15 Biology Internships for Undergraduates
- Stephen Turban
- Aug 4
- 10 min read
If you're an undergraduate student studying biology, it makes sense to look for ways to apply what you’re learning in practical settings. Internships are one of the most effective ways to do that. These programs give you the chance to assist with research, analyze data, observe lab techniques, and understand how biology is used across health, environment, and industry.
These roles often come with professional mentorship and exposure to how teams work on long-term biological studies. If you're planning to work in research, medicine, biotech, or conservation, this kind of experience can strengthen your resume and give you clarity on what path to follow. It also helps when applying to graduate school or research fellowships later on.
To make things easier, we’ve put together a list of 15 biology internships for undergraduates! If you’re looking for even more prestigious internships, check out these blogs.
15 Biology Internships for Undergraduates
Location: Virtual
Dates: Multiple cohorts available throughout the year
Application Deadline: Varies by the cohort
Eligibility: College students interested in tech, non-profit, or related fields
Ladder University Internship Program is a fully remote, project-based internship for college students. You’ll work with startup companies in fields like tech, finance, healthcare, and media. Each intern is matched with a company based on their interests and works on a project for 8 weeks, committing 5–10 hours per week. You’ll get weekly guidance from your startup manager and a Ladder Coach, build a portfolio, and develop skills in communication, leadership, and problem-solving.
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Cost: Free
Dates: Flexible; determined by individual research teams
Application Deadline: Rolling; varies by internship posting
Eligibility: College students and adults interested in museum operations, research, or education
The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University offers research internships that give college students and recent graduates hands-on experience in museum operations, environmental research, education, and curation. You’ll be part of a field crew studying aspects such as water quality and stream life in Pennsylvania, or you could assist in museum labs, exhibitions, or education programs. You’ll learn by doing, work with scientists and educators, and figure out where you fit in the world of research or outreach. Internship dates vary, and spots open throughout the year. The Academy and Drexel are serious about diversity and welcome students from all backgrounds.
Location: Institute for Systems Biology, Seattle, WA
Stipend: At least $625/week; additional housing stipend of $4,200 available for qualifying students
Dates: 10 consecutive weeks, must include June 23 – August 8; additional weeks set with mentor
Application Deadline: Preliminary application closes January 21; full application (by invitation) closes February 28
Eligibility: Undergraduate students enrolled at accredited U.S. colleges or universities; must be authorized to work in the U.S. and hold a high school diploma or equivalent
The ISB Summer Undergraduate Research Experiences Program gives you 10 weeks at the Institute for Systems Biology in Seattle, where you’ll dive into lab research for 30–40 hours a week. You’re paired with a mentor based on your interests - biology, chemistry, CS, math, info science, or engineering and build your project from the ground up. You’ll take part in seminars, lab meetings, workshops, and retreats, and at the end, present your research poster at a mini-symposium. It’s a serious opportunity to grow technically and professionally, especially if you haven’t had much research experience yet.
Location: Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY
Cost/Stipend: Includes stipend and on-campus housing
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Approximately 20 students selected each summer
Dates: June 9 – August 9
Application Deadline: Applications for the next cycle open in September
Eligibility: Undergraduate students from around the world interested in molecular biology, genetics, neuroscience, plant biology, or quantitative biology
The Undergraduate Research Program (URP) at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory (CSHL) is a 10-week summer experience. You’ll join one of the Lab’s expert research groups and work on an original project in fields like molecular biology, cancer research, neuroscience, or genomics. You’ll get hands-on training using cutting-edge tools, attend Python and computational biology workshops, and join seminars on bioinformatics, science communication, and research ethics. At the end, you’ll present your work at a symposium and write a manuscript that could lead to a peer-reviewed publication.
Location: 17 participating DOE national laboratories and facilities across the U.S.
Cost/Stipend: Paid internship; includes stipend (amount varies by lab and term), travel support may also be available.
Dates: 10-week summer internships (May–August) or semester-long experiences (August–December or January–May)
Application Deadline: Typically January for summer term; October for spring term (confirm specific dates each cycle)
Eligibility: Undergraduate students and recent graduates pursuing degrees in STEM or science policy fields; must meet DOE requirements and be enrolled or recently graduated from an accredited U.S. institution.
The Science Undergraduate Laboratory Internship (SULI) is a top-tier research opportunity from the U.S. Department of Energy. You’ll work 10 weeks in the summer or 16 weeks during the semester at one of 17 national labs, paired with a DOE scientist who mentors you through a hands-on research project. You’ll explore fields like renewable energy, quantum computing, environmental science, and nuclear security, using advanced instruments and facilities. It’s a chance to build expertise, contribute to national research goals, and maybe even co-author a publication.
Location: Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA
Cost/Stipend: Often unpaid or for academic credit; some positions may be paid through work-study, departmental funds, or NSF REU stipends
Dates: Flexible; during the semester or summer, depending on arrangement
Application Deadline: Rolling; determined by individual faculty and program timelines
Eligibility: Undergraduate students in the College of Science or related LSU programs; work-study students may also apply research funds to lab positions
The LSU College of Science Undergraduate Research Program lets you dive into original research in biology, chemistry, geology, math, or physics. You can join a faculty research group during the semester or summer, for credit, pay, or as a volunteer, and work on projects that build your lab, analytical, and communication skills. LSU also connects you with NSF-funded REU programs and other cohort-based experiences. Through the Office of Undergraduate Research, you’ll find mentors, apply for funding, and present your work at events like Discover Day and SURF.
Location: Various USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) sites nationwide
Cost/Stipend: Paid program; includes a stipend and travel allowances
Dates: Flexible; determined by individual internship or fellowship terms
Application Deadline: Rolling; varies by posting
Eligibility: Undergraduate and graduate students, recent graduates, and postgraduates in veterinary science, animal science, biology, and related fields
The USDA APHIS ORISE Research Participation Program gives you the chance to work with veterinary scientists and animal health experts on projects that matter, like disease prevention, diagnostic testing, and safe trade. You’ll gain hands-on experience in labs or field settings, build professional skills, and contribute to national efforts that protect U.S. livestock and public health. Internships and fellowships are available for students and recent grads, with financial support through stipends and travel allowances. You’ll also build long-term connections across USDA programs, setting you up for careers in animal health, regulatory science, or agricultural policy.
Location: Various USDA Forest Service sites across the U.S.
Cost/Stipend: Paid program; includes a stipend and travel support
Dates: Flexible; depends on individual internship or fellowship arrangements
Application Deadline: Rolling; varies by specific posting
Eligibility: College students, recent graduates, and university faculty in natural sciences, forestry, ecology, or related fields
The USDA Forest Service Research Participation Program, run through ORISE, gives you the chance to work directly with Forest Service scientists on projects that protect and improve the nation’s forests and grasslands. You’ll explore research areas like climate change, forest health, wildlife ecology, fire management, and sustainable forest products. You’ll gain hands-on experience, build professional networks, and develop skills that set you up for careers in conservation, ecology, or natural resource management.
Location: Various USDA ARS research facilities across the U.S.
Cost/Stipend: Paid program; includes stipend and may include travel support
Dates: Flexible; determined by individual internship or fellowship arrangements
Application Deadline: Rolling; varies by specific opportunity
Eligibility: College students, recent graduates, and early-career scientists or engineers with interests in agricultural research
The Agricultural Research Service (ARS) Research Participation Program gives you the chance to work with USDA scientists and engineers on agricultural challenges like crop improvement, animal health, food safety, and sustainable farming systems. You’ll gain hands-on experience in labs or the field, contribute to mission-driven research, and build skills that support careers in agricultural science. You’ll receive a stipend and may qualify for travel support or relocation assistance. Appointments are made year-round and vary in length depending on the project.
Location: Smithsonian’s National Zoo & Conservation Biology Institute, Washington, DC
Stipend: Paid internship; up to $750/week based on education level, skills, hours, and duration; college credit available with university approval
Dates: August – December (exact dates flexible, possible extension); 8–32 hours per week
Application Deadline: Rolling until position is filled
Eligibility: College juniors and seniors, recent graduates, or current veterinary or graduate students with some research experience; must meet health and safety requirements, including fingerprinting, vaccinations, and background check
The EEHV Summer/Fall Internship gives you hands-on training in molecular diagnostics to monitor elephants for elephant endotheliotropic herpesvirus (EEHV). You’ll learn to run qPCR assays, prep DNA from different sample types, troubleshoot experiments, and keep detailed lab records. You’ll also help manage the lab, read scientific papers, and attend lectures and seminars at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute. There’s potential exposure to pathology and epidemiology, too.
Location: Front Royal, VA
Stipend: Paid internship; $2,800/month for six months; on-site housing available at $9/night plus a $5 linen fee
Dates: Approximately September 1 – February 28 (six months; start and end dates flexible)
Application Deadline: July 20
Eligibility: Students who have completed at least three years of undergraduate coursework in a related field; must be efficient, organized, and have strong skills in R programming and command line coding; fingerprinting and background check required
The Black Rhinoceros Epigenetics Internship is a six-month, full-time opportunity based at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute in Front Royal, Virginia. You’ll work with scientists from the Center for Species Survival and Georgetown University to study disease susceptibility in critically endangered black rhinos. You’ll analyze genome-wide methylation data, explore links between DNA methylation and immune regulation, and help connect epigenetic markers to disease traits in zoo-managed rhinos. Training includes bioinformatics, data visualization in R, high-performance computing, and scientific writing. You’ll draft a manuscript and engage regularly with conservation biologists.
Location: Various DNREC offices and field sites across Delaware (all three counties); some hybrid or flexible roles available
Stipend: Paid at $17/hour; up to 37.5 hours/week
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Up to 18 interns selected each summer
Dates: Typically June – August; some positions may start in May or extend beyond summer
Application Deadline: Tentatively early Spring
Eligibility: Current college students or recent graduates passionate about public service, environmental science, or sustainability
The DNREC Summer Internship Program gives you a chance to work with environmental professionals across Delaware. You’ll get hands-on experience in watershed stewardship, coastal and climate research, stormwater permitting, wildlife education, data science, and more. You’ll join a DNREC division, earn $17/hour, and work for 12 weeks. Some roles offer flexible or hybrid schedules, and all positions include professional events where you’ll connect with DNREC leadership and other interns.
Location: Various outdoor coastal sites, specific locations provided upon placement
Cost: Free; may offer college credit (coordinate with your institution)
Dates: Seasonal; varies by camp session schedule
Application Deadline: Rolling; recommend applying early due to competitive placement
Eligibility: College students or recent graduates; must pass a background check and demonstrate strong communication and organizational skills; previous field, research, or teaching experience preferred
The Marine Science Education Internship at New Logic Marine Science Camp gives you a hands-on role in teaching and inspiring young ocean stewards. You’ll assist lead scientists and support staff with lessons that include field sampling, dissections, experiments, and interactive games covering marine biology, chemistry, geology, engineering, and conservation. You’ll lead water quality testing and data collection, sharpen your fish ID and sampling skills, and gain experience in outdoor science education.
14. Summer Scholars
Location: University of Rochester School of Medicine & Dentistry, Rochester, NY
Stipend: Paid; includes stipend, program is residential with full-time research responsibilities.
Dates: June 2 – August 1
Application Deadline: February 28
Eligibility: Current college sophomores or juniors at U.S. institutions with a minimum 3.0 GPA; must be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, DACA student, or F1 visa holder enrolled at a U.S. college; additional consideration given to those who can demonstrate contributions to diversity, equity, and inclusion
The Summer Scholars Program at the University of Rochester gives you nine weeks of full-time research and professional development in biological, biomedical, and health-related fields. You’ll work closely with a faculty mentor, dive into hands-on lab research, and attend seminars on grad school and science careers. You’ll also design and present a scientific poster at the end of the program, and take part in social events with Rochester grad students to build your network.
Location: NYU Grossman School of Medicine and NYU Langone Health, New York, NY
Cost: Free. $5,000 stipend; free housing; round-trip travel reimbursement
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Approximately 30 students selected each summer
Dates: June 1 – August 2
Application Deadline: Typically due early spring
Eligibility: U.S. citizens and permanent residents who have completed sophomore or junior year and at least one semester of bench lab research
The Summer Undergraduate Research Program (SURP) at NYU Grossman School of Medicine gives you nine weeks of immersive biomedical research in one of the country’s top academic medical centers. You’ll be matched with a lab based on your interests, like neuroscience, molecular oncology, immunology, computational biomedicine, and more, and work closely with a faculty mentor on a hands-on project. You’ll join journal clubs, attend seminars, and take part in “Conversations with a Scientist/Physician” sessions that explore career paths. Optional social events include museum visits, concerts, and dinners with fellow interns. At the end of the summer, you’ll present your research at both the Leadership Alliance National Symposium (LANS) and an NYU Langone poster session.
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 PhD student at Harvard Business School. Lumiere is a selective research program where students work 1-1 with a research mentor to develop an independent research paper.
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