12 Chemistry Internships for Undergraduates

Participating in chemistry internships for undergraduates gives chemistry majors an edge by translating classroom knowledge into practical skills and industry experience. Not only do they boost resumes, but they also build expertise in lab techniques, teamwork, and problem-solving – qualities that many employers value. 

Whether you’re aiming for grad school or future employment, chemistry internships for undergraduates offer real-world exposure and a solid foundation for future success. Here are 12 top chemistry internships for undergraduates for you to explore! 

1. Ladder University Internship Program

Location: Virtual
Eligibility: College students and young professionals
Application Deadline: Multiple deadlines throughout the year
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including summer, fall, winter, and spring
Cost:
- The Startup Internship: $2,490
- The CEO internship: $4,400 
- The Combination Program: $7,400

Ladder University Internships offers college students and young professionals an immersive 8-week program that combines hands-on project work with expert mentorship. This program is designed to build both technical skills and professional networks and allows you to work on real-world projects, such as developing machine learning models, conducting market research, and creating startup pitch decks. 

Throughout the program, you will receive individualized support from industry experts, including professionals from top companies and educational institutions like Harvard and Y Combinator. You can participate in one of three options: 

• The Startup Internship: You’ll get to work with a supervisor from the start-up

• The CEO internship: You’ll get to work directly with a start-up CEO from a FAANG background (Facebook, Google, etc.)

• The Combination Program: This is a combination of the CEO internship and the mentored research program

The program’s combination of challenging projects and mentorship makes it a solid choice for students seeking impactful, resume-building experiences.

2. The Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) Program

Location: Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts  
Eligibility: Rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents and have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above
Application Deadline: Rolling. April 1
Dates: June 2 – August 8
Stipend: 
- $6,000 stipend
- $500 – $600 supplies allowance 
- Up to $500 travel expenses

The Boston University (BU) Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) Program offers undergraduate students, particularly those from underrepresented groups, who want to pursue research in areas such as biology, molecular biology, biochemistry, genetics, and environmental science.

Open to non-BU students entering their junior or senior year, this ten-week summer program immerses you in full-time research within BU labs, guided by experienced faculty. Alongside valuable mentorship, the program provides on-campus housing, a stipend, enrichment activities, social events, and the opportunity to present research at BU's Undergraduate Research Symposium in October. 

This comprehensive fellowship is an excellent opportunity for students looking to advance their skills in the sciences, technology, and engineering while gaining meaningful insights into graduate-level research.

3. Broad Summer Research Program (BSRP)

Location: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts
Eligibility: Students who are
- Currently enrolled at a four-year U.S. college for the Fall 2024 term with an expected graduation date of December 2025 or later 
- Interested in pursuing graduate school 
- Majoring in physical, biological, or computer sciences, engineering, or mathematics
- Maintainaing a minimum 3.2 GPA
- U.S. citizens or permanent residents
- From underrepresented groups
Application Deadline: January 10, 2025
Dates: June 2, 2025 – August 1, 2025
Stipend: $5,400

The Broad Summer Research Program (BSRP) is a focused, nine-week summer opportunity for undergraduate students dedicated to biomedical research and genomics. The program supports students in developing key research skills and advancing toward graduate studies and careers in science. As a participant, you will engage in computational or experimental research within Broad Institute labs, tackling projects that range from cancer and infectious diseases to computational biology. The program concludes with you presenting your work through oral and poster sessions, showcasing your research findings and progress.

Please note that this program isn’t specifically focused on chemistry. However, since these research areas often intersect with molecular biology, biochemistry, and related scientific fields, students interested in chemistry can still gain valuable skills and insights applicable to chemical research, especially in areas like bioinformatics, structural biology, and biochemical genetics.

4. California Institute of Technology: Wave Fellows Program

Location: California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California
Eligibility: Current sophomores, juniors, or non-graduating seniors with a cumulative GPA of at least 3.4, who are U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or have DACA status with prior research experience, and are interested in pursuing a Ph.D. See more info here. 
Application Deadline: January 10
Dates: June 17 – August 22
Stipend: $6,000 stipend | $1,000 traveling, housing, dining supplement

The WAVE Fellows program aims to enhance access to Caltech’s PhD programs for undergraduates in STEM who are seriously considering graduate studies. The program especially encourages participation from underrepresented groups in STEM, including women, first-generation students, students from geographically underrepresented regions and educationally and financially disadvantaged backgrounds, and students with disabilities. During this program, you will work closely with Caltech faculty mentors on research projects across disciplines such as chemistry, biology, chemical engineering, and other scientific fields. 

Alongside hands-on research, WAVE Fellows at Caltech engage in a variety of enriching activities designed to support their academic and professional growth. These include weekly seminars led by Caltech faculty and scientists from the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, covering cutting-edge topics in science and engineering.

5. University of Colorado at Boulder: SMART Program

Location: University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado
Eligibility: Undergraduate students with a GPA of 3.0 or higher, who are at least 18, U.S. citizens or permanent residents, and interested in graduate study
Application Deadline: February 1
Program Dates: June 2 – August 8
Stipend: $3,200 

The Summer Multicultural Access to Research Training (SMART) Program at the University of Colorado Boulder offers a 10-week research internship aimed at preparing undergraduates for graduate studies in STEM fields. Each summer, 25 students from across the nation engage in research projects under the mentorship of faculty members while attending weekly workshops that cover topics like scientific writing, GRE preparation, and the graduate school application process. As a participant, you will earn three hours of upper-division undergraduate credit in independent study and receive a stipend of $3,200, along with room and board, round-trip travel, and opportunities to partake in various cultural and outdoor activities.

The program strongly encourages applications from undergraduate students attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs), institutions that serve Asian American and Pacific Islander communities (AANAPISIs), as well as Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions (ANNHs), Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSIs), and Native American-Serving Nontribal Institutions (NASNTIs).

6. Chemers Neustein Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF)

Location: Rockefeller University, New York
Eligibility: Highly motivated college sophomores and juniors majoring in the life or physical sciences. Open to international students
Application Deadline: February 1
Program Dates: June 2 – August 8
Stipend: $6,500 

Rockefeller University's 10-week Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) program is a selective program that only accepts approximately 25 participants out of 700 applicants. During the program, you will get the chance to collaborate with prominent scientists across various disciplines, including biochemistry, structural biology, molecular biology, immunology, virology, microbiology, neuroscience, physics, and mathematical biology. 

Key features of the program include a faculty lecture series tailored for summer fellows, a journal club, workshops focused on presentation and interview skills, as well as guidance on applying to graduate school. The experience culminates in a poster session where you will showcase your research to the university community.

7. NSF Research Experiences for Undergraduates

Location: Unspecified. Could be a host institution based in the U.S. or an international location
Eligibility: Undergraduates who are U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or U.S. nationals
Application Deadline:  January – March
Program Dates: Usually in the summer
Stipend: Stipend available; amount unspecified  

The National Science Foundation (NSF)'s REU Sites program offers numerous research opportunities for undergraduate students across various disciplines. These sites gather around 10 undergraduates who collaborate on research projects within the host institution's programs. As a participant, you will be paired with a specific research project, allowing you to engage closely with faculty members and other researchers. The research areas covered by the REU Sites program are diverse, including fields like biology, chemistry, physics, engineering, environmental science, and social sciences, among others. 

8. The University of Pittsburgh's Summer Fellowships

Location: University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Eligibility: Undergraduate students who have completed their sophomore or junior year before the program's commencement. Must have a GPA of 3.0 or higher and a strong performance in science, math, and related coursework. Applicants from underrepresented groups in science are encouraged to apply. 
Application Deadline: March 1
Program Dates: May 19 – July 25
Stipend: $4,000

The Summer Undergraduate Research Program (SURP) in Molecular Pharmacology is designed to provide undergraduate students with a unique opportunity to engage in advanced research within a state-of-the-art facility. As a participant, you will gain valuable hands-on experience with modern techniques while deepening your understanding of the scientific process. The program aims to inspire and support highly motivated students who are considering pursuing advanced degrees in molecular pharmacology, helping them develop their research skills and passion for the field. 

9. Dept. of Chemistry Internships, Indiana University Bloomington

Location: Indiana University Bloomington, Bloomington, Indiana
Eligibility: Undergraduate students who have completed Chemistry C117, C341, C342, C343, and Mathematics M211 (with C- or better). See here for more info
Application Deadline: Depends on the internship
Program Dates: Depends on the internship
Stipend: The stipend offered is determined by the employer

The Department of Chemistry collaborates with local employers to offer students professional experiences in chemistry-related settings. These internships not only provide valuable real-world knowledge but also contribute to fulfilling course credit requirements for chemistry degrees.

If you’re looking to undertake an internship for credit, you must meet specific eligibility criteria and familiarize yourself with the outlined guidelines. It’s essential to visit the Academic Office to start the internship search process. While the Undergraduate Office can assist in finding suitable internship opportunities, you will be responsible for securing your placements. Ultimately, employment decisions are made by the participating companies and organizations.

10. Summer Internship Program – Oregon State University

Location: Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon
Eligibility: Chemistry majors. Applicants should mention any prior laboratory experience they’ve had while applying
Application Deadline: April 4 (tentatively) 
Program Dates: Depends on the internship
Stipend: Depends on employer. Applicants may also earn CH 410 – Internship credits

Oregon State University's internship program is designed for chemistry majors and aims to give you practical experience working with industry-leading companies, such as Agere Pharmaceuticals Inc., Amorphyx, Bend Research, and Hewlett-Packard. This initiative bridges academic learning with professional applications, preparing you for careers in the field. 

To apply, you need to submit your application as a single PDF to chemistry.head@oregonstate.edu. The application should include a current resume and a cover letter detailing the company or companies you are interested in your career goals following graduation, and any relevant laboratory experience. This streamlined process ensures you present a clear picture of your interests and qualifications. At the end of your internship, you will be asked to submit a one-page summary reflecting on your internship experience within two weeks of its completion.

11. Talmage Research Internship (TRI) 

Location: Brigham Young University, Utah
Eligibility: Non-BYU Provo students who can commit to living in Provo and working full-time; chemistry, biochemistry, or related major completing second or third-year; see more here
Application Deadline: January 20
Program Dates: May 19 – July 11
Stipend: Competitive compensation per hour for 40 hours/week

The Talmage Research Internship (TRI) at Brigham Young University is an 8-week program designed for undergraduate students in chemistry, biochemistry, or related fields. Open to both domestic and international students, TRI offers hands-on research opportunities in areas like biochemistry, organic chemistry, and theoretical chemistry, and gives you the chance to work alongside BYU faculty. You will gain access to state-of-the-art labs, participate in professional development workshops, and even enjoy outdoor activities to build connections. 

12. Materials and Chemistry Institute (MaCI) Summer Internship

Location: Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, California
Eligibility: Undergraduate and graduate students
Application Deadline: February 14
Program Dates: 10 – 12 weeks in the summer
Stipend: Doesn’t mention

The Materials and Chemistry Institute (MaCI) Summer Internship at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) offers undergraduate and graduate students a unique opportunity to engage in cutting-edge research in materials science and chemistry. Over 10 to 12 weeks, you will collaborate with LLNL scientists on projects involving materials chemistry, synthesis, characterization, processing, analytical chemistry, actinide science, optical materials science, electrochemistry, and physics. This hands-on experience not only enhances technical skills but also provides valuable insights into the practical applications of materials and chemistry in a national laboratory setting.

Looking for an immersive internship experience?
Check out Ladder Internships!

Ladder Internships is a selective, virtual internship program where students work with startups and nonprofits from around the world! The startups range across a variety of industries. As part of their internship, each student will work on a real-world project that is of genuine need to the startup they are working with, and present their work at the end of their internship. In addition to working closely with their manager from the startup, each intern will also work with a Ladder Coach throughout their internship. Apply now!