Life Sciences Summer Internship at NIH, USA | Apply Now
The NIH Life Sciences Summer Internship offers college, graduate, and professional students a unique opportunity to engage in research and healthcare careers. This summer research internship within the Intramural Research Program at the NIH is ideal for those eager to explore these fields.
About the Institution
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is the primary federal agency for conducting and supporting medical research in the United States. Comprised of 27 Institutes and Centers, NIH is at the forefront of efforts to improve health and save lives. With campuses across the country, including the main campus in Bethesda, MD, NIH fosters an environment of innovation and discovery.
About the NIH Summer Internship
The Summer Internship Program (SIP) is designed for college, graduate, and professional students interested in exploring careers in research and healthcare. These are full-time research positions within one of the NIH Institutes and Centers (IC) in the NIH Intramural Research Program (IRP). Research groups are located on all NIH campuses, including the main campus in Bethesda, MD.
Summer interns work in a research group directed by a Principal Investigator (PI). The Life Sciences Summer Internship program offers research opportunities in the biomedical, behavioral, and social sciences with opportunities to explore basic, translational, and clinical research. Students interested in biology, engineering, epidemiology, psychology, mathematics, chemistry, pharmaceutical sciences, nursing, physics, computer science, bioinformatics, and other health-related fields are invited to apply. Summer interns may not work in administrative offices or outside of the NIH IRP.
In addition to an intensive research experience, summer interns have access to:
- professional development programs focused on core competencies needed for success in healthcare, research, and other science careers.
- educational and career programming.
- a comprehensive well-being and resilience program.
The program also sponsors a Graduate and Professional School Fair in July and Summer Poster Day in early August, where interns share their research with the NIH community.
The 2027 NIH Summer Internship Program (SIP) must be completed between May 10 and August 31, 2027. Specific start and end dates within this timeframe are flexible and determined in consultation with the selecting PI.
Eligibility Criteria Required For Life Sciences Summer Internship
To apply for the NIH SIP and SIP subprograms in Summer 2027, applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents. Additionally, they must be one of the following:
- 18 years old by September 30, 2027. If a graduating high school senior will be 17 years old as of June 1, 2027 but will turn 18 by September 30, 2027, their permanent home address must be located within 40 miles of an NIH campus.
AND, one of the following:
- Enrolled at least half-time as a senior in high school at the time of application and have graduated high school before the start of the internship.
- Enrolled at least half-time in an accredited community college, college, or university as an undergraduate, graduate, or professional school student at the time of application.
- Accepted into an accredited graduate program for the fall semester with the expectation of attending at least half-time. High school graduates that have completed a single gap year and are starting community college or college in the fall are also eligible to apply.
Individuals who are U.S. permanent residents must be attending or have been accepted into educational institutions in the U.S.
Applicants with a family member working at NIH should be aware of the strict nepotism policy, which may limit their ability to work in certain NIH institutes, centers, or research groups.
Stipend and Other Compensation
Stipends for summer interns are adjusted annually and are based on educational level. There is free parking on each NIH campus; summer interns on some campuses may be eligible to participate in the Transhare program.
All summer interns must present proof of health insurance to participate in the program.
NIH does not provide housing. Summer interns are responsible for securing their own housing for the duration of their appointment. To help prepare for the transition, resources on planning your move and finding housing are available.
Before You Apply
The decision to come to the NIH as a summer intern is an important one. These are full-time research positions for Life Sciences Summer Internship, and it is not possible to take summer classes, go on vacation, or tend to other responsibilities during work hours.
Research groups are located on several different NIH campuses, including the main campus in Bethesda, MD. Before beginning the application, it is encouraged to learn more about:
- the Intramural Research Program and the mission of each NIH IC.
- the various campuses and the specific focus of the work performed there.
If the NIH SIP seems right, pay careful attention to the extensive frequently asked questions (FAQs) to support the application process.
How to Apply for the NIH Summer Internship
Complete Your Application
Applicants must use the NIH Application Center to apply for this program.
- Complete the NIH Application Center profile. Any information submitted to the profile will be stored for use on future applications. (The profile is NOT the application.)
- Indicate interest in applying to ‘Summer internships.’
- Find the program to apply for in the ‘Open Programs’ list. Complete the Eligibility Screener.
- If eligible, use the ‘Apply’ link to begin the application.
- Import any relevant information from the profile. Submission of the following is also required:
- Coursework – a list of all coursework and grades
- CV/Resume – a list of education, experience, and other relevant history
- Personal Statement – a statement broadly describing research experience, current research interests, and career goals as well as how the Summer Internship Program (SIP) would help achieve those goals.
- References – Enter the names and contact information of two references. Note that references will receive a request to submit a letter of recommendation after the application is submitted.
Review all materials carefully before submitting the application.
Selection Process For Life Sciences Summer Internship
There is no centralized selection process; applications are reviewed by individual Principal Investigators (PIs) who select their own summer interns and provide the funding to support them. PIs begin interviewing candidates and offering positions in early January, and the selection process is completed by April 1. Successful candidates will be informed by their PI, and on-boarding paperwork will be done by the hiring IC.
Remember that the application and selection process for SIP and specific IC programs may differ, so read information specific to programs that interest you.
Contact NIH Principal Investigators
Recommendations on finding mentors in the Intramural Research Program provide important information on how to find research groups and factors to be aware of as interviews and considerations for positions occur.
To be considered for a SIP position, applicants should reach out to NIH Principal Investigators (PIs) and direct them to their completed application.
- Search databases and develop a list of PIs in the Intramural Research Program whose work interests you. Note that PIs may reach out to see if you are interested in working in their group.
- Send personalized emails to PIs expressing interest in their research group and highlighting why you are a strong candidate for their program.
- Interview, virtually or in-person.
Opening and Closing Dates
The SIP 2027 application is now open and will close on Tuesday, January 26, 2027 at 12 pm (noon) ET.
Reference Letters are due Tuesday, February 2, 2027 at 12 pm (noon) ET.
The NIH Life Sciences Summer Internship presents a valuable opportunity for students to gain hands-on experience in research and healthcare. Interested candidates are encouraged to apply before the deadline to secure their place in this enriching program.
