15 Summer Lab Internships for Undergraduates
- Stephen Turban
- Sep 10
- 10 min read
Updated: Oct 13
If you’re an undergraduate interested in research, a summer lab internship is one of the best ways to see what working in a professional lab is really like. You’ll get the chance to assist with ongoing projects, learn how labs are run day to day, and use equipment that’s usually reserved for graduate students or professionals.
Spending a summer in a lab also helps you build practical skills like recording data, analyzing results, or collaborating with a research team. At the same time, you’ll start building connections with mentors and peers who may play an important role in your academic or professional future. Whether you’re considering graduate school or planning to enter the workforce, this kind of experience shows that you’ve taken the initiative to apply your knowledge in a real-world setting.
To help you find opportunities that fit, we’ve put together a list of 15 summer lab internships for undergraduates! If you're looking for more prestigious internships, check out this set of blogs!
15 Summer Lab Internships for Undergraduates
Location: Varies by host institution (e.g., Harvard University, Cambridge, MA; Stanford University, Stanford, CA)
Cost: Free; includes travel, housing, and meals; most sites also offer a stipend (amount varies)
Dates: Varies by institution (e.g., June 4–August 9 at Harvard; May 19–July 25 at Duke)
Application Deadline: February 1
Eligibility: U.S. citizens or permanent residents enrolled in a U.S.-based four-year college or university; must be sophomores, juniors, or non-graduating seniors with a GPA of 3.2+; strong interest in pursuing a Ph.D. or M.D.-Ph.D.
The Amgen Scholars Program is a research opportunity for undergraduates interested in biomedical science and biotechnology. You’ll spend 8–10 weeks doing full-time lab research at one of 14 top-tier institutions in the U.S., including Harvard, Stanford, and UC Berkeley. Each host site offers its own projects, but all focus on areas like drug discovery, molecular biology, and cutting-edge biomedical research. One of the highlights is the North America Symposium in California, where Amgen Scholars from across the U.S. and Canada come together to present their work and network with leading scientists from academia and industry.
Location: Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY
Cost: Free; includes $5,000 stipend and housing allowance
Dates: June–August (10 weeks)
Application Deadline: January 10
Eligibility: U.S.-based college sophomores or juniors who identify as underserved or socioeconomically disadvantaged; strong interest in biomedical research and future PhD or MD-PhD study
The Mount Sinai SURP program is a 10-week summer research experience for undergraduates who are seriously considering careers in biomedical science. You’ll be paired with a faculty mentor and work on a lab-based project in areas like neuroscience, immunology, or cancer biology. You’ll also join journal clubs, attend seminars, and connect with other students and faculty through social and professional events. At the end of the program, you’ll present your work at a research poster session and get feedback from experts in the field.
Location: Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
Cost: Free; includes $6,500 stipend and free housing; travel not covered
Dates: June 2–August 8
Application Deadline: February 2
Eligibility: Open to U.S. and international sophomores or juniors enrolled in an accredited college; minimum GPA of 3.0; must have completed biology and chemistry coursework
The Mechanistic Biology Summer Program (MBSP) at Memorial Sloan Kettering is a full-time, 10-week research internship for undergraduates who want to dig into the science behind cancer, immunology, developmental biology, and other biomedical fields. You’ll be paired with a faculty mentor and work on your own research project in a lab setting, gaining hands-on experience with real scientific questions. Throughout the summer, you’ll join journal clubs, attend weekly seminars, and take part in workshops that help you prepare for graduate-level research. At the end of the program, you’ll present your findings at a poster symposium.
Location: Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY
Cost: Free; includes $7,000 stipend, housing, and meals
Dates: June 8–August 8
Application Deadline: January 15
Eligibility: Current sophomores or juniors with a strong academic background in science; open to U.S. and international students enrolled full-time in a college or university
The Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory (CSHL) Undergraduate Research Program (URP) is a 10-week, full-time summer research experience for undergraduates who want to explore careers in science. Each year, about 20 students from around the world are selected to work on independent research projects in areas like molecular biology, neuroscience, genomics, plant biology, and quantitative biology. You’ll be mentored by CSHL scientists and have access to state-of-the-art lab facilities. The program includes workshops on Python programming, bioinformatics, and scientific communication, plus lectures, career panels, and social events.
Location: Varies by research site (e.g., Harvard University, Princeton University, Stanford University, Yale University)
Cost: Free; includes stipend, housing, and travel expenses covered by host institution
Dates: 8–10 weeks (varies by site; typically June–August)
Application Deadline: February 3
Eligibility: U.S. citizens, nationals, or permanent residents; full-time undergraduates with a GPA of 3.0+; must have completed at least two semesters and have at least one semester remaining; strong interest in pursuing a PhD or MD-PhD
The Summer Research Early Identification Program (SR-EIP), run by the Leadership Alliance, is a fully funded summer research internship for undergraduates who plan to pursue a PhD or MD-PhD. You’ll spend 8–10 weeks at one of 20 top research institutions, working closely with a faculty mentor on a project in fields like biomedical science, engineering, social sciences, or the humanities. You’ll also receive training in research methods, attend professional development workshops, and get support with graduate school applications. The program culminates in the Leadership Alliance National Symposium, where you’ll present your work to peers and faculty from across the country.
Location: Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN
Cost: Free; includes $750–$950 weekly stipend (based on education level), $250/week housing allowance, and up to $1,000 travel reimbursement for eligible participants
Dates: 10–12 weeks (summer start dates vary)
Application Deadline: Varies by term; summer applications typically open in winter
Eligibility: U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents; minimum GPA of 3.0; open to current undergraduates, graduate students, recent graduates (within 2 years), and recently separated veterans; must be at least 18 years old
The Research Student Internships (RSI) program at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) is a 10–12 week summer opportunity for undergraduates and recent grads. You will work on cutting-edge research in fields like biology, energy science, materials research, supercomputing, and environmental science. You’ll be paired with a mentor and contribute to real-world projects that support ORNL’s scientific mission. You will also gain hands-on experience with advanced lab facilities, develop technical and professional skills, and present your work through a final poster or technical talk.
Location: University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, IL
Cost: Free; includes $4,500 stipend
Dates: June 2–August 8
Application Deadline: Early spring
Eligibility: Sophomores or juniors with a minimum GPA of 3.3; strong interest in pursuing a PhD in biomedical sciences; selection based on academic record, research commitment
The Graeme Carnegie Fellowship at the University of Illinois College of Medicine in Chicago is a 10-week, full-time summer research program designed for undergraduates who plan to pursue a PhD in biomedical sciences. You’ll be matched with a faculty mentor and begin by developing a research proposal together, which you’ll present at the start of the program. Over the summer, you’ll conduct original lab-based research and participate in seminars, scientific methods courses, and networking events. The program ends with a formal presentation of your findings to the department.
Location: Fred Hutch Cancer Center, Seattle, WA
Cost: Free; includes $7,304 stipend and up to $450 travel reimbursement; housing available at cost ($3,200)
Dates: June 23–August 22
Application Deadline: Early February
Eligibility: U.S. citizens or permanent residents entering the summer before their final year of undergraduate study; strong background in science or related field
The Summer Undergraduate Research Program (SURP) at Fred Hutch Cancer Center is a nine-week, full-time research internship for undergraduates entering the summer before their final year. You’ll be paired with a faculty mentor and work on an independent project in fields like basic science, human biology, public health, clinical research, or vaccine and infectious disease. Beyond lab work, the program includes professional development workshops to help you prepare for graduate or medical school, weekly seminars on scientific topics, and social events that build community among interns and researchers.
Location: Morehouse College, Atlanta, GA (with research placements in Atlanta, GA or Washington, D.C.)
Cost: Free; includes stipend, housing, and travel expenses
Dates: May 19–July 31
Application Deadline: January 31
Eligibility: U.S. citizens or permanent residents; current juniors, seniors, or recent graduates (within one year); GPA of 2.7+; must not have participated in other Lewis Scholars or Ferguson Fellowship programs
The Lewis Scholars’ Imhotep Project, hosted by Morehouse College, is a fully funded 11-week summer internship designed to prepare undergraduates for careers in public health and biomedical research. It begins with two weeks of intensive coursework in epidemiology, biostatistics, health disparities, and scientific writing, giving you the foundation to succeed in your research placement.
For the remaining nine weeks, you’ll work one-on-one with mentors at the CDC, academic institutions, government agencies, or community organizations on a public health research project. You’ll also attend seminars and workshops, complete 16 hours of community service, and finish the summer by presenting your findings in a formal oral poster session and submitting a research manuscript suitable for publication.
Location: Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA
Cost: Free; includes $5,400 stipend, housing, round-trip travel, and conference travel sponsorship
Dates: June 2–August 1
Application Deadline: January 10
Eligibility: U.S. citizens or permanent residents; enrolled in a four-year U.S. college (graduating December or later); major in physical, biological, or computer sciences, engineering, or mathematics; GPA of 3.2+; strong interest in graduate school
The Broad Summer Research Program (BSRP) is a fully funded, nine-week research experience hosted by the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard. You’ll be matched with a research group and work on an original project, either experimental or computational, in areas like cancer biology, infectious disease, or computational genomics. The program also includes a scientific communication course, career development workshops, and seminars led by researchers from Harvard, MIT, and the Broad Institute.
Location: The Rockefeller University, New York, NY
Cost: Free; includes $6,500 stipend and housing for non-commuting students
Application Deadline: February 1
Program Dates: June 2–August 8
Eligibility: College sophomores or juniors; U.S. and international students eligible; majoring in life or physical sciences; highly motivated with a strong academic background
The Chemers Neustein Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) at The Rockefeller University is a highly selective 10-week summer program for college sophomores and juniors pursuing life or physical sciences. You’ll be matched with a faculty mentor, postdoc, or graduate student to design and carry out an original research project in areas like molecular biology, neuroscience, immunology, virology, or biophysics. Beyond the lab, you’ll participate in weekly journal clubs, attend lectures from Rockefeller scientists, and engage in social and cultural events on campus.
Location: California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA (or JPL for eligible U.S. citizens/permanent residents)
Cost: No program fee; $7,950 award for 10 weeks; visiting students cover housing/board costs (housing available but limited)
Application Deadline: February 22
Program Dates: June 17 – late August/early September (start date flexibility with mentor/SFP approval)
Eligibility: Open to continuing undergraduates (U.S. or international) with a GPA of 2.0+ (Caltech) or 2.5+ (visiting). Must have completed 2 semesters/3 quarters before starting and be eligible for fall registration. International students may join on-campus projects if visa/work rules allow.
The Caltech SURF program is one of the most respected undergraduate research experiences in the U.S., especially for students in science and engineering. You’ll start by identifying a mentor and crafting a formal proposal, just like a real grant application. Once accepted, you’ll spend 10 weeks conducting original research, often with the potential to contribute to publications. Beyond the lab, SURF includes weekly seminars, workshops on career development and scientific communication, and plenty of social and cultural events to build community. The summer wraps up with SURF Seminar Day, where you present your work in a professional setting.
Location: Various DOE National Laboratories (e.g., Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN; Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA)
Cost: No program fee; paid stipend; housing allowance or arranged housing; round-trip travel reimbursement (details vary by lab)
Application Deadline: January 7
Program Dates: 10 weeks (Summer)
Eligibility: U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident; 18+; full-time undergrad or recent grad (≤2 years); cumulative GPA ≥3.0; completed ≥1 term and ≥12 college credits including ≥6 STEM credits
The Science Undergraduate Laboratory Internships (SULI) program, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), is a fully funded research opportunity for undergraduates and recent graduates pursuing STEM careers. You’ll spend either 10 weeks in the summer or 16 weeks during the academic year working full-time at one of 17 DOE National Laboratories. You will work with scientists or engineers on research projects tied to the DOE’s mission in energy, environment, and national security.
Location: University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
Cost: No program fee; $4,000 stipend; iPad provided; housing option available
Application Deadline: February 7
Program Dates: June 2–July 25 (8 weeks)
Eligibility: Undergraduate student (including rising seniors); completed at least 1 year of undergrad by start date; GPA ≥3.0; completed at least 1 year each of biology and chemistry; interest in STEM and potential career in pathology or laboratory medicine
The PennLab Summer Internship (PLSI) is a fully on-site, eight-week paid research experience at the Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania. You’ll be matched with a mentor and work on a research project in areas like surgical pathology, molecular pathology, microbiology, cytopathology, transfusion medicine, or coagulation. The internship includes professional development workshops, lab and social events, and ends with a final research presentation.
Location: NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY
Cost: Free; $5,000 stipend, free housing, and round-trip travel covered
Dates: June 1–August 2 (9 weeks)
Application Deadline: Early February
Eligibility: U.S. citizens/permanent residents; current undergraduates (sophomores or juniors); must have at least one semester of lab research experience
The NYU Grossman School of Medicine Summer Undergraduate Research Program (SURP) is a nine-week, full-time research experience for undergraduates who want to deepen their skills in biomedical science. You’ll be matched with a faculty mentor and work on a project in fields like stem cell biology, neuroscience, molecular biophysics, or computational biomedicine. Beyond lab work, the program includes weekly seminars, journal clubs, and “Conversations with a Scientist/Physician” lunches. At the end of the summer, you’ll present your research at NYU and at the Leadership Alliance National Symposium.
Bonus - Ladder University Internship
Location: Remote
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including spring, summer, fall, and winter
Application Deadline: Varies depending on the cohort. Spring (January), summer (May), fall (September), and winter (November). Apply now!
Eligibility: Can work for 5 – 10 hours/week for 8 weeks; college students and young professionals!
The Ladder University Internship Program is a selective, fully virtual internship for college students who want hands-on experience with high-growth startups. You can explore industries like tech, AI and machine learning, health tech, marketing, journalism, consulting, and more. You’ll be matched with a startup based on your interests and work on a real-world project that helps solve a challenge. Throughout the internship, you’ll be supported by a manager and a company coach who act as mentors. You’ll learn how startups operate, build practical skills, and present a final solution at the end of the program.
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 research mentor to develop a research paper.
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