Post date: Jan 12, 2016 5:44:25 PM
edit: Feb. 8, 2019
Several students have asked recently about how to find opportunities for summer research programs. Below, I'll list resources I come across that might be helpful. This is by no means exhaustive, and I haven't necessarily vetted these programs & sites, so proceed at your own risk. If you find a program that looks interesting, send me an email, and I'll add it to the list.
Most importantly, don't limit yourself to things you find here. Poke around, look for things you're interested in and places you want to visit. Consider fields like public health, public policy, government and science journalism. There are lots of opportunities out there.
Laboratory Research Programs
The National Science Foundation funds a huge number of summer research programs in a wide array of fields. Most of these cover room and board for the duration of the program. Use this page to search for programs by topic.
The NIH offers several summer training programs for students at many levels. Many of these occur at the NIH's Bethesda campus, but there are opportunities elsewhere as well.
The FDA has a variety of opportunities in various departments of the agency. These vary from year to year, and only some are available to current undergraduates. Check the listings.
This program is open to sophomores only.
This highly selective ACS program places sophomores and juniors into highly paid summer internships in the chemical industry. Applications are due November 30th.
The International Society for Pharmaceutical Engineering has compiled this list of companies and government entities that run internship programs. (Warning: not all links are up-to-date, but this is a good starting point.)
This company, located in Huntsville, AL, has occasional summer internship opportunities for undergraduates. Check the job listings for availability.
Genentech is a biotechnology and pharmaceutical research company near San Francisco. The company runs a broad internship program that accepts student sof all degree levels.
A list of various programs in science- and health-allied fields; a few are highlighted below.
Work with a member of congress! If you're interested in how science can make an impact on public policy, this might be something to check out.
This one is open to graduating seniors only. AAAS publishes Science, which is arguably the most respected scientific journal in the world.
The FBI offers an Honors Internship program and also has a collegiate hiring
initiative. There are field offices nationwide, including in Mobile.
The Smithsonian has a truly incredible array of opportunities for internships in all of their departments, including the National Museum of Natural History and the National Air and Space Museum. If you're interested in exploring ways to make your science degree work in public-facing fields, these might be a good option for you.
HudsonAlpha is a biotechnology institute with ties to biotech companies. They offer a summer program that places students in companies and academic labs.
The SHC Department of Chemistry maintains this list of local companies and organizations looking for summer interns.
Opportunities for graduating seniors
It can be hard for graduating seniors to find summer research programs, but they are out there. Here are a few resources:
The university of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) compiled this list of programs for graduating seniors. Some of these are no longer current, so double-check any you are interested in.
For those interested in a more in-depth experience, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) runs a post-graduate training program that funds full-time research for 1-2 years. Check out the website for details.
tags: summer research, reseacrh opportunities, vocational discernment