15 Lab Internships for Undergraduates

As an undergraduate, lab internships give you experience in scientific settings, helping you develop professional skills, gain industry exposure, and form valuable connections with mentors. They also strengthen your resume, demonstrating your commitment to professional training. Many lab internships for undergraduates offer stipends, and some even allow virtual participation, making them accessible options.

Why should I do a lab internship as an undergraduate?

A lab internship lets you contribute to research projects, collaborate with scientists, and participate in professional development activities while gaining insight into your future career. If you’re planning to apply to graduate school, a lab internship can improve your application by showing that you’ve already developed the skills required to carry out a research project. 

To make the search easier, we’ve curated a list of 15 top lab internships for undergraduates. We selected these internships for their ability to provide meaningful research experiences and a foundation for your academic and career growth. 

If you're looking for more prestigious internships, check out this set of blogs!

1. Summer Undergraduate Internship Program-Barrow Neurological Institute

Location: Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, AZ

Cost/Stipend: No cost; internship pays Arizona’s minimum wage per hour

Acceptance rate: Highly competitive

Dates: June 4 – August 14

Application Deadline: February 6

Eligibility: U.S. undergraduate students at least 18 years old

The Barrow Neurological Institute Internship Program is a 10-week, full-time research experience for undergraduates interested in neuroscience. Interns work directly with Barrow scientists in active research labs, gaining hands-on training with advanced tools and methods. You can choose from areas such as translational neuroscience, neuroimaging, spine research, neuro-rehabilitation, publications, innovation, and even marketing. Alongside lab work, you will attend weekly research seminars, explore career paths in science, and develop communication skills by presenting your project at the Barrow Summer Intern Research Symposium. The program is designed to give you both meaningful research experience and professional growth in the field of neuroscience.

2. CSF Summer Research Training Program (SRTP)

Location: University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), San Francisco, CA

Cost/Stipend: No cost; $5,000 stipend + allowance and housing

Acceptance rate: Highly competitive

Dates: May 31 – August 7

Application Deadline: February 2

Eligibility: U.S. undergraduate students who have completed at least 4 semesters or 6 quarters of study by the start of the program

The Summer Research Training Program (SRTP) at UCSF is a 10-week research experience for undergraduates interested in biomedical and health sciences, including neuroscience. As a participant, you will be paired with a UCSF faculty mentor and work on hands-on lab projects while learning core skills in experimental design, data analysis, and advanced research methods. The program goes beyond lab work with professional development workshops, career panels, and graduate school preparation sessions to support your academic and career goals. You will also join weekly seminars led by UCSF scientists, covering fields like neuroscience, genetics, cancer biology, pharmacology, and health disparities research. By the end, you will gain both research experience and the professional skills to take the next step in your career.

3. CHOP Research Institute Summer Scholars Program (CRISSP)

Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Cost/Stipend: You will receive a $5,000 stipend and free housing; there’s no cost to participate.

Acceptance rate: Highly competitive

Dates: 10 weeks, from June 2 to August 8

Deadline: January 31

Eligibility: You must be a sophomore, junior, or senior in college (graduating the upcoming spring), currently enrolled full-time in a four-year accredited college or university; have a minimum 3.3 overall GPA; and be a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident.

The Clinical Research Internship Summer Scholars Program (CRISSP) is a 10-week, full-time summer program at a leading children’s hospital. You will work closely with a mentor on research projects, gaining experience in study design, data analysis, and lab or clinical methods. You can choose projects in lab research, patient-centered studies, or research on social and behavioral factors that affect child health. The program also includes weekly sessions on career development and mentoring. By the end, you will complete your own development plan, building skills in both research and communication.

4. Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center – Summer Research Volunteer Program

Location: Georgetown University, Washington, D.C.

Cost/Stipend: Free; no stipend provided

Acceptance rate: Highly competitive

Dates: 8 weeks from early June to late July/early August

Deadline: March 31

Eligibility: High school and undergraduate students who are at least 16 years old by the program start and can commit to the full eight weeks; no prior research experience required

The Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center’s Summer Research Volunteer Program at Georgetown University is an eight-week, full-time experience for high school and college students interested in cancer research. As a participant, you will join a lab team, take on your own project, and learn how biomedical research is carried out. You will gain hands-on experience with lab techniques, data collection, and analysis while working alongside scientists, graduate students, and postdocs. The program also includes seminars and discussions that expose you to new ideas in biology and medicine, giving you both research experience and insight into careers in science.

5. Princeton Neuroscience Institute (PNI) Summer Internship Program (SIP)

Location: Princeton Neuroscience Institute, Princeton, NJ

Cost/Stipend: Fully funded

Acceptance rate: Competitive

Dates: June 2 – August 1

Application Deadline: February 3

Eligibility: Current U.S. undergraduates who have a strong passion for scientific research and are seriously considering graduate studies in neuroscience

The Princeton Neuroscience Institute (PNI) offers a nine-week Summer Internship Program for undergraduates interested in neuroscience and related fields. You will be placed in faculty-led labs, where you will work on research projects alongside graduate students and lab teams. The program includes weekly lectures, lab meetings, and journal clubs to deepen your understanding of neuroscience. You will also develop valuable technical skills by learning programming languages such as R, Python, and MATLAB for data analysis. Beyond the lab, you’ll have opportunities to network at events like the Leadership Alliance National Symposium, connecting with peers and professionals from across the country.

6. University of Pittsburgh’s Summer Undergraduate Research Program (SURP)

Location: University of Pittsburgh’s Center for Neuroscience (CNUP), Pittsburgh, PA

Cost/Stipend: $4,000 stipend

Acceptance rate: Competitive

Dates: May 27 – August 1

Application Deadline: January 24

Eligibility: U.S. undergraduate students who have completed their sophomore or junior year and have a minimum GPA of 3.0.

The University of Pittsburgh’s Summer Undergraduate Research Program (SURP) gives students hands-on experience in cutting-edge neuroscience research. You will work in CNUP laboratories and work on projects in areas such as neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, molecular biology, brain imaging, computer simulations, neuropsychology, and behavioral studies. Alongside lab work, the program offers weekly seminars on new advances in neuroscience and training in analyzing scientific literature. You will also participate in professional development workshops that cover career exploration, graduate school preparation, and scientific communication.

7. The University of Chicago Neuroscience Institute – Summer Research Opportunities

Location: University of Chicago, Chicago, IL

Cost/Stipend: $5,100 stipend

Acceptance rate: Competitive

Dates: June 16 – August 8

Application Deadline: Early April

Eligibility: First-, second-, and third-year undergraduate students from institutions other than UChicago

The University of Chicago’s Neuroscience Institute offers two summer research programs for undergraduates: DENDRITES (Dynamic Experiences in Neuroscience to Diversify Research Internship Training Exposures for Students) and DARN (Developing Access to Research in Neuroscience). Both are eight-week, full-time opportunities where you will work in neuroscience labs under the guidance of faculty mentors. Through DENDRITES, students explore core, clinical, and translational neuroscience, while DARN provides research experiences across various neurobiology departments, including Organismal Biology and Anatomy, Neurobiology, among others. In both programs, you will learn advanced research techniques, design and execute your own projects, and participate in seminars, workshops, and leadership meetings.

8. Kavli NDI (Neuroscience Discovery Institute) Summer Internship Program (SIP)

Location: Johns Hopkins University campus, Baltimore, MD

Acceptance rate: Competitive

Cost/Stipend: No cost; $3,000 – $5,500 stipend

Dates: May 26 – August 2

Application Deadline: February 3

Eligibility: Applicants must have completed at least one year of college and be U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or international students enrolled in a U.S. college. 

During Kavli NDI’s internship, you will work in advanced labs alongside faculty, postdoctoral researchers, and graduate students, contributing to projects that integrate neuroscience, engineering, and data science. You will gain hands-on experience with techniques such as brain imaging, molecular methods, and computational modeling. In addition to lab work, the program includes seminars, workshops, and networking events to strengthen professional skills, explore career options, and prepare for graduate studies. By the end of the internship, you will complete your own research project and acquire valuable experience in both scientific research and professional development

9. UCSF Summer Research Training Program (SRTP)

Location: University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), San Francisco, CA

Acceptance rate: Moderately competitive 

Cost/Stipend: No cost; $5,000 stipend + allowance and housing

Dates: Last weekend in May – August 

Application Deadline: February 2

Eligibility: U.S. undergraduate students who have completed at least 4 semesters or 6 quarters of study by the start of the program

This 10-week program at UCSF gives undergraduates hands-on research experience in biomedical and health sciences. You will work with faculty mentors on lab projects, learning how to design experiments, analyze data, and use advanced research techniques. You will also attend workshops, career panels, and graduate school preparation sessions. Weekly seminars led by UCSF scientists cover topics like neuroscience, genetics, cancer biology, pharmacology, and health disparities. By the end of the program, you will gain valuable research experience and professional skills.

10. Yale University – Undergraduate Developmental Science Summer Internship 

Location: Yale University, New Haven, CT

Acceptance rate: Competitive

Cost/Stipend: No cost; up to $4,000 stipend provided

Dates: June 1 – July 24

Application Deadline: January 31

Eligibility: Rising undergraduate juniors and seniors who are U.S. citizens, or international students currently enrolled in the U.S.

The Yale Child Study Center Undergraduate Summer Internship Program is an intensive eight-week research experience in developmental science, neuroscience, psychology, and child health. You will work on faculty-mentored projects across neuroscience, genetics, clinical research, and community studies, gaining experience in both basic and applied research. During the program, you will take part in lab work, data analysis, and clinical observation, as well as seminars, journal clubs, and professional development workshops. The program concludes with a poster symposium where you present your research to faculty, peers, and mentors, building both research and communication skills.

11. Seattle Children’s Summer Scholars Internship Program (SSSP)

Location: Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Seattle, WA

Cost/Stipend: Stipend provided

Acceptance rate: Competitive

Program Dates: 9 weeks in the summer 

Deadline: The website states to check back in October

Eligibility: Undergraduate students majoring in psychology, neuroscience, public health, or a related field 

The Seattle Children’s Summer Scholars Internship Program (SSSP) is a nine-week research opportunity for undergraduates interested in children’s mental and behavioral health. You will collaborate with doctors, psychologists, and scientists on projects in areas such as autism, ADHD, anxiety, public health, and community-based behavioral science. Each student is paired with a faculty mentor in their chosen research area and gains hands-on experience in study design, data collection, and patient interaction. The program’s core curriculum includes training in the Responsible and Ethical Conduct of Research (RCR), as well as career workshops, seminars, and networking events. It concludes with you submitting an abstract of your research project and presenting your findings at a poster symposium during the program’s final week. You can find more about the internship here. 

12. Psychology Practicum and Faculty Research- Seattle University

Location: Seattle University, Seattle, WA

Cost/Stipend: None

Acceptance rate: Moderately competitive

Program Dates: Practicum placements typically run during the academic year (1–2 quarters in junior/senior year)

Deadline: Not specified

Eligibility: Seattle University psychology majors

Seattle University’s Psychology Practicum and Faculty Research Projects give undergraduates hands-on experience in real-world psychological work and research. Through supervised placements, you will assist in professional settings related to mental health, education, and community services. You will work with populations affected by issues such as PTSD, autism spectrum disorder, and substance use. You can also work as a research assistant on faculty-led psychology projects, helping with tasks like recruiting participants, collecting and entering data, conducting literature reviews, and performing lab-based research. All work is done under the guidance of faculty, providing both practical experience and mentorship in psychology research. For more information, visit here. 

13. University of Washington — Stipends for Training Aspiring Researchers (STAR) Program

Location: University of Washington, located in Seattle, WA

Cost/Stipend: No cost; Participants earn a wage of $19.97 per hour for their summer research engagement

Acceptance rate: Competitive

Program Dates: June 23 – August 15

Deadline: January 31

Eligibility: Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents, identify as members of groups underrepresented in the biomedical sciences, and be either undergraduate students (freshman level or higher) or first-year graduate students

The STAR Program at the University of Washington offers summer research opportunities for undergraduate and first-year graduate students from underrepresented backgrounds. You will work in research labs across UW Health Sciences, gaining experience in biomedical, behavioral, and health sciences while collaborating with faculty mentors and research teams. You will take part in projects covering areas such as psychology, mental health, neuroscience, and other behavioral sciences. In addition to lab work, the program includes health science poster sessions and other campus-wide research sessions to prepare you for graduate school and future research careers.

14. UC San Diego Bioengineering REU (Research Experience for Undergraduates)

Location: UC San Diego, San Diego, CA

Cost/Stipend: $600/week + on-campus housing and travel expenses covered

Acceptance rate: Competitive

Program Dates: TBA

Deadline: Typically February; exact dates TBA

Eligibility: Current undergraduate U.S students

UC San Diego offers undergraduates a summer research program in bioengineering, biomaterials, and biomedicine. You will join one of eight faculty-led research projects, working on topics such as developing imaging tools for disease diagnosis, studying how developmental genes affect cancer, or applying machine learning to biomaterial research. Beyond lab work, the program includes weekly workshops on research and professional skills, field trips, and social events to connect with faculty and peers. You will also create a research poster, practice your presentation skills, and present your work at the UC San Diego Research Symposium, gaining both research and professional experience.

15. ORION Undergraduate Internship Program

Location: Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), Portland, OR

Cost/Stipend: $6,000

Application deadline: Highly selective

Program dates: 10 weeks; flexible start dates 

Application deadline: February (Specific dates TBA)

Eligibility: Undergraduates (rising juniors and seniors) and recent graduates from U.S. colleges/universities with backgrounds in health sciences, math, physics, or engineering

The ORION (Oregon Research and Innovation) Undergraduate Internship Program is a 10-week summer program at OHSU for students interested in biomedical engineering research. You will work in cardiovascular research labs while gaining training in experimental design, data analysis, and scientific communication, both written and oral. You can choose from four research areas: blood cell biology and drug development, biomaterials and medical devices, computational fluid dynamics and imaging, or regenerative medicine. Each track offers the chance to contribute to research aimed at developing safe and effective treatments for cardiovascular diseases such as heart attack and stroke.

One Bonus Program: Ladder University Internship Program

Location: Online

Cost: Varies by program; financial aid available

Acceptance rate/cohort size: ~10%; cohort size varies by year

Program dates: 8 weeks, varying by program

Application deadline: Varies by cohort

Eligibility: College students and young professionals

If you are looking for flexible opportunities in an industry setting, Ladder Internships offers two-month personalized opportunities to work with startups. While opportunities are available across sectors, you can find biomedical engineering internships offered by growing healthtech companies and get to contribute to technical research for engineering medical devices. 

You will work with a company coach to design a core internship focus, complete a series of deliverables, and finish a final project that you will present to the startup board at the end of the internship. Ladder’s entirely virtual format allows you to work with global startups while balancing coursework.

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 graduate of Harvard College, where he earned an A.B. in Statistics. 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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