, La Jolla, CA
Cost:Â No cost; includes a stipend and on-campus housing
Dates:Â 10 weeks, from June 2 to August 8 (varies between years)
Application Deadline:Â February 15
Eligibility:Â Undergraduates with a strong interest in biomedical research
The Summer Undergraduate Research Fellows (SURF) Program at Scripps Research gives you the chance to do full-time research in one of more than 150 labs. You’ll be matched with a faculty mentor and work on an independent project in areas like biochemistry, molecular biology, or biomedical science. You’ll build technical skills, learn how to solve problems through research, and get experience using real lab tools. Each week, you’ll join seminars that cover lab techniques, career paths, and current topics in science. These sessions help you stay connected to the latest research and think about your next steps.
Location:Â Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA
Cost:Â No cost; includes a stipend and travel allowance
Dates:Â 9 weeks, from June 16 to August 15 (varies between years)
Application Deadline:Â January 10
Eligibility:Â U.S. citizens or permanent residents who are rising seniors
The Summer Undergraduate Research Program (SURP) at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center is a nine-week paid internship for undergraduates entering the summer before their final year. You will work full-time in a research lab under a faculty mentor and complete an independent project in one of several areas, including structural biology, molecular biology, cell biology, genetic biology, and developmental biology. You will present your findings at a poster session and attend weekly seminars and workshops focused on applying to graduate or medical school. The program provides housing and is funded by the National Cancer Institute.
Location:Â Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY
Cost:Â No cost; includes a stipend
Dates:Â 10 weeks, from June 9 to August 9 (varies between years)
Application Deadline:Â January 15
Eligibility:Â Undergraduates with a strong academic background in science
The Undergraduate Research Program (URP) at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory is a ten-week summer internship for undergraduates interested in biochemistry, molecular biology, genetics, neuroscience, and plant biology. You will join a research lab, work on an independent project, and receive mentorship from CSHL scientists. The program includes weekly seminars, career workshops, and social events that help you connect with other students and researchers. You will present your work at a final symposium.
Location:Â Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, MA
Cost:Â No cost; includes a stipend, housing, and travel allowance
Dates:Â 10 weeks, from May 26 to August 2 (varies between years)
Application Deadline:Â January 30.
Eligibility:Â Sophomores, juniors, and non-graduating seniors with a minimum GPA of 3.5 in STEM courses and prior research experience
The Bernard S. and Sophie G. Gould MIT Summer Research Program in Biology (BSG-MSRP-Bio) is a nine-week research internship for undergraduates from underrepresented backgrounds. You will work full-time in a biology or biochemistry lab at MIT, conducting supervised research in areas such as molecular biology, cell biology, genetics, biochemistry, and neuroscience. You will gain experience with advanced lab techniques, attend weekly seminars, and join faculty meetings that introduce you to current research and graduate school pathways.Â
Location:Â Stanford University, Stanford, CA
Cost:Â No cost; includes a stipend, housing, and travel allowance
Dates:Â 8 weeks, from June 21 to August 16 (varies between years)
Application Deadline:Â February 1
Eligibility:Â Undergraduates with an interest in biomedical research
The Stanford Summer Research Program (SSRP) is a fully funded eight-week internship for undergraduates interested in biochemistry and biomedical research. You will live on campus, work full-time in a Stanford lab, and carry out an independent research project under the guidance of a faculty mentor. Your research may focus on areas such as molecular biology, genetics, cell biology, or biochemistry, depending on your interests and lab placement. The program includes professional development workshops, mentoring, and community-building activities.
Location:Â University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA
Cost:Â No cost; includes a stipend, housing, and travel expenses
Dates:Â 10 weeks, from June 9 to August 15 (varies from year)
Application Deadline:Â February 1
Eligibility:Â Sophomores, juniors, and non-graduating seniors who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents with a minimum GPA of 3.2.
The UC Berkeley Amgen Scholars Program is a fully funded summer research internship for undergraduates interested in biochemistry, molecular biology, and related fields. You will work full-time in a UC Berkeley lab under a faculty mentor, carrying out an independent research project using advanced techniques in areas such as protein chemistry, genetic engineering, or cell signaling. The program includes weekly seminars, career development workshops, and a final symposium where you present your research. You also attend a national symposium with Amgen Scholars from other institutions.Â
Location: Mayo Clinic campuses in Rochester, MN; Jacksonville, FL; and Scottsdale, AZ
Cost: A stipend of $6000 is provided; students cover housing, meals, and travel
Dates: 10 weeks, typically late May – early August
Application Deadline: February 3
Eligibility: Undergraduate students with a GPA of 3.0 or higher who have completed at least two years of college; U.S. citizens and international students enrolled full-time at U.S. institutions are eligible
The Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) at Mayo Clinic is a ten-week paid internship for undergraduates interested in biochemistry and biomedical research. You will work full-time in a Mayo Clinic lab under the guidance of a faculty mentor and carry out an independent research project in areas such as molecular biology, protein chemistry, cell signaling, or immunology. At the end of the program, you will present your findings at a poster session. The program includes housing, a stipend, and access to seminars and professional development activities.
Location:Â Various locations across the U.S.
Cost:Â Paid internship
Dates:Â Typically 10-12 weeks, available from May/ June to August (varies by region)
Application Deadline:Â Varies by position
Eligibility:Â Currently enrolled undergraduate students with a minimum GPA of 3.0
The Johnson & Johnson Internship Program is a paid opportunity for undergraduate and graduate students to work on real-world projects in biochemistry, pharmaceutical development, and biomedical research. You’ll join research and development teams focused on creating new therapeutics and gain hands-on experience in areas like protein analysis, drug formulation, and clinical trial support. You’ll receive mentorship from scientists and professionals across the company, take part in presentations and collaborative projects, and have access to networking events with senior leaders.
Location: Primarily at major Pfizer R&D hubs, including Groton, CT; Cambridge, MA; La Jolla, CA; Pearl River, NY; and St. Louis, MO
Cost: Competitive paid internship ($26–$29/hr); housing assistance may be available
Dates: 10–12 weeks, typically from May/June to August
Application Deadline: October 31
Eligibility: Undergraduate students enrolled full-time with a minimum 3.0 GPA, authorized to work in the U.S., and able to commute to work 4+ days/week
The Pfizer Futures Program is a paid summer internship that gives you direct experience in the biopharmaceutical industry. You’ll join a division like Research and Development, where you work on active projects and gain hands-on lab experience in areas such as biochemistry, molecular biology, or drug formulation. You’ll see how medicines move through the drug discovery pipeline, from early research to development. You’ll take part in team meetings, design sessions, and collaborations with scientists and professionals across Pfizer.
Location:Â South San Francisco, CA
Cost:Â Paid internship
Dates:Â 10-12 weeks, typically from May/June to August
Application Deadline:Â Varies by position
Eligibility:Â Undergraduates who have completed at least one year of university and are within two years of their most recent degree.
The Genentech Summer Internship Program gives you the chance to work on real-world projects in biochemistry, biotechnology, and drug development. You’ll be placed in a team focused on areas like protein engineering, molecular biology, clinical research, or manufacturing science, depending on your background and interests. You’ll contribute to meaningful scientific work, use advanced lab techniques, and learn how research translates into therapies. The program includes mentorship, professional development workshops, and networking events with scientists and company leaders.
Location:Â Various Merck locations in the U.S.
Cost:Â Paid internship
Dates:Â 10-12 weeks, typically from May/June to August
Application Deadline:Â Varies by position and business unit
Eligibility:Â Undergraduate students
The Merck Internship Program offers paid summer positions for undergraduate and graduate students interested in biochemistry, pharmaceutical research, and drug development. You’ll join a division such as Research and Development, Manufacturing, or Regulatory Affairs, where you contribute to active projects that support Merck’s mission to improve global health. You’ll gain hands-on experience in areas like protein chemistry, clinical trial design, or process optimization, depending on your placement. The program includes mentorship, networking events, and professional development sessions that help you build technical and communication skills.
Location:Â Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research (NIBR) sites in Cambridge, MA, or San Diego, CA.
Cost:Â Paid, full-time internship with travel and housing costs covered
Dates:Â 10 weeks, typically from late May/ early June to August
Application Deadline:Â December 1
Eligibility:Â Top-tier undergraduate students with a strong desire to pursue a Ph.D. in a biomedical field, particularly those with minimal prior exposure to industry research.
The Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research (NIBR) Summer of Science Internship is a ten-week paid program for undergraduate students interested in biochemistry, molecular biology, and drug discovery. You’ll work full-time in a Novartis lab, design and carry out your own research project, and receive mentorship from a NIBR scientist. Your training will include lab techniques, data analysis, and exposure to the drug development pipeline, with a focus on patient-centered science. Outside the lab, you’ll take part in career talks, professional development workshops, and team-building activities.Â
One other option—the Lumiere Research Scholar Program
If you’re interested in pursuing independent research, consider applying to one of the Lumiere Research Scholar Programs, selective online high school programs for students founded with researchers at Harvard and Oxford. Last year, we had over 4,000 students apply for 500 spots in the program! You can find the application form here.
Also check out the Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation, a non-profit research program for talented, low-income students. Last year, we had 150 students on full need-based financial aid!
Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere and a Harvard College graduate. He founded Lumiere as a Ph.D. student at Harvard Business School. Lumiere is a selective research program in which students work one-on-one with a research mentor to develop a research paper.
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