This program is available to:
An opportunity for students in college, graduate, and professional school to perform a summer research internship in the Intramural Research Program at the NIH.
About this program
This program is 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). We offer 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, our 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.
We also sponsor a Graduate and Professional School Fair in July and Summer Poster Day in early August, where our interns share their research with the NIH community.
Eligibility criteria
To apply for the NIH SIP, and SIP subprograms, you must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. In addition, you must be one of the following:
- 18 years old by September 30, 2026. If you are a graduating high school senior who will be 17 years old as of June 1, 2026 but will turn 18 by September 30, 2026, your 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 your 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.
Before you apply
The decision to come to the NIH as a summer intern is an important one. These are full-time research positions, and it is not possible to take summer classes 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 you begin your application, we encourage you 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 you decide the NIH SIP is right for you, pay careful attention to our extensive frequently asked questions (FAQs) to support you in the application process.
How to apply
Opening and closing dates
The application will open on December 8th, 2025 by 9 am ET and will close on February 18th, 2026 at noon ET. The reference letter deadline is February 25th, 2026 at noon ET.
Selection process
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
Please read our recommendations on finding mentors in the Intramural Research Program, which provide important information on how to find research groups and factors to be aware of as you interview and consider positions.
To be considered for a SIP position, you should reach out to NIH Principal Investigators (PIs) and direct them to your 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 you to see if you are interested in working in their group.
- Send personalized emails to PIs expressing interesting in their research group and highlighting why you are a strong candidate for their program.
- Interview, virtually or in-person.
Watch the How to Find an NIH Research Mentor video on the OITE YouTube channel.
Contact
Reach out to us at SIP@nih.gov.
