Connecting undergraduate students with research or other scholarly activities is the function of the UMass Amherst Office of Undergraduate Research and Scholarships (OURS). OURS staff will facilitate students' navigation of electronic and print information regarding available opportunities as well as assist students' in preparing for them. Contact us at ours@acad.umass.edu
Summer Opportunities
SHURP is a ten-week summer research program primarily for college students belonging to groups that are under-represented in the sciences. SHURP presently has 475 alumni from colleges across the country, and over 90% are continuing or planning to continue training and careers in the sciences. SHURP is one of the summer research programs participating in the Summer Research Early Identification Program of the Leadership Alliance, a consortium of 33 colleges and universities dedicated to improving the participation of historically underrepresented students in graduate programs.
Undergraduate and high school summer internships at BTI, Cornell University and the USDA provide an excellent opportunity to gain research experience and explore if a scientific career is right for you. Accepted students join an international community of scientists and students in the pursuit of scientific discovery, learn valuable research skills, and attend seminars and workshops to learn from leaders in these fields.
APPLICATIONS: Students must contact the individual site or program to apply. NSF does not have application materials and does not select student participants.
ELIGIBILITY: Individual sites may have additional eligibility requirements (e.g., number of undergraduate years completed). Undergraduate student participants supported with NSF funds must be citizens or permanent residents of the United States or its possessions. High school graduates who have not yet enrolled, and students who have already received their bachelor's degrees, are not eligible.
One of the best ways to prepare for a career at Dow AgroSciences is by participating in our Internship Program. An internship is a wonderful way to gain valuable on-the-job training as well as experience life and the culture at Dow AgroSciences LLC.
The Summer Internship Program (SIP) provides experience in research laboratories to students of diverse backgrounds, including underrepresented minority students, students from economically disadvantaged and underserved backgrounds and students with disabilities that have completed one - two or more years of college. The purpose of this exposure to biomedical and/or public health research is to encourage students to consider careers in science, medicine and public health. The program runs ten weeks and a minimum stipend of $3,000 is provided.
The Summer Program for Future Doctors is an intensive, challenging, educational summer program that allows participants to experience the pedagogical style and demands of the medical school curriculum. The program, which accepts approximately 20-25 participants, has two components. The non-matriculating program is aimed at premedical or undergraduate students. The matriculating program is geared toward medical students who have already been accepted to the Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University for the following fall semester.
Training and Experimentation in Computational Biology (TECBio)'s REU program is a 10-week summer program that will provide a challenging and fulfilling graduate-level research experience to undergraduate students. A wide variety of theoretical and experimental research projects are available to our participating students. In addition to performing cutting-edge research, TECBio students will also participate in other academic activities, such as classes, seminars, and discussions, while experiencing the various social and cultural activities available in Pittsburgh, PA.
UNCF/Merck Undergraduate Science Research Scholarship Awards are intended to support outstanding African American students to further their science education at the undergraduate, graduate and postdoctoral levels and potentially pursue science and engineering careers. The UNCF/Merck awards scholarships and fellowship for research experience in a state-of-the-art research facility.
The Sackler Institute in coordination with the M.D./Ph.D. Program and the Office of Diversity Affairs offers a Summer Undergraduate Research Program for qualified sophomores and juniors who are interested in pursuing M.D., M.D./Ph.D. or Ph.D. degrees and a career in research. Students may work with faculty in the disciplines of Biochemistry, Biomedical Imaging, Cellular and Molecular Biology, Developmental Genetics, Immunology, Microbiology, Molecular Oncology, Molecular Pharmacology, Neuroscience and Physiology, Parasitology, Structural Biology, Forensic Pathology, Computational Biology and Virology. Students are matched with an investigator of their choice or placed in a laboratory working in an area of their interest. Undergraduate researchers are given their own project which they present at a poster session at the end of the summer. They are expected to perform on a graduate student level.
The Summer Institute at the Harvard-MIT Division of Health Sciences and Technology offers a unique opportunity for outstanding undergraduate college students considering a career in biomedical engineering and medical science. This highly competitive program offers a hands-on research experience in a scientific community internationally recognized for its leadership and commitment to excellence. Participants are supported by cutting-edge research facilities and expert mentors.
The Mayo Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) Program, sponsored by Mayo Graduate School, is a great way to build your skills as a young scientist or test your inclinations toward research. Students get to conduct their own small research project or work on part of an ongoing research investigation for 10 weeks, and participate in a special weekly seminar series that introduces them to rapidly progressing research areas.
Abbott interns work on meaningful projects and make significant contributions to our business and to global health care needs. They also gain hands-on, professional experience and exposure to our industry and some of its leading practitioners.
Each year, Abbott hosts hundreds of interns worldwide. They work in our medical device, diagnostic, nutrition and branded generic pharmaceuticals businesses in functions that include engineering, science, finance, IT and marketing. The internship offers flexible 10-12 week assignments during the summer, adjusted to the academic calendar and the needs of individual businesses.
The Noble Foundation Summer Research Scholar Program offers the opportunity to conduct plant science or agriculture in a real-world laboratory or outdoor setting with some of the profession's greatest minds. The program offers qualified undergraduates a paid, summer research internship in plant science or agriculture.
Caltech's MURF program provides students the opportunity to conduct research in science, engineering, and math under the guidance of seasoned research mentors. The program offers students interested in pursuing a Ph.D. a great opportunity to experience the research process.
The Amgen Scholars Program provides hundreds of selected undergraduates with the opportunity to engage in a hands-on research experience at many of the world’s premier educational institutions.
The Undergraduate Summer Research Fellowship program funds 24 full-time undergraduate students with little or no laboratory research experience to work for 10 weeks during the summer in the laboratory of an established APS investigator. Each student has his/her own research question to work on during the summer. The intent of this program is to excite and encourage students to pursue a career as a basic research scientist.
The Undergraduate Research Excellence Fellowships program funds 6 full-time undergraduate students with significant prior laboratory research experience to work for 10 weeks during the summer in the laboratory of an established APS investigator. Each student has his/her own research question to work on during the summer. The intent of this program is to encourage students to pursue a career as a basic research scientist.
The APS Short-Term Research Experience for Underrepresented Persons (STEP-UP) Fellowship provides hands-on summer research experiences for undergraduate students who are from groups underrepresented in science. The program helps students explore biomedical research careers and provides exposure to the core NIDDK mission areas of diabetes, endocrinology, metabolism, nutrition, obesity, and digestive, liver, urologic, kidney, and hematologic diseases.
APS Short-Term Research Education Program to Increase Diversity in Health-Related Research (STRIDE) Fellowship provides hands-on summer research experience for underrepresented undergraduate students interested in exploring biomedical research careers. The program provides exposure to the core National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) mission areas of cardiovascular, pulmonary, hematologic, and sleep disorders research.
The American Society of Plant Biologists (ASPB) Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowships (SURF) fund promising undergraduate students so they can conduct research in plant biology during the early part of their college careers.
The Summer STAR (Student Training And Research) Program is designed to provide biomedical research experience for undergraduate students with a sincere desire to pursue a graduate education in biomedical sciences. During the course of the nine-week program, STARs actively participate in a biomedical research project under the guidance of a Augusta University faculty member. In addition, STAR participants attend workshops, discussion groups and laboratory demonstrations that expose them to a broad range of biomedical research techniques, approaches and laboratory experiences available at Augusta University. The Summer STAR program provides excellent preparation and relevant experience for students planning to pursue a PhD or MD/PhD in the biomedical sciences.
The University of Nebraska-Lincoln offers a summer program with research opportunities in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields in addition to an interdisciplinary Minority Health Disparities program. Through this program, students receive first-hand exposure to research in these fields, as well as obtaining the experience of graduate school.
The SULI program provides research experience at one of 17 participating Department of Energy (DOE) laboratories. Three separate internship terms are available: 10 weeks during May through August, 16 weeks during August through December, or 16 weeks during January through May. Each DOE facility offers different research opportunities, though not all offer internships during the Fall and Spring. Interns perform research under the guidance of laboratory staff scientists or engineers and work on projects supporting the DOE mission.
The University of Massachusetts Medical School (UMMS) Combined Summer Undergraduate Research Opportunity is a ten-week, structured research experience that consists of hands-on laboratory research. The program is designed to provide participants with in-depth exposure to actual bio medical research while stimulating the growth of career-building connections. Participants receive a $4000 stipend, and travel and housing are paid for by the program.
The Massachusetts Life Sciences Center (MLSC) offers an internship challenge that is a year-round workforce development program focused on enhancing the talent pipeline for Massachusetts life science companies by providing college students and recent graduates with hands on work experience through internship opportunities at life science companies.
A summer internship at the MIT Lincoln Laboratory will show you how professional research and critical thinking are done in real time, in real life. MIT Lincoln Laboratory’s fundamental mission is to apply science and advanced technology to solving challenging problems of U.S. national security in areas such as cyber security; tactical air and counterterrorist systems; advanced intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance systems; and more. Not only will your internship experience enhance your understanding of your field of study; you will contribute meaningful research results.
The Broad Summer Research Program (BSRP) is an intensive nine-week summer research opportunity designed for undergraduates with a commitment to biomedical research and an interest in genomics. BSRP has a strong record of success in helping students to nurture their passion for research and succeed in graduate school and scientific careers. Students spend the summer performing original computational or experimental-based research in labs across the Broad's research areas, from cancer to infectious disease to computational biology. At the program's conclusion, students deliver oral and poster presentations on their research projects.
BSRP features a rich curriculum outside the lab that emphasizes communication, collaborative problem-solving, graduate school preparation, and demystifying scientific careers. Our curriculum includes an intensive scientific communication course, seminars with leading scientists from Harvard and MIT, a GRE prep course, and weekly workshops focused on the graduate school application process, professional and personal development, and diversity and inclusion in the sciences.
Takeda is a global team of 30,000 pharmaceutical professionals working together, across more than 70 countries, cultures, and functions, to deliver innovative medicine and healthcare to those who need it most. They have several summer internships available for students in all science majors at their Cambridge, MA location.
Formlabs is looking for problem solvers to help revolutionize the future of manufacturing 3-D printers at their Somerville, MA location. If you are interested in the company, but don’t see a position that suits you, apply through the “Internship General Interest” link. If you have any questions, feel free to contact UMass Alumni Dana Djerf ’14, Formlabs Campus Recruiter and Intern Coordinator.
The U.S. Army Research Laboratory (ARL) Research Associateship Program (RAP) Summer Journeyman Fellowship is looking for applicants in good standing (a minimum of a 2.5 GPA) at an accredited university or technical institute, and in an academic program leading to an undergraduate or graduate degree. Scientists and engineers at ARL help shape and execute the Army's program for meeting the challenge of developing technologies that will support Army forces in meeting future operational needs.
The Marine Physical Laboratory (MPL) at world renowned Scripps Institution of Oceanography (SIO) seeks inquisitive motivated undergraduates with exceptional aptitude for quantitative science, majoring in engineering, physics, chemistry, biology or geology. This ten- week summer internship program offers qualified students the opportunity to work with some of the most notable scientists in the world while earning a modest salary. In addition to their research, students will attend weekly seminars given by members of our faculty and scientific staff. Applicants must be US citizens or permanent residents currently enrolled in their first, second, or third year of undergraduate status.
Merck is a global health care leader with a diversified portfolio of prescription medicines, vaccines and animal health products. They are on a quest for cures and are committed to being the world’s premier, most research-intensive biopharmaceutical company. Internships are available throughout North America.
Vertex is a global biotechnology company founded in Cambridge, MA that aims to discover, develop and commercialize innovative medicines so people with serious diseases can lead better lives. Full-time, part-time, and internship opportunities are available.
Sanofi is a global life sciences company committed to improving access to healthcare. Sanofi discovers, develops and distributes therapeutic solutions focused on patients' needs. Jobs/internships are available worldwide.
Cell Signaling Technology is a private company founded in Boston by scientists to provide diagnostic products to accelerate biological understanding and enable personalize medicine. CST is able to provide their summer interns with a positive hands-on experience at the bench, where they can help perform experiments and learn valuable technical skills from knowledgeable CST scientists.
The Undergraduate Research Apprenticeship Program (URAP) provides undergraduate students with an authentic science and engineering research experience alongside university researchers sponsored by the Army Research Office. Through this summer commuter program, students will develop skills in Army critical science and engineering research areas in a university lab setting to prepare them for the next steps of their educational and professional career. Persons with recent prior affiliation with a specific laboratory may not be eligible to receive an apprenticeship through this program.
The CNS Career Center keeps a running list of internship opportunities on their website. Check regularly for new positions!
The William Lee Science Impact Program (Lee-SIP) is a Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) program designed to expand and broaden participation in undergraduate research. It provides students the opportunity to work on fun, novel, and interesting scientific questions by matching them with faculty members with similar research interests. The goal of the program is to create opportunities for all CNS undergraduate students to engage directly in the cutting-edge research occurring on campus, including those from traditionally underrepresented groups in science disciplines, such as first-generation college students.
