Biological Science

 Myco-Phytoremediation Research Internship: March – September 2026 

Seeking a mature, consistently reliable student for a part-time paid internship (130 – 200 hrs at $20/hr; subject to SURF grant funding) in a Soil Management Lab in UVM ALE Department and the field at an active restoration research site at Shelburne Farms with training and mentoring. You will work under supervision of Restoration Ecologist & Educator Jess Rubin of MycoEvolve. Ideally the successful candidate will continue next year. 

The internships offer opportunities to learn about the applications of mycorrhizae to phosphorus uptake with implications for water quality protection and pollinator habitat establishment within the context of the ecological restoration field, and in support of Abenaki rematriation for this project: Myco-Phytoremediation in Multi-Functional Riparian Forest Buffers: Restoration, Education, Training, and Rematriation.

This restoration research pilot builds on a literature review and a 4 year proof of concept restoration pilot now complete, with a few substantial differences. There will be 9 random block design plots which involve 3 buckthorn control, 3 restored with native polyculture palette uninoculated, and 3 restored with the identical plant palette inoculated with endemic mycorrhizae (grown from a guide we published from forest soil on the farm). Data gathered includes: mycorrhizal populations, soil and water phosphorus (P) concentrations, plant P uptake concentrations, and plant diversity. The plant palette, harvesting/coppicing and harvest is guided by Abenaki partners. These restored plots aim to serve triple functions providing: water quality protection, pollinator habitat, and harvest ways for Abenaki. 

Successful candidate will practice or have: 

• Reliable in timeliness, presence, communication, organization: 
  • Consistent conscious communication 
  • Independent transportation (reliable car required) 
  • Consistent Health Insurance 
  • Ability to work alone and direct one’s work, diligently once trained 

Already developed skills required: 

• Botany (being able to identify most if not all local plants); Working Familiarity with iNaturalist 
• Strong work ethic for long hours 
• Experience with lab and field work 
• Working familiarity with excel spreadsheets 
• Diligence & thoroughness in data recording in lab notebooks and excel 
• Google drawings or other software for signage and educational outreach 

Concepts that will be introduced: 

• Scientific research on farms: random block design 
• Foundations in data gathering, statistics, analysis, discussion, reporting 
• Complex role of mycorrhizae in phosphorus uptake 
• Working with mycorrhizae (plant prep, microscopy, data gathering) 
• Technical field work (harvesting, maintenance) 
• Soil and plant sampling (gathering, measuring, processing, preparing) 

Skills that can be developed through this position: 

• Grant writing (SURF) for additional stipend 
• Scientific process in action: hypothesize, setup, observe, record, analyze 
• Processing soil and plants for mycorrhizal analysis including microscopy 
• Manual restoration techniques of buckthorn removal 
• Gathering and processing soil for phosphorus concentration quantification 
• Conducting Consistent Plant Surveys 
• Restored riparian buffer maintenance 
• Multi-functional aspects and data tracking of Ecological Restoration efforts 

If interested and qualified, please email by November 20th to yepeth@gmail.com with ‘MycoEvolve Research Internship’ in the subject line. Including a cover letter, CV with 3 references, and availability for interviews week of 12/1/25 and work March-September. 

The mission of the STAR program (Student  Training  And Research) is to serve as a recruiting mechanism and to provide outstanding hands-on research opportunities for undergraduate students who are interested in pursuing a research PhD degree in biomedical sciences, nursing or biostatistics at Augusta University. STAR participants engage in research in a supportive environment under the guidance of an Augusta University faculty member and their research team. This level of experiential training provides participants with excellent preparation, relevant knowledge, and practical skills needed to pursue a career in research.

https://www.augusta.edu/gradschool/star/index

Join us for an exciting summer research experience in Ann Arbor Michigan!  Applications are especially encouraged from students with research experience who wish to pursue a Ph.D. in the basic sciences. 

https://medschool.umich.edu/departments/pharmacology/education/undergraduate-summer-research-program – 2026 Pharmacology Internship Dates:  May 26, 2026 – July  31, 2026

https://medschool.umich.edu/programs-admissions/non-degree-programs/undergraduate-research-programs

The RISE UP Program is a NIH-funded summer undergraduate research program designed to expose students to research opportunities in top-notch neuroscience laboratories at the University of Cincinnati and Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center. 

https://med.uc.edu/education/neurosciencesgrad/program-activities/rise-up-undergraduate-fellowship

The MDI Biological Laboratory’s REU program aims to engage students in scientific explorations in the Laboratory’s research focus area, Comparative Regenerative Biology and Aging, while providing them with opportunities to build skills important to successful careers in the biological sciences. Research opportunities focus on uncovering basic cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying regenerative and aging processes in various animal model systems, including zebrafish, African turquoise killifish, nematodes and axolotls. 

http://pni.princeton.edu/summer-programs/pni-summer-internship-program

Each student is placed in a world-class research laboratory – headed by a faculty member – and carries out an original research project. Students are thoughtfully matched to labs based on their research interests as indicated in their application form, recommendation letters, and personal statement. Careful consideration is taken of each applicant’s overall experience, academic background, and objectives. Lab assignments are included in acceptance letters. 

Undergraduates interested in receiving research training in computational neuroscience are encouraged to apply to an NIH-sponsored summer program at the Neuroscience Institute in Pittsburgh, PA. The environment at Carnegie Mellon University has much to offer to students interested in computational approaches….

https://www.cmu.edu/ni/academics/undergrad/summer-research-program-neural-computation

https://med.umn.edu/gps/undergraduate-research/life-sciences-summer

Many research areas.

Application open! Closing date: Feb. 2026

Summer 2026 Applications are NOW OPEN!

Deadline for applications and letter of recommendation: January 10, 2026

Join us for an information session:
Monday, December 1, 12-1 pm PST

https://amgenscholars.com/us-program

Undergraduate summer program in science and biotechnology, hosted at 14 institutions in the US. Each one has its own application process.

https://www.jax.org/education-and-learning/high-school-students-and-undergraduates/learn-earn-and-explore

The JAX Summer Student Program (SSP) is designed for intellectually curious undergraduate and graduating high school seniors eager to explore how genetics and genomics shape biological systems — and who want to grow as independent researchers in a collaborative environment. The program emphasizes laboratory discovery, scientific communication and personal growth in a team environment.

https://neuroscience.ufl.edu/training/https-neuroscience-ufl-edu-training-summer-neuroscience-internship-program/summer-neuroscience-internship-program/

SNIP is a full time 10-week paid research internship hosted by the UF Department of Neuroscience, and UF’s Evelyn F. and William L. McKnight Brain Institute (MBI). The dates for summer 2026 will be May 26 – July 31 (tentative).

Buffalo, NY: CLIMB UP (Undergraduate Program) for Summer Research is an interdisciplinary, nine-week-long summer research experience for undergraduates to conduct research in the biomedical, behavioral and health sciences. Additionally, CLIMB UP provides research mentoring and career and professional development tailored to the goals of each of our students in the program. Students explore graduate and career opportunities, discuss and present their research, network and participate in social activities.

https://www.buffalo.edu/climb/climb-up.html

https://www.research.chop.edu/crissp

Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Research Institute Summer Scholars Program (CRISSP) is a 10-week internship designed to inspire undergraduate students to pursue careers in pediatric research and academic medicine through training in theoretical knowledge and research as well as critical exposure to pediatric-focused career trajectories under the direct mentorship of CHOP faculty.

https://www.massgeneralbrigham.org/en/education-and-training/learning-opportunities/internships#accordion-22652b27a5-item-eeb77c646a

https://rwjms.rutgers.edu/department/neuroscience-cell-biology/about#panel-7=&tab=panel-7

The primary purpose of our program, established in 1996, is to provide 12 students with a closely-mentored, hands-on graduate level basic research experience in an active neuroscience laboratory on the Piscatway or New Brunswick campus of Rutgers University.

A second important goal, and one that distinguishes us from most other SURPs, is to provide students with career development and educational activities. These occur throughout the program, and are intended to increase knowledge and interest in pursuing careers in research.

Our program is primarily funded by an R25 Award from the National Institutes of Health (NIH)/NINDS.  We will be proudly entering our 15th year of support from the NIH in 2026.

Information for 2026:

• Application link will open on January 2^nd, 2026 and close on February 16^th, 2026.
• The 2026 session will take place between May 26^th, 2026 and July 31^st, 2026.

https://www.cshl.edu/education/undergraduate-research-program/

The Undergraduate Research Program (URP) at CSHL provides an opportunity for undergraduate scientists from around the world to conduct first-rate research. Students learn the scientific process, technical methods and theoretical principles, and communicate their discoveries to other scientists. Approximately 20 students come to CSHL each summer for the program, living and working in the exciting Laboratory environment. URP participants work on an ongoing research project in one of CSHL’s expert labs. Research at CSHL focuses on:

• Molecular Biology & Cancer
• Genetics & Genomics
• Neuroscience
• Plant Biology
• Quantitative Biology

We train undergraduates from all backgrounds who seek to become brain scientists. We prepare the next generation of neuroscientists by combining outstanding research training, a rigorous curriculum and an empowering support system so participants thrive on their path to graduate school and beyond.

http://endure.wustl.edu

Leadership Alliance, long-established summer research program based at Brown University and with many partner institutions:  https://www.theleadershipalliance.org

University of Michigan Frankel Cardiovascular Center (FCVC): Ten week Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) focused on cardiovascular research: https://sites.google.com/site/cvcsummerfellowship/home 

The Summer of Translational Aging Research for Undergraduates (STAR U) Program is a 2-month fully-funded research training program designed to encourage students from diverse and underrepresented communities to pursue further studies and careers in aging and neuroscience-related research. 

https://www.neurology.columbia.edu/education/additional-educational-programs/summer-translational-aging-research-undergraduates-star-u

• Final Deadline: January 10, 2025 at 11:59 PM EST.
• ​​​Notification if selected for phone interview: February/March 2025
• Program Starts: June 9, 2025
• Program Ends: August 8, 2025

The Smithsonian-Mason School of Conservation (SMSC) is seeking to fill 10 paid REU positions for Summer 2026 at our NSF-funded REU site “Saving Endangered Species and Habitats: Next-generation Education, Research, and Training for Conservation Biologists.” This 10-week REU, held from June 1 to August 7, 2026, will give undergraduate students an opportunity to conduct hands-on, full-time conservation research and gain career-ready skills to improve knowledge of and best management practices for threatened species with the goal of helping to alleviate the global extinction crisis. Students will work with mentors to develop an original inquiry-based research project within one of the following three focal areas: 1) assessing and monitoring species in the wild, 2) understanding species integrity and resilience to anthropogenic threats, and 3) improving captive management of threatened species. 

This REU takes advantage of the resources offered by the SMSC, located at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute (NZCBI), which provide ample opportunity to learn and conduct research onsite, including lab, field, and/or computational research. Students will be trained in the responsible and ethical conduct of research, and how to effectively promote their findings using various online/social media platforms. Project mentors are conducting impactful, recognized research and all have experience in providing mentorship and professional development experiences for undergraduates. REU students will also participate in a series of career and skills-building seminars with faculty and attend colloquium talks given by experts in conservation, while interacting with peers in team-building activities and social excursions. Students will also enhance their communication skills by presenting their research findings at a final symposium as well as a poster preview for the local community. Successful applicants will be paired with a research mentor based on their interest in this REU’s thematic areas and the best fit of the REU experience for the student’s academic and/or professional or career goals.

As part of the application process, students will need to identify available projects they are interested in working on. A list of available projects and associated mentors can be found on our website at: https://smconservation.gmu.edu/nsf-reu/  

This is a fully funded, 10-week paid research experience. Candidates must be available and in residence for the entire 10-week period. All REU participants will receive a $7,000 stipend, up to $500 in travel support to/from the REU site, plus room and board at the residence and dining facilities of the Smithsonian-Mason School of Conservation (SMSC), located at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute (NZCBI) in Front Royal, Virginia. Upon successful completion of the program, students can receive up to $200 in conference participation support.  

Who should apply? Undergraduate students who are very excited about a career in conservation, or interested in related disciplines, such as biology, ecology, genetics, physiology, animal behavior, endocrinology, anthropology, and environmental sciences, are encouraged to apply. 

NSF-REU eligibility:  To be eligible for this REU program, you must be (1) at least 18 years old, (2) enrolled in an undergraduate degree program (part-time or full-time) leading to a bachelor’s or associate degree, (3) a US citizen, US national, or permanent resident.

When is the deadline to apply? The deadline to apply is January 30, 2026. 

Start preparing your application materials early! This is a competitive program and only 10 students will be selected. Through the online application system (NSF-ETAP), students will need to submit:  

• Current resume
• Unofficial transcript(s) for all college/university-level coursework
• One letter of recommendation from a professor or someone from a professional capacity that can judge your ability to succeed in a research program
• An essay/narrative that describes your academic and professional interests related to the discipline of conservation and what motivated you to pursue them, as well as your future goals and ambitions and how this REU experience would help you achieve those goals 

Apply by following this link to the NSF application portal: https://etap.nsf.gov/. Create an account and enter SMSC in the search bar, or go directly to our program page: https://etap.nsf.gov/award/7921/opportunity/11407. 

If you have specific questions, please contact the REU Faculty Program Director, Dr. Anneke DeLuycker at adeluyck@gmu.edu

The Flory Lab (www.florylab.com) at the University of Florida (UF) in Gainesville, FL is seeking an undergraduate for a Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) position for summer 2026. This position is part of a larger research project funded by the NIFA/NSF/NIH Ecology and Evolution of Infectious Disease program aimed at understanding the mechanisms of pathogen spillover across ecosystem boundaries mediated by an invasive grass. With the help of mentors, the REU student will develop an independent project, acquiring skills in question formulation, experimental design and execution, data analysis, and science communication. Experiments for this project may involve inoculating invasive, native, and/or crop plants with a fungal pathogen to test possible causal relationships observed in the field. The REU student will work closely with Jason Sckrabulis, a postdoc in the Flory lab, and Luke Flory, one of the project principal investigators, and will interact with other UF researchers involved in the project. Previous REU projects in the lab were very successful, leading to publication (REU participant bolded): 

• Benitez L., A.E. Kendig, A. Adhikari, K. Clay, P.F. Harmon, R. Holt, E. Goss, and S.L. Flory. 2022. Invasive grass litter suppresses a native grass species and promotes disease. Ecosphere. https://doi.org/10.1002/ecs2.3907 

• Kendig A.E., V.J. Svahnström, A. Adhikari, P.F. Harmon, and S.L. Flory. 2021. Emerging fungal pathogen of an invasive grass: Implications for competition with native plant species. PloS One. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0237894 

Applicants must be enrolled in a baccalaureate degree program with an anticipated graduation date after September 2026 and must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident (including possessions/territories). The ideal candidate will be interested in pursuing a graduate degree or career in ecology, evolution, environmental science, or biology following graduation. Previous experience in plant disease ecology is not required. 

The REU position is 10 weeks in duration during summer 2026 with a flexible start date and a total stipend of $5100. Transportation and housing are not included. 

To apply, send the following to Jason Sckrabulis at jason.sckrabulis@gmail.com (if possible combined as a single Word or PDF file): 

Please email Jason with any questions. Review of applications will begin immediately, with a final submission date of January 15, 2026, with an offer being made by February 15, 2026. 

The Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center (Fred Hutch) hosts a summer internship that is designed to provide biomedical research experience and mentorship for undergraduate students of rising senior status: Summer Undergraduate Research Program (SURP). Here is an informational flyer that offers an overview of the program and a brief snapshot of important dates below, including how to apply.

The SURP is an intensive, 9-week internship designed to provide research experience and mentorship for rising-senior undergraduate students who are interested in biomedical research. Under the guidance of a faculty mentor, students will:

• Complete an independent research project;
• Attend weekly research seminars;
• Participate in professional development workshops designed to facilitate the preparation of competitive applications for graduate/medical school; and
• Present their findings at a competitive poster session.

The program will run from Monday, June 22 – Friday, August 21, 2026. An online application for the 2026 SURP is now available on the SURP website.

The application deadline is midnight Pacific Standard Time (PST) on Friday, January 9, 2026. Letters of recommendation for up to two references are due by midnight Pacific Standard Time (PST) on Friday, January 16, 2026. 

All info here for this program through Case Western Reserve University: https://case.edu/cancer/training-education/cansur

Application deadline: January 16, 2026

Job Description: Yakima Chief Ranches is seeking motivated students or recent graduates interested in agriculture, plant science, and field research to join our team as Agricultural Technicians. This internship offers hands-on experience in hop production, pest and disease scouting, and agronomic research, providing exposure to the hop industry from breeding to brewing. 

What You’ll Do (other duties may be assigned):

• Field Scouting and Pest Management: Travel throughout hop-growing regions in Washington, Oregon, and Idaho to scout fields for pests and diseases. Work independently to identify, assess, and report findings that support grower decision-making. 
• Agronomic Research Support: Assist with data collection for field trials focused on hop plant health and sustainable growing practices. Design and contribute to an independent research project of your choosing. 
• Industry Learning: Participate in enrichment sessions covering hop breeding, procurement, brewing, and sensory analysis to gain a broad understanding of the hop supply chain. 
• Professional Networking: Build connections with professionals in agronomy, brewing, and research to prepare for a career in agriculture, fermentation or plant science.

Qualifications:

Required Education, Knowledge, Skills, and Training:

• At least junior or senior standing 
• Must be 21 years or older, as brewing and sensory activities are included.
• Valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record. 
• Strong communication and organizational skills. 
• Self-motivated and able to work independently in outdoor conditions. 
• Ability to relocate to Zillah, WA or surrounding areas such as Yakima, WA, for the duration of the internship. 
• Position requires an executed confidentiality agreement. 

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to lift 50lbs 
• Walk several miles per day in the field in hot and cold conditions

Desired Qualifications:

• Pursuing or recently completed a B.S. in an agriculture, fermentation science, or agriculture-related field (e.g., plant biology, entomology, or ecology). 
• Experience with hops and or brewing/fermentation science is a plus, but not necessary. 
• Enthusiasm for learning about hop production and applied agronomic research. 
• Bilingual language skills (speak, read, write) in Spanish and English highly desired. 

Schedule:

• Approximately 40 hours per week, with limited weekend work in September. 
• Work is primarily outdoors in varying weather conditions. 
• Up to 20% travel across Oregon and Idaho growing regions. 

Apply here: https://yakimachiefranches.com/

We review applications on a rolling-basis. If you have any questions about the internship, please contact Sabrina Heitmann at sabrina@yakimachiefranches.com.

About Yakima Chief Ranches, LLC – Originally formed in the late 1980’s, Yakima Chief Ranches is a crop research company specializing in the development and management of novel hop varieties for the global brewing industry. YCR is a partner in Hop Breeding Company, LLC (HBC). YCR’s purpose is to create, build, and protect value for all, through development of first class hop varieties, a relentless pursuit of quality, and building meaningful relationships. We envision a new normal in the hop trade where mutual benefit between stakeholders is the key driver of success. A truly sustainable industry.

Applications are now being accepted for the UNDERC Summer 2026 Field Biology programs. UNDERC provides opportunities to promote understanding of field biology and how field research is conducted through 10 weeks in the Northwoods of Wisconsin and Michigan. We offer two distinct experiences, Track1 for students wanting to gain initial experience in field biology where they can gain an introduction to the concepts and methodology while conducting a collaborative research project with other students in the program, and Track2, designed for students with some research experience who wish to conduct their own independent field study at the UNDERC property with the help of a graduate student or faculty mentor. Each student receives housing, travel between the Notre Dame campus and UNDERC, and a $6000 stipend.

UNDERC-Track 1: This opportunity is offered to individuals at any stage of their undergraduate education that have an interest in gaining training and research experience in field biology. Students receive a structured introduction to field biology through a mixture of classroom and field training at the UNDERC facility. Classroom training includes visits to the George W. Brown, Jr. Ojibwe Museum and Cultural Center and the Great Lakes Indian Fish and Wildlife Commission.  Classwork will also promote understanding of Native American attitudes towards the environment for non-Native American students. The summer is broken up into four learning modules including – vertebrate ecology, aquatic ecology, forest ecology, and a module based on data collected by the National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON). This module is conducted in conjunction with staff scientists at NEON. Important research skills, including keeping a field notebook, basic statistical analysis and experimental design, and science communication will also be taught. This training will be leveraged by the class to conduct a summer-long collaborative research project.   

UNDERC-Track 2: Our Track 2 opportunity is designed for undergraduates with at least one summer or semester of research experience at UNDERC (including Track 1) or elsewhere. An UNDERC-affiliated scientist will mentor each student on the development of a research proposal, implementation of the project, analyses of the data collected and the writing up and presentation of the project at the end of the summer. Research topics are determined by the student with their mentor, but include the following broad areas: Aquatic Ecology, Fish Population Ecology and Behavior, Tree Functional Ecology, Small Mammal Ecology, Tree Population and Community Ecology, or Tree Ecophysiology. 

The UNDERC facility is owned by Notre Dame and contains 8000 acres of pristine lakes, streams, wetlands, and forests with abundant wildlife. The natural setting and modern facilities provide an unparalleled opportunity for gaining experience in field biology. UNDERC is also the core site in the Great Lakes Region for the National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON). UNDERC provides tuition (3 credits for Track1), housing, and transportation between the main Notre Dame campus in South Bend, Indiana and the UNDERC site. Acceptance for both programs is based on a statement of purpose and past academic performance; Track2 applicants will also conduct an informal interview with potential mentors to determine shared research interests. Preference is given to students pursuing a career in ecology or environmental science. Applicants are required to be present for the duration of course (27 May through 8 August).

Further information can be obtained at the UNDERC website (underc.nd.edu), or from UNDERC Assistant Director Dr. Michael Cramer (mcramer@nd.edu).

Applications are available online. (link: https://underc.nd.edu/education/undergraduate-field-courses/)

Application deadline is 5 December 2025.

Native American and Puerto Rican students are especially encouraged to apply.

Conservation Corps work all over the U.S. on projects ranging in focus from Ecology to History: Conservation Legacy and Corps Network.  You can serve on a crew with other young(er) folks, or be placed individually.  Most positions will come with an AmeriCorps stipend, education award, and other benefits.

Open Positions

Biomedical Research Internships Resources (PDF)

Paid internships all around the country, ranging from 3 to 12 months, most with housing provided and an AmeriCorps Education award upon completion.

The Student Conservation Association (SCA) is the largest provider of hands-on environmental conservation programs for youth and adults. Our program participants protect and restore national parks, marine sanctuaries, cultural landmarks and community green spaces across the country. After working with the SCA, program participants emerge with increased environmental awareness, social responsibility and leadership skills.

For students and faculty in search of internships with government laboratories:

• Zintellect – Climb Higher
• Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE)

Summer and school-year internships with GSK, a science-led global healthcare and pharmaceutical company: