Summer Undergraduate Research Fellows

Scripps Research's ten-week Summer Undergraduate Research Fellows (SURF) internship program offers students the opportunity to participate in cutting-edge research in one of our 150+ laboratories while being mentored by our world-renowned faculty. The program is held on our La Jolla, California campus.

Participants in Scripps Research's SURF program are matched with a laboratory based on their indicated preferences and interests. Research projects are designed to facilitate intern growth and interns receive day-to-day mentorship from a graduate student, postdoc, or other lab member, enabling them to gradually become more independent and take intellectual ownership of the project.

PROGRAM OVERVIEW
Students are expected to work full-time in the laboratory, participate in lab meetings and functions, attend departmental research seminars, and participate in weekly professional development workshops.

Examples of professional development workshops:

  • Career Exploration Panel Discussion
  • "Applying to Graduate School" Workshop and “Life as a Graduate Student” Panel
  • Science Communication 101
  • Responsible Conduct of Research + Ethics
      

Outside of the lab and workshops, additional enrichment activities include small-group mentorship from graduate students, tours of other institutes/biotech companies, and teambuilding activities.

At the end of the summer, students will present their research posters at the Summer Intern Symposium. The entire Scripps Research campus is invited to celebrate the research accomplishments of the SURF students. This provides another excellent opportunity for SURF program participants to hone their public speaking and networking skills.

COMPENSATION
Students receive a stipend of $7,200, travel support, and housing.

PROGRAM DATES
June 1 to August 7, 2026 (10 weeks)

APPLICATION DEADLINE
February 1 (annually)

Applicants will be notified of their acceptance in March.

Unfortunately, start and end dates are not flexible.