15 Chemistry Summer Internships for Undergraduates

If you are pursuing a chemistry major and want to gain experience in the field before joining graduate school or starting your career, consider an internship during your summer break! Internships are a great way to apply your classroom knowledge in real lab settings. These programs allow you to work on research projects, learn advanced techniques, and collaborate with professionals in academia or industry. You can explore subjects of interest such as molecular chemistry and computational chemistry, helping you build a strong theoretical foundation and develop skills. Many also offer access to mentorship, networking events, and opportunities to present or publish your research. 

In this blog, you will find 15 chemistry summer internships for undergraduates across the U.S. 

15 Chemistry Summer Internships for Undergraduates

1. Ladder University Internship Program

Location: Remote

Cost: Varies; financial aid available

Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year; the summer cohorts start in June/July

Application deadline: Varies depending on the cohort; multiple deadlines between April and June for summer cohorts

Eligibility: Undergraduates and gap year students who can work for 10 to 20 hours/week for 8 to 12 weeks

Ladder Internships is a selective program for students looking to gain practical experience while working with fast-growing start-ups. Ladder’s partners span diverse fields, including chemistry. These start-ups typically have strong growth trajectories, with many of them securing over a million dollars in funding. Over the course of an eight-week virtual internship, you will work closely with both your company manager and a dedicated Ladder Coach on impactful projects. You will find opportunities to build workplace skills, contribute to meaningful work, and present your results directly to the company. You can learn more about the program and its application here.

2. NIST Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF)

Location: NIST Gaithersburg, MD; NIST Boulder, CO; Hollings Marine Laboratory, Charleston, SC (placement depends on project)

Stipend: $7,810; additional support for housing ($4,500) and travel (up to $500) available for students who need to relocate for the summer

Dates: TBA; typically runs for 11 weeks in the summer

Application deadline: TBA

Eligibility: Full-time undergraduate students at accredited two-year or four-year U.S. colleges or universities; applicants must be U.S. citizens or U.S. permanent residents

At the SURF program, you will spend 11 weeks engaging in hands-on research in NIST labs in Maryland or Colorado. You will join a research team working on projects in chemistry, materials science, or nanotech, learning how to use advanced tools such as spectroscopy and microscopy. You will be paired with a NIST mentor and receive one-on-one guidance throughout the program. You will also attend seminars, field trips, and present your work at a final poster session. SURF is fully funded, with a generous stipend and travel support, making it an accessible chemistry summer internship for undergraduates. The program selects one out of three applicants every summer.

3. Princeton University’s Summer Undergraduate Research Fellows in Chemistry (SURF-C)

Location: Princeton University, Princeton, NJ

Stipend: Paid; details provided to the applicants in the acceptance letter

Dates: None weeks in summer; exact dates TBA

Application deadline: February 10 (for Princeton students); February 3 (for external students)

Eligibility: Rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors currently majoring (or planning to major) in chemistry or related fields, with a GPA ≥ 3.0, who are U.S. citizens, nationals, or permanent residents; Non-Princeton students need to apply through the Leadership Alliance.

Princeton’s SURF-C is a nine-week summer research fellowship where you will join a chemistry lab and work closely with faculty, grad students, and postdocs on advanced research in areas such as organic synthesis or biochemistry. You will be treated as a full lab member—designing experiments, analyzing data, and learning how to navigate real research challenges. The program offers access to seminars, workshops, and a site visit to an industrial chemistry company. You will also present your work at a research symposium and gain exposure to Princeton’s Summer Research College community.

4. UC Berkeley’s Summer Undergraduate Research Diversity (SURD) Program

Location: UC Berkeley, Berkeley, CA

Stipend: $6,000 + housing, food, and travel allowance provided

Dates: June 9 – August 15

Application deadline: February 20

Eligibility: Undergraduates who are at least 18 years old

UC Berkeley’s SURD Program is a 10-week, fully funded chemistry research internship for undergraduates, with a focus on offering research experiences to students from historically underrepresented groups in STEM. You will be matched with a faculty lab based on your interests, engaging in research in catalysts, nanomaterials, or chemical biology, and practicing advanced techniques. Alongside research, you will join seminars, networking events, and grad school prep workshops during the program and live on campus with fellow interns. You will also present your work at a final symposium. 

5. MIT Summer Research Program (MSRP)

Location: MIT, Cambridge, MA

Stipend: $5,400; costs for on-campus housing and round-trip travel to MIT are covered.

Dates: June 8 – August 8

Application deadline: January 20

Eligibility: College sophomores, juniors, and non-graduating seniors enrolled in full-time degree-granting programs in the U.S. with at least a 3.5 GPA and an interest in research and/or obtaining a Ph.D.; international students with appropriate visas and work authorizations can also apply.

The MSRP is a fully funded nine-week internship that allows you to conduct research at MIT alongside faculty and grad students. You can explore research areas such as polymer design, battery chemistry, or drug delivery during the program. The program is designed to prepare you for grad school. So, alongside research work, you will join weekly seminars on topics such as GRE prep, scientific writing, and grad applications. At the end of the program, you will present your work during a final poster session. 

6. University of Kansas Chemistry REU Program

Location: University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS

Stipend: $7,000 + on-campus housing, meal plan, and travel allowance for round-trip to Kansas provided; estimated total value ~$10,000 including benefits

Dates: May 26 – July 31

Application deadline: February 22

Eligibility: Undergraduates attending any U.S. university or college and majoring in chemistry or closely related fields

The Chemistry REU is a 10-week, fully funded summer research program at the University of Kansas, where you will work on projects involving catalyst design, spectroscopy, nanomaterials, or computational chemistry. You will be paired with a faculty mentor in one of five focus areas and join a cohort of fellow undergrads. The program emphasizes sustainability in chemistry and includes sessions on the subject along with workshops on scientific communication, grad school prep, and chemistry careers. You will also find opportunities to present your research at conferences with travel support. 

7. ACS/DOE Nuclear & Radiochemistry Summer School (NCSS)

Location: San José State University, San José, CA | Brookhaven National Laboratory, Upton, NY

Stipend: $4,000

Dates: TBA; six weeks in the summer

Application deadline: TBA

Eligibility: College sophomores and juniors enrolled at U.S. institutions who have completed two years of chemistry, one year of physics, and one year of calculus coursework; applicants must be U.S. citizens.

The Nuclear Chemistry Summer School (NCSS) is a fully funded six-week opportunity to gain exposure to the fields of nuclear and radiochemistry. Hosted at San José State or Brookhaven National Lab, the program allows you to dive into lectures and labs on radioactive decay, spectroscopy, and radiochemical techniques. You will undergo hands-on training that helps you work with advanced equipment and even earn six or seven transferable college credits. The program includes site visits, networking with experts, and a fellowship stipend. 

8. Scripps Research Institute’s Summer Undergraduate Research Fellows (SURF)

Location: Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA

Stipend: $7,200 + travel support and housing covered

Dates: June 1 – August 7

Application deadline: February 1

Eligibility: Undergraduate students with a GPA of at least 3.0; applicants must be U.S. citizens, permanent residents, U.S. nationals, or international students enrolled in U.S. colleges

The Scripps SURF program offers 10-week research experiences to undergrads in chemical and biological sciences. You will work closely with a faculty mentor within a lab on projects involving drug synthesis, organic reactions, or chemical biology tools. You will engage in hands-on lab work, attend seminars, and engage in workshops focused on grad school and research careers. You will work under the mentorship of a graduate student, postdoc, or lab member and learn about research ethics and conduct, as well as science communication. The program is selective, typically accepting 8 to 16 students every year. 

9. Naval Research Enterprise Internship Program (NREIP)

Location: Various U.S. Navy Research Labs and Warfare Centers (over 30 locations)

Stipend: $7,500 for new undergraduate participants | $9,000 for returning undergraduate students

Dates: TBA (typically 10 weeks in summer)

Application deadline: November 1

Eligibility: Undergraduate students (sophomore and above) and graduate students who are at least 18 years old

NREIP is a 10-week paid internship that allows you to conduct research within U.S. Navy labs. You will join a lab team, gain hands-on experience with advanced tools, and explore real-world defense applications of chemistry. As a chemistry student intern, you may work on projects in materials science, explosives chemistry, energy storage, or environmental analysis. You will be paired with mentors and get to collaborate with them during the program across disciplines. The program also offers professional development opportunities like seminars, networking events, group mentoring sessions, and oral and poster presentation events.

10. NOAA Ernest F. Hollings Undergraduate Scholarship (Internship Program)

Location: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration facilities in the U.S.

Stipend: $700/week; academic assistance of up to $9,500/year also available.

Dates: 10 weeks; dates TBA. You can find updates here.

Application deadline: January 31

Eligibility: Students currently enrolled in or accepted to an accredited U.S. institution as full-time second-year students at four-year universities or full-time third-year students at five-year universities; applicants must have U.S. citizenship and a GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.

The NOAA Hollings Scholarship offers a paid 10-week summer internship along with academic scholarships for your junior and senior years. As a Hollings Scholar, you will work on a research or resource management project aligned with NOAA’s mission, such as analyzing ocean chemistry, studying algal toxins, or developing climate-related sensors. You will be placed at NOAA labs or field sites nationwide and work closely with scientists on real-world environmental challenges. The experience culminates in a final symposium in Maryland, where you will present your research and connect with NOAA leadership. The experience can help you explore the intersection of chemistry and environmental science.

11. DOE Mickey Leland Energy Fellowship (MLEF)

Location: Various DOE sites, including DOE Headquarters in Washington, D.C.

Stipend: $7,500;  travel and housing assistance may be available based on the project assignment.

Dates: June 1 – August 7

Application deadline: January 20

Eligibility: Undergraduates (sophomore or higher) and graduate students in a STEM major with a cumulative GPA of at least 2.8; applicants must be U.S. citizens and at least 18. Check the full eligibility criteria here.

MLED is a 10-week paid research program that allows you to work on energy-related projects at a DOE lab or office. As a chemistry student, you may research clean fuels, carbon capture, hydrogen storage, or environmental cleanup. You will work under the mentorship of scientists and engineers, who will guide you to design and complete a mission-focused research project. You will also join educational sessions and present your work at the final MLEF Technical Forum in D.C. The program also includes site visits and networking with DOE professionals. 

12. DOE Science Undergraduate Laboratory Internships (SULI)

Location: One of 17 Department of Energy’s National Laboratories in the U.S.

Stipend: $650/week; travel and housing support provided. Check the detailed list of benefits here.

Dates: TBA

Application deadline: January 7 for the summer session; spring and fall internships are also available.

Eligibility: Currently enrolled full-time students attending an accredited community college, two-year colleges, and four-year institutions who are at least 18 and U.S. citizens/permanent residents; check the full eligibility criteria here.

The DOE’s SULI program is a 10-week paid internship where you will conduct full-time research at national labs such as Argonne, Oak Ridge, or Brookhaven. The program offers opportunities within STEM areas that are relevant to and supported by the Department of Energy R&D programs. You will work alongside Ph.D. mentors on advanced projects, such as material synthesis or environmental analysis, and work with advanced lab equipment. The program includes career workshops, lab tours, and a final research presentation. You will also submit a research report, abstract, and a review of another SULI intern’s presentation, gaining exposure to real scientific writing and the peer review process.

13. Amgen Scholars Program

Location: 14 host universities across the U.S. (including Harvard, Stanford, UC Berkeley, and Caltech)

Stipend: Available; amount varies by university.

Dates: Vary by university

Application deadline: February 1

Eligibility: Undergraduates entering their junior or senior year (non-graduating) in fall with a minimum 3.2 GPA; applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents and have a strong interest in pursuing a Ph.D. or M.D.

The Amgen Scholars Program places STEM students at leading universities for a full-time summer research experience in fields such as chemistry, biochemistry, and biotechnology. You will work under expert faculty on a hands-on research project while attending seminars, professional development workshops, and networking events. A key part of the program is the Amgen Scholars Symposium, where you will present your research and hear from leading scientists. The experience can help you build a foundation in lab work and scientific communication if you are considering graduate school or a research career.

14. Carnegie Mellon University’s Chemistry Summer Research Program

Location: Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA

Stipend: $700/week + meal allowance of $1,250 + travel support of up to $750 + housing costs covered

Dates: May 27 – August 1

Application deadline: TBA

Eligibility: Undergraduates in chemistry or related fields (sophomore through senior) who are U.S. citizens/permanent residents

This 10-week REU at Carnegie Mellon is part of the Mellon College of Science Summer Scholars Program that allows you to explore your interests in chemistry through interdisciplinary STEM research. You will join a small cohort, live on campus with peers, and work on a hands-on project focusing on topics within areas like catalysis, biomaterials, or environmental chemistry. Under the mentorship of faculty and grad students, you will contribute to research. You will also attend workshops on grad school prep and science communication, gaining research experience and professional skill-development opportunities.

15. Texas A&M University’s Chemistry REU (Reimagining the Chemical Heartland)

Location: Texas A&M University, College Station, TX

Stipend: $7,000 + up to $500 for travel + meal card valued at $500 + on-campus housing + $700 support for presenting your research at an ACS conference

Dates: May 27 – August 1

Application deadline: March 14

Eligibility: Undergraduates majoring in chemistry, biochemistry, materials Science, or related fields who have completed at least one year of college, including two semesters of college chemistry with laboratory experience; applicants should be U.S. citizens and permanent residents.

Texas A&M’s chemistry REU immerses you in 10 weeks of research focused on sustainability, green chemistry, and climate solutions. As a participant, you will work on an independent research project under close mentorship from faculty and grad students. In the process, you will gain experience in graduate-level research and learn how research can help tackle challenges in the environment, sustainability, and human health. The program offers access to seminars with industry leaders, workshops on advanced lab techniques, and tours of leading research facilities. You will also build professional skills and present your work at a campus-wide symposium. 

One other option—Lumiere Research Scholar Program

If you want to pursue independent research under the guidance of a mentor, consider applying to Lumiere Research Scholar Programs, which are selective high school programs founded in partnership with Harvard and Oxford researchers. In the past, 4,000+ students applied for just 500 spots in the research program. You can learn about the application and available programs on the application form here.

Also, you can check out the Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation—a non-profit research program for talented low-income students. Last year, it offered 150 students full need-based financial assistance.

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 mentor to develop an independent research paper.

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