13 Biotech Internships for Undergraduates
- Stephen Turban
- 26 minutes ago
- 9 min read
Internships are one of the most effective ways for undergraduate students to gain practical experience and explore future career paths. For those interested in biotechnology, internships provide hands-on lab exposure, opportunities to work on real-world research, and mentorship that bridges academic learning with industry practice.Â
The U.S. is home to a wide range of prestigious institutions and biotech firms offering internships that range from molecular biology to bioinformatics and genetic engineering. Whether you're aiming for a career in research, healthcare, or pharmaceuticals, these experiences help build both technical skills and professional confidence.
To help streamline your search, we’ve compiled 13 biotech internships for undergraduates.
13 Biotech Internships for Undergraduates
Location: Cambridge, MA | South San Francisco, California | Research Triangle Park, NC | Remote
Cost: Stipend determined by year completed in school and assignment category
Application Deadline: Rolling; usually by the end of March
Program Dates: 12 weeks in the summer
Eligibility: Students completing at least one semester, trimester, quarter, or term of an accredited program by the scheduled start date | 18 years of age | Authorized to work in the U.S.Â
Biogen’s summer internship is a paid, 12-week opportunity to explore a wide spectrum of career paths within the biotech industry. You will work closely with Biogen’s team of professionals, contributing to significant real-world projects in areas like drug discovery, manufacturing sciences, and clinical development. The program incorporates lectures, educational workshops, and networking events to help you develop your technical acumen and professional skills. Biogen also invites interns to join volunteering efforts by teaching at their Community Labs. The internship ends with a final presentation to business and science leaders within the company.
Location:Â Remote
Cost: Varies depending on program type | Financial aid available
Application Deadline:Â Deadlines vary depending on the cohort. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November)
Program Dates:Â 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 high schoolers, undergraduates, and gap-year students
Ladder Internships curates opportunities for students to experience working in a high-growth organization. The program gives you access to over 50 host companies from a wide range of industries, including technology, AI/ML, healthcare, media, non-profits, and consulting; their application form offers a list of available options. These companies often have significant fundraising experience, and many of their founders have connections to top accelerators and have previously worked at leading tech firms. Throughout these internships, you’ll work closely with both your start-up manager and a Ladder Coach, who will mentor you through meaningful projects during the eight weeks. These assignments can range from developing a strategy or conducting a market analysis to understanding the nuances of cybersecurity or coding an MVP, and culminate in the creation of a portfolio-worthy deliverable.
Cost: Fully funded; includes stipend, housing, and travel
Application Deadline: February 1
Program Dates: Varies depending on host site; typically 8 – 10 weeks
Eligibility:Â U.S. citizens and permanent residents | Undergraduates in accredited four-year colleges or universities in the U.S. or other U.S. territories | Sophomores with four quarters or three semesters of college experience, juniors, and non-graduating seniors | Minimum 3.2 CGPA
The Amgen Scholars Program is a fully funded, 8- to 10-week summer research program that immerses you in a top-tier research university environment. As a participant, you'll conduct independent experiments alongside faculty mentors and graduate students. Additionally, you participate in specialized workshops, career panels, and social activities that foster collaboration among scholars from across the country. The program hosts a mid-summer symposium, giving you the chance to present your work and connect with leading researchers in the biotech and pharmaceutical sectors.
Location:Â Cambridge, MA | San Diego, CA
Cost: Stipend provided | Financial support for housing, travel, and local transit systems will be provided | Health insurance provided for the summer
Application Deadline: November 25 (tentative, based on previous years)
Program Dates: 10 weeks | Starts May 27 (tentative, based on previous years)
Eligibility: Students who completed at least three semesters or four quarters at an accredited U.S. college or university | Not enrolled in Ph.D., Master’s, PharmD, or M.D. programs | Eligible to work in the U.S. | 18 years or older
This internship with the Biomedical Research division of Novartis offers intensive learning, development, and mentorship for ambitious undergraduates and graduates. You will gain first-hand experience with patient-driven drug discovery research, which will become a valuable addition to your portfolio and help you develop foundational knowledge. You'll be paired with a mentor, join lab meetings, and be trained on essential laboratory techniques and research ethics. As an intern, you'll also participate in seminars and career development sessions.
Location: San Francisco Bay AreaÂ
Cost:Â Competitive salary
Application Deadline: February 7
Program Dates: 10 weeks | May /June – August
Eligibility: UC Berkeley sophomores and juniors with coursework in biology, chemistry, and classroom lab experience, a minimum 3.2 GPA, and unrestricted U.S. work permit
The QB3-Berkeley program is a paid, 10-week summer internship that matches you with a leading biotech company or academic research lab in the San Francisco Bay Area. You’ll get hands-on experience and training on projects in molecular biology, bioinformatics, or biomedical engineering. A key part of the program is learning about business and entrepreneurship within the biotech industry while working with organizations such as Aralez Bio, Intact Therapeutics, Tinctorium, Correlia Biosystems, and iSono Health, among many others. Cohort meetings, networking events, and professional development workshops help you connect with and learn from Bay Area professionals and make your learning more holistic.
Location:Â Multiple U.S. sites (varies by position)
Cost: $26 – $29/hour stipend
Application Deadline: October 31
Program Dates: 10 – 12 weeks in the summer, depending on business need and availability
Eligibility:Â Students enrolled in an accredited college/university degree program | 18 years and older | Authorized to work in the U.S. | Minimum 3.0 GPA (3.3 for R&D roles)
The Pfizer Futures Program offers you the chance to work alongside seasoned scientists and professionals on some of Pfizer’s initiatives in the United States. The internship gives you the opportunity to contribute to ongoing projects by assisting with laboratory and data analysis, supporting clinical or pharmaceutical development, or participating in initiatives related to drug discovery and innovation. This experience provides the chance to develop long-term connections with mentors and adds a significant achievement to your portfolio and university applications, as you will be working with one of the world's leading pharmaceutical companies.
Location: BioTissue, Miami, FL
Cost: Not specified
Application Deadline:  Based on postings and availability
Program Dates: 10 – 12 weeks in the summer
Eligibility: Undergraduates or graduates | U.S. work authorization
BioTissue’s program offers you practical experience in regenerative medicine, where you can better understand and contribute to functional areas such as research and development, IT and operations, and quality assurance in biotechnology. The internship includes educational workshops, assignments, and networking events to help you understand the professional aspects of being in the biotechnology space. The program places you under the mentorship of one or more practicing professionals, encouraging frequent one-on-one conversations with them and close collaboration with your respective team.Â
Location: Multiple locations | Virtual
Cost: Stipend provided
Application Deadline: Openings posted between August – November
Program Dates: 8 – 10 weeks (40 hours/week) | Begins in May
Eligibility: Pursuing an Associate's Degree, Bachelor's, Master’s, or PhD; returning to school in the semester following the internship | 3.0 GPA and above preferred
The Regeneron Early Careers Internship Program places you in dynamic teams working on impactful biotechnology projects in both in-person and remote settings. As an intern, you’ll develop technical and professional skills working under the guidance of specialists and participating in collaborative research. The program’s 40-hour work week is structured to include time for regular feedback, conversations with Regeneron leadership, professional development, and networking events. The application process involves an online application, screening, and interviews with project managers. This internship offers opportunities to explore various roles and test the waters to understand where your strengths and interests align.
Location:Â Various NIH campuses
Cost: Stipend varies based on education and experience
Application Deadline: Typically mid-February
Program Dates: At least 8 consecutive weeks between May – September | June – July preferred
Eligibility:Â U.S. students 18 years or older by June 1, enrolled at least part-time in college, graduate/professional school
The NIEHS Summer Internship Program is a highly competitive, paid, full-time internship where you work with a principal investigator at an NIH Institute or Center. Over at least eight weeks, you'll engage in hands-on research and apply the latest biochemical and molecular techniques in disciplines like genetics, neuroscience, and cancer biology. The full-time internship is designed to include intensive research, programs to develop core professional competencies, educational advising, career counseling, and a holistic well-being program. At the end of the internship, you will present your findings during a poster session that mirrors the experience of a national scientific meeting.
Location: Multiple locations in the U.S.
Cost: Stipend provided
Application Deadline: Not specified
Program Dates: 10 – 12 weeks during the summer
Eligibility: Undergraduates enrolled in a related discipline | Eligible to work in the U.S. without sponsorship
The Abbott Summer Internship Program is a paid, 10- to 12-week opportunity that places hundreds of students in internships across various disciplines, including health sciences, engineering, and IT. As an intern, you'll receive specialized training and have the chance to learn directly from senior leadership. You'll work alongside experts to deliver a direct business impact, gaining perspective on future career and education prospects. Along with a stipend, the program may also offer academic credit.
Location: Roche sites throughout the U.S.
Cost: Stipend provided; compensation and additional benefits disclosed during the recruitment process
Application Deadline: Applications open in August and September
Program Dates:Â 12 weeks; exact dates vary
Eligibility:Â Students with a GPA over 3.0 preferred | Leadership in student organizations, participation in study abroad programs, associated internship, coursework, volunteer, and work experience preferred | Role-specific requirements listed in job postings
The Roche Internship Program gives you the opportunity to take ownership of impactful, business-critical projects while gaining hands-on experience in areas such as R&D, analytics, manufacturing, and regulatory affairs. The program is structured to develop both technical and professional skills through on-the-job training, direct engagement with stakeholders, and participation in networking events. You’ll work with mentors and fellow interns and gain access to resources and training relevant to the biotech industry. Many interns have leveraged this experience to secure full-time roles at Roche or in biotech more broadly.
Location: Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford, CA
Cost:Â Free
Application Deadline: November 30Â
Program Dates: June 15  – August 6
Eligibility: Students 16 years or older
The Stanford Science, Technology, and Reconstructive Surgery Internship Program is designed for students who are intrigued by the challenges, creativity, and impact of biomedical research and healthcare. Over a period of seven to eight weeks, you will delve into subjects like regenerative medicine, tissue engineering, and the creation of medical devices. You will work alongside clinicians and researchers in a Stanford lab, where you'll learn essential lab techniques like imaging, genotyping, and histology. Alongside this intensive work, you'll have the opportunity to connect with mentors, faculty, student leaders, and fellow aspiring biomedical professionals.
Location: Foster City, CA
Cost:Â Bring Your Own Device stipend of $20/month | Housing and travel assistance (for eligible candidates) | Paid holidays, sick leave, and volunteer day
Application Deadline: Roles posted between September – February.
Program Dates: 10 – 12 weeks in summer
Eligibility:Â Sophomores, juniors, or seniors in undergrad, graduate, or doctoral programs |Â Enrolled in an accredited university/college for the fall semester (not certification programs) | 18 years or older | Authorized to work in the U.S. | Minimum 2.8 CGPA
The Gilead Summer Internship Program is a paid, 10- to 12-week opportunity where you work on research projects with real-world implications in the biopharmaceutical industry. You'll gain experience in a variety of fields, including R&D, operations, and marketing, and you'll get to see how collaboration works in a professional setting. The program is designed to help you advance ongoing projects while building both technical and leadership skills. You will learn about the challenges of the industry and connect with professionals at a leading biopharma company.
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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