Summer Research Programs: Introduction

We’ve compiled a list of summer research programs, in many different fields of chemistry, biochemistry and biology, for sophomore and junior students interested in participating in an extramural research project. Note that most of these positions have deadlines of Feb 1 or March 1; thus it’s important to get an early start on your job search. These positions are quite competitive; you should apply to several programs (not just a few) to assure being offered a position. It’s also a good idea to get your applications materials to the institution in advance of the deadline, since some programs consider applications as soon as they are received.

Note that not all REU directors send us updates; therefore even if a program listed here is out of date you should still check it out because most programs run annually.

Here’s a link to “Landing an Internship” from the folks at Academic Superstore.

These sites have lists of opportunities similar to this one:

• National Science Foundation’s Research Experience for Undergraduates–The NSF sponsors summer programs for students completing their sophomore and junior years in the following areas: biological sciences, computer and information science and engineering, education, earth sciences, ocean sciences, polar programs, mathematical and physical sciences, chemistry, materials science, mathematics and physics.  These programs are very competitive (there might be 200 applicants for 10 openings), so apply to a large number of institutions to ensure getting an offer. There is a search page on the NSF web site that you can use to find REU programs that are of interest to you.
• The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB) has a list of summer research opportunities on its web site. Scroll down to the bottom of the page where the research opportunities are organized by state. Deadlines range from early Feb to early April.
• Winthrop University has a great web page with links to many other sites.  Click on “Summer Research” on the home page.

Opportunities are listed by category; each is followed by a list of links to the specific site that describes the summer program. Locate your field of interest in the box on the left to search for summer research programs of interest to you.