NIH Summer Internship Program in Biomedical Research

The summer internship program in biomedical research at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) offers a unique opportunity for college students to develop skills in scientific research. In this program, students receive hands-on experience while working with some of the leading scientists in the research laboratories at the NIH.

Summer programs at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) provide an opportunity to spend a summer working at the NIH side-by-side with some of the leading scientists in the world, in an environment devoted exclusively to biomedical research.

Internships cover a minimum of eight weeks, with students generally arriving at the NIH in May or June. The NIH Institutes and the Office of Intramural Training & Education sponsor a wide range of summer activities including lectures featuring distinguished NIH investigators, career/professional development workshops, and Summer Poster Day.

Compensation

Students who are selected receive a monthly stipend that is based on education level and experience. Stipends are provided by the laboratory or institute that offers an applicant a position. If a lab does not have the funds to cover the stipend, they may invite you to join the lab as an unpaid volunteer.

Apply

The Summer Internship Program is for students who are at least 16 years of age or older at the time they begin the program. To be eligible, candidates must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents. U.S. citizens are eligible to apply if they are enrolled at least half-time in high school or an accredited college or university as undergraduate, graduate, or professional students. Students who have been accepted into an accredited college or university program may also apply. Permanent residents must be enrolled in or have been accepted into an accredited institution in the U.S. to be eligible.

Prospective candidates must apply online. The application is available from mid-November to March 1. It requires submission of:

• A curriculum vitae or resume
• A list of coursework and grades (no official transcripts need to be sent at this time)
• A cover letter describing the applicant's research interests and career goals
• The names and contact information for two references

Candidates may also specify the scientific methodologies or disease/organ systems that interest them.