15 Paid Science Internships for College Students
- Stephen Turban
- 19 hours ago
- 10 min read
If you’re in college and studying science or planning to enter a scientific field, doing an internship is one of the most practical ways to understand how scientific work happens. You might have learned theories and basic lab methods in class, but an internship shows you how those ideas are used in research labs, field projects, or industry settings.
Why should I participate in a paid science internship in college?
One major benefit of paid internships is that you can earn money while gaining experience. This makes it easier for students who are managing expenses or supporting themselves. Many science internships are designed to fit around academic schedules, which means you can take part without interrupting your coursework.
Internships also help you figure out which areas of science you want to focus on. Some students enjoy lab work, others prefer field research, and some find themselves drawn to data analysis or computational work. Having internship experience on your resume can also make your graduate school or job applications stronger.
To help you explore your options, we’ve listed 15 paid science internships for college students!
Stipend: Paid internship. Amount not specifiedÂ
Application Deadline: Rolling basis, usually closes by October 31 (may close earlier if all projects fill)
Dates: Summer program, typically June–August (12-14 weeks)
Eligibility: Open to undergraduate students in computer science, computer engineering, or related fields, full criteria here
The Google Software Engineering Internship is a 12–14 week paid program for undergraduate and graduate students studying computer science, software engineering, or related fields. During the internship, you join a Google engineering team and work on a project connected to core platforms such as Search, Ads, Android, or Cloud Infrastructure. You’ll develop and test code, design systems that can scale, and contribute to solutions that are used by a large number of users. Throughout the program, you collaborate with experienced engineers, participate in code reviews, and learn established practices in software development.
Location:Â 17 participating Department of Energy (DOE) national laboratories across the U.S., Oak Ridge (TN), Fermilab (IL), Argonne (IL), Brookhaven (NY), and others
Stipend:Â $650/week at most facilities; housing allowance ($250/week); travel reimbursement up to $500
Application Deadline: January 7Â
Dates: 10 weeks, June 1 – August 7
Eligibility: Undergraduate students (at least one year of undergraduate study completed) in STEM fields, minimum 3.0 GPA, U.S. citizen or permanent resident, at least 18 years old
The Science Undergraduate Laboratory Internship (SULI) Program is a premier Department of Energy internship where you work at one of 17 national laboratories alongside scientists leading cutting-edge research. Over 10 weeks, you conduct original research in fields such as physics, chemistry, materials science, computer science, engineering, or mathematics. You're paired with a mentor scientist who guides your work on real projects that contribute to DOE missions like clean energy, national security, and scientific discovery. Throughout the program, you gain hands-on experience using state-of-the-art laboratory equipment, develop professional research skills, and present your findings at a final poster presentation. You also participate in professional development workshops, networking events, and site visits.Â
Location:Â Atlanta, GA or Washington, D.C.; hybrid format (virtual + office)
Stipend: Fully funded; Covers travel, food, lodging, and other necessities for the 10 weeks
Application Deadline:Â Unspecified
Dates:Â 10 weeks, June through August
Eligibility:Â Undergraduates with an interest in global health policy, HIV/TB, and strong writing and communication skills
The CDC HIV and TB Internship, offered through the Harvard Global Health Institute, is a hybrid summer program with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In this internship, you work on projects related to global HIV and TB policy, including drafting issue briefs, conducting literature reviews, and preparing communication materials. You may also assist with stakeholder correspondence and participate in meetings with external partners. This placement provides experience within a federal agency and insight into how government processes influence global health programs.Â
Location:Â Various host institutions across the U.S., Europe, and Asia
Stipend:Â Pays a stipend, housing, and travel expenses. Amount not specifiedÂ
Application Deadline:Â November 1 - February 1, varies by host institution
Dates:Â 8-10 weeks in the summer, available from June through August
Eligibility:Â Undergraduates with a strong interest in pursuing a Ph.D. or M.D.-Ph.D
The Amgen Scholars Program allows you to engage in full-time laboratory research in biochemistry and related fields at leading universities worldwide. You work closely with a faculty mentor, applying laboratory techniques and research methods to explore topics such as molecular biology, cell biology, and biomedical science. The program includes seminars and workshops, opportunities to connect with other students in science, and a chance to present your research at a final symposium. Housing, travel, and a stipend are provided.
5. ITERT - STEP
Location:Â MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
Stipend:Â $7,200 (pre-tax)/ $18 per hour
Application Deadline: November 17 – January 14
Dates: June 1 – August 7
Eligibility:Â Rising sophomores, juniors, or seniors (must have completed freshman, sophomore, or junior year by June next year
The Interdisciplinary Translational Education and Research Training (ITERT) STEM Training and Education Program (STEP) is offered by MD Anderson’s Department of Translational Molecular Pathology. This full-time, 10-week summer program is designed for undergraduates interested in translational cancer research and molecular pathology. You work under faculty mentorship to conduct laboratory research, concluding with a formal presentation of your findings to peers and faculty. In addition, you participate in professional development workshops, covering topics such as scientific communication, CV and IDP preparation, and career exploration.
Location: Chicago, IL
Stipend: $42–$45/hr, annualized at $175,000; free housing, relocation support, meals, and events included
Application Deadline: Rolling (apply early; one application per role per year)
Dates: June 8 – mid-August
Eligibility: Undergraduate or master’s students in computer science or related fields; must be authorized to work in the U.S. and able to work on-site in Chicago. Full criteria here
The IMC Software Engineer Internship is a 10-week paid summer program in Chicago, IL, for students studying computer science, software engineering, or related fields. During the internship, you participate in training sessions on financial markets, IMC systems, and programming fundamentals while contributing to software projects that support trading operations. You collaborate with traders, engineers, and technologists, gaining an understanding of how software supports business and operational decisions.
Location: Rockefeller University, New York, NY
Stipend: $6,500 + free housing for students who cannot commute.
Application Deadline: February 1 (tentatively)
Dates: June 2 – August 8 (tentatively)
Eligibility: College sophomores and juniors
The Chemers Neustein Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) at The Rockefeller University is a 10-week program for undergraduates interested in laboratory research, including areas such as molecular, cell, and developmental biology. You are placed in a lab aligned with your research interests and work under the guidance of faculty, postdoctoral researchers, or senior graduate students. During the program, you attend weekly Journal Club meetings to discuss scientific publications, participate in lectures given by Rockefeller faculty, and take part in organized off-campus activities. At the conclusion of the fellowship, you present your research at a formal poster session.
Location:Â Virtual or in-person at a DEVELOP location
Stipend:Â Paid hourly stipend. Amount not specifiedÂ
Application Deadline: Summer: January 13 – February 28 | Fall: May 5 – June 13 (tentatively)
Dates: Summer: June 2 – August 8 | Fall: September 15 – November 21 (tentatively)
Eligibility:Â Current or recent undergraduates who will be at least 18 by the program start, have a minimum 3.0 GPA, and are U.S. citizens for in-person opportunities
The NASA DEVELOP Program is a 10-week research experience where you apply Earth science to practical problems. You work in small interdisciplinary teams, using NASA’s Earth observation data to investigate climate, agriculture, public health, and disaster response. Each project is conducted in collaboration with external organizations, allowing your work to support decision-making in government, nonprofits, and industry. Throughout the program, you gain hands-on experience with remote sensing, geographic information systems (GIS), and science communication. Your final contributions include professional reports, presentations, and videos aimed at real-world audiences.
Location:Â Various U.S. locations
Stipend:Â Stipend paid (Amount not specified); academic credit may be available.Â
Application Deadline:Â Varies by position (typically late fall to early spring)
Dates: Summer (10–12 weeks)
Eligibility:Â Undergraduate and graduate students in health sciences, life sciences, engineering, or related fields
The Abbott Summer Internship Program is a paid, 10–12 week opportunity for undergraduate and graduate students to work on project-based assignments in areas such as science, healthcare, engineering, information technology, and business. You are placed in a functional area that aligns with your skills and interests and receive guidance from professionals while contributing to ongoing projects. The program also includes training sessions, career development workshops, and opportunities to connect with other interns across Abbott’s global locations.
Location: Menlo Park, CA; New York, NY
Stipend: $7,313–$11,293/month; includes housing stipend, relocation support, and benefits
Application Deadline:Â Unspecified. Currently open
Dates: Summer (10–12 weeks)
Eligibility: Undergraduate or master’s students in computer science or cybersecurity; must be authorized to work in the U.S.
The Meta Product Security Engineer Internship is a paid summer program where you work on securing software across platforms such as Instagram, WhatsApp, and Facebook. You contribute to projects that identify and reduce vulnerabilities, including automated analysis tools, security reviews, and research on preventive methods. During the internship, you gain experience using AI and machine learning tools for security work, including static and dynamic code analysis and AI-assisted vulnerability detection.
Location: Donald Danforth Plant Science Center, St. Louis, MO
Stipend: $7,550
Application Deadline: February 6 (tentatively)
Dates: May 27 - August 1 (tentatively)
Eligibility: Students enrolled in an undergraduate degree program (part-time or full-time) leading to a baccalaureate or associate's degree; must be majoring in a plant science, a life science field, or a related field with relevant coursework; must be U.S. citizens/permanent residents of the U.S.
The Donald Danforth Plant Science Center REU Internship is a 10-week, fully funded summer program for undergraduates interested in plant science and biotechnology. You are paired with a faculty mentor and work on a research project in areas such as cellular signaling, bioremediation, bioinformatics, and genomics. Research is conducted in laboratories equipped for bioimaging, bioanalytical chemistry, plant transformation, and data analysis. At the end of the program, you write a research paper and present your findings at a final symposium.
Location: Multiple U.S. sites
Stipend: Paid; $25.50/hr (Sophomore), $27/hr (Junior), $28/hr (Senior) + benefits
Application Deadline: November 3 (rolling; apply early for best consideration)
Dates: May 18 – August 14
Eligibility: Undergraduate students majoring in technology-related fields with a minimum 3.0 GPA; must be authorized to work in the U.S.; open to sophomores, juniors, and seniors
The Johnson & Johnson Technology Summer Internship is a three-month paid program where you work on projects that integrate healthcare and technology. You join specialized teams to develop solutions for business partners, analyze data and workflows, and support J&J’s overall technology strategy. The internship provides insight into long-term career paths, including the Technology Leadership Development Program (TLDP). You gain experience with agile methods, collaborate across departments, and receive guidance from experienced technologists.
Location:Â MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
Stipend: $7,200 (before taxes)
Application Deadline: November 17 – January 14
Dates: June 1 – August 7
Eligibility: U.S. citizen or permanent resident students currently enrolled in a degree program in the spring and fall semesters (check the ‘Eligibility’ section here for full details)
The Cancer Prevention Research Training Program (CPRTP) Summer Research Experience at MD Anderson is a 10-week, full-time paid internship for undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students interested in cancer prevention research. You work on mentored research projects with guidance from faculty and attend seminars on cancer prevention and professional development. You present your work through both a scientific poster and a brief 90-second summary. The program also offers support for housing, travel, and research-related expenses. Throughout the internship, you gain experience communicating scientific findings to both professional and general audiences.
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
Application Deadline: October 31
Dates: 10–12 weeks, typically from May/June to August
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 provides direct experience in the biopharmaceutical industry. You join a division such as Research and Development and work on ongoing projects, gaining experience in areas like biochemistry, molecular biology, or drug formulation. You learn how medicines progress through the drug discovery and development process. Throughout the internship, you participate in team meetings, design discussions, and collaborations with scientists and other professionals across Pfizer.
Location:Â Stanford Woods Institute for the Environment, Stanford, CA
Stipend: $8,000–$9,500 stipend (based on financial need)
Application Deadline: Round 1: Mid-December – February 4 | Round 2: March 19 – April 3
Dates:Â 10 weeks; start date varies by site but must begin by July 7
Eligibility:Â Open to Stanford undergraduate students from any academic discipline
Stanford’s Environment and Policy Internships are full-time, 10-week programs where you work with nonprofit organizations or government agencies on sustainability and environmental policy. You contribute to projects such as climate policy research, environmental justice initiatives, water resource management, and clean energy planning. Past placements have included organizations like the Sierra Club, the Environmental Defense Fund, and local city planning departments. You work 35–40 hours per week and receive guidance and mentorship from experienced environmental professionals.
Location:Â Virtual
Cost:Â Financial aid available
Application Deadline:Â Varies by cohort
Dates:Â Multiple cohorts throughout the year
Eligibility: High school, undergraduate, or gap year students who can commit 5–10 hours per week for 8 weeks
The Ladder University Internship Program is a remote internship designed for college students and young professionals to gain hands-on experience with startups. Over 8 weeks, you work on projects in areas such as AI, product development, marketing, and business strategy. You meet weekly with a company coach, define deliverables, and receive mentorship from startup founders. Interns typically commit 10–15 hours per week and complete impactful work without daily supervision. You may receive reference letters from your host companies as well. Applications are competitive and can be submitted here.
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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