NIH Summer Internship Program

Undergraduate Senior - 'I had a chance to work independently and assemble most of my work into a poster and hopefully a future publication. The research experience obtained here is crucial in developing skills involving independent study, analysis data, and publishing of data and conclusions from work performed.'
"I had a chance to work independently and assemble most of my work into a poster and hopefully a future publication. The research experience obtained here is crucial in developing skills involving independent study, analysis data, and publishing of data and conclusions from work performed." - Undergraduate Senior

The Summer Internship Program (SIP) at the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) provides an opportunity to spend a summer working at NIEHS side-by-side with some of the leading scientists in the world, in an environment devoted exclusively to environmental health research. Summer internships at NIEHS are given to outstanding undergraduate students interested in pursuing education and careers in the biomedical or biological sciences. Interns will work on a research project that entails exposure to the latest biochemical, molecular, and analytical techniques, while investigating environmental health issues.

NIEHS is committed to ensuring a diverse environmental health science workforce. Students with disabilities; students from racial and ethnic groups that have been shown by the NSF to be underrepresented in health-related sciences on a national basis (Blacks or African Americans, Hispanics or Latinos, American Indians or Native Americans, and Native Hawaiians and other Pacific Islanders); students who identify as LGBTQ; students who are Pell-grant eligible; and others disadvantaged by circumstances that have negatively impacted their educational opportunities, including recent natural disasters, are encouraged to apply.

NIEHS is a Smoke-Free Environment. Smoking is not allowed in any NIEHS building.

Students

To apply, fill out the online application  for NIH Summer Internship Program in Biomedical Research (SIP). This electronic application website typically opens in mid-November annually. Complete all applicable blocks of information:

  • A brief cover letter (including your name, mailing address, phone number, current school and grade or classification in school) describing academic plans for the fall, your interest in the biomedical sciences, and reasons for seeking a summer research position. Graduating seniors, both high school and college, will have to provide proof of admittance for the upcoming fall semester to an academic program at the next higher level. "Terminal" bachelor or masters degree students are not eligible for this program. To ensure your package is appropriately assigned for consideration in NIEHS Summer Internship Program, please indicate your interest in this program in your application. Failure to do so may result in your application not receiving appropriate consideration by NIEHS mentors. It is strongly suggested that you spell check and review all your information carefully for accuracy (have a friend or mentor review as well).
  • A resume (be sure to include research activities, honors, awards, and any other relevant accomplishments).
  • A listing of current coursework grades from the school you are attending. (An official transcript is only requested if/when selected/offered a position.)
  • Two reference letters of recommendation preferably from individuals having direct knowledge of your scientific interests and abilities (e.g., science and/or mathematics faculty, etc.). Approach your reference letter writers early with your verbal request and be sure their contact information is listed accurately in your application. An auto-generated email requesting your recommendation letter will be emailed with specific instructions as to how to submit it electronically (both reference letters should be submitted by February 23, 2024 at noon EST receipt date).

Be as enthusiastic as possible in your cover letter. Include any honors/awards, high GPAs, or other information relevant to your background. Provide as much applicable information as possible to enhance your application and convey your interest in science.

The above materials must be submitted/ posted online by February 16, 2024 at noon EST to receive consideration for the following summer. Individual applications may be updated/revised at any time up until February 16 at noon EST during that year's application process. If you have previously applied, you must fill out a new application and provide new reference letters each year.