The Summer Internship Program provide high school, college, medical and graduate students the opportunity to conduct intramural research in NIH laboratories in Bethesda, Maryland and Framingham, Massachusetts. Summer interns spend six - eight weeks working in basic and clinical research areas under the mentorship of an NHLBI principal investigator. Students also participate in an array of professional development events and have mentorship opportunities.
Eligibility
The 2025 Summer Internship Program is for students who are 18 years of age or older on June 15, 2025, are U.S. citizens or permanent residents AND are enrolled at least half-time as a senior in high school, enrolled as least half-time in an accredited college (including community college) or university as an undergraduate, graduate, or professional school student at the time of application*, OR have graduated from high school, but have been accepted into an accredited college or university program for the fall semester. Click here for full eligibility criteria.
*Individuals who are U.S. permanent residents must be attending or have been accepted into institutions in the U.S.
How To apply
- Prospective summer interns must apply online through the OITE application portal. The application period opens November 18th, 2024, and closes February 19th, 2025, Noon ET
- Reference letter due February 23rd, 2025, Noon ET
- Applications accepted on a rolling basis starting November 18th. You increase your chances by applying early.
- Watch “Applying Successfully to the NIH Summer Internship (SIP)“ video.
- After submitting your application, contact NHLBI investigators with whom you would like to work. Introduce yourself and let them know you are interested in working in their lab.
- Read the OITE guide on creating a successful application and SIP FAQs
For specific questions, contact the NHLBI Office of Education: direducation@nhlbi.nih.gov
Important Dates
Information Session and Q&A:
Session 1:
November 21st, 2024, 4 - 5 pm (ET) | Register here
Session 2:
December 13th, 2024, 7 - 8pm (ET) | Register here
Program Timeline:
Application opens: November 18th, 2024 (accepted on a rolling basis!)
Application closes: February 19th, 2025, Noon (ET)
Reference Letters deadline: February 26th, 2025, Noon (ET)
Summer programs start dates: (NHLBI interns can start one of three dates listed below)
- May 19th, 2025
- May 27th, 2025
- June 2nd, 2025
Poster day: August 7th & 8th, 2025
Background Check: All fellowship offers are contingent on your ability to successfully pass a federal background check, which is required for logical and physical access to NIH facilities and systems. As part of the clearance process, you will be asked questions about a variety of topics including your citizenship, criminal history, and other personal information. One specific question you will be asked is “In the last year, have you used, possessed, supplied, or manufactured illegal drugs?” This question pertains to the use of controlled substances or drugs as defined under federal law. Please be aware that while marijuana may be legal or decriminalized within your home jurisdiction it remains illegal under U.S. federal law. The use, possession, supply, or manufacture of marijuana may preclude you from obtaining the necessary clearances to participate in NIH intramural training programs, even if you were initially offered a position. If you have questions about this policy or would like guidance on the clearance process, please reach out to oite@nih.govmailto:mailto: (please put “Eligibility Inquiry” in the subject line).