Intern - Salk Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF)

The Salk Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) is a 9-week mentored research program with a virtual component the week before arrival that provides access to world-class research facilities, hands-on training to learn and build research skills, access to a network of mentors, and foundational experiences for students interested in, or actively considering, pursuing a career in STEM.

Salk SURF interns will engage in hands-on laboratory research, gaining practical experience in a dynamic scientific environment. They will collaborate closely with research staff across multiple levels of expertise and actively contribute to ongoing scientific dialogue through regular group discussions and lab meetings.

Interns will actively engage in a range of structured internal programs designed to enhance both research-focused career development and broader professional skills. These offerings provide valuable exposure to scientific inquiry, collaboration, and career-building tools. At the end of the summer, interns will present their research at the Capstone Presentation Symposium-an event attended by a live and virtual audience including family, faculty, mentors, advisors, and members of the Salk community. This culminating experience allows interns to demonstrate their scientific communication abilities and share the significance of their work with a broader audience

The 2026 program will run from June 8, 2026 - August 7, 2026. The program kicks off with a virtual SURF Immersion week composed of training and soft skills development, followed by 8 weeks of in-person hands-on research and mentorship at the Salk Institute.

Who We Are

The Salk Institute is an internationally renowned research institution that values all members of our scientific community. We seek bold and interactive leaders passionate about exploring new frontiers in science. Our collaborative community embraces perspectives across discipline, professional acumen, and unique life experiences, fostering innovation, and a sense of belonging. Together, we strive to improve the wellbeing of humanity through groundbreaking research.

Founded by Jonas Salk, developer of the first safe and effective polio vaccine, the Institute is an independent, nonprofit research organization and architectural landmark: small by choice, intimate by nature, and fearless in the face of any challenge. Salk's vibrant community has many talented individuals from varied backgrounds, each playing a crucial role in driving our mission forward. From visionary leaders to dedicated administrators and brilliant faculty members, the Institute is united by a shared passion for scientific exploration and innovation.

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

• Read and discuss relevant research articles (learning how to do so if this is not an existing skill)
• Understand and abide by lab safety requirements
• Review and follow lab protocols
• Prepare and conduct experiment under the guidance of a research team
• Record and analyze data
• Maintain lab notebooks
• Participate in lab meetings, recommended research and other trainings
• Attend weekly enrichment sessions for summer interns
• Participate in professional development opportunities
• Prepare slides and a presentation about the summer research experience
• Deliver a formal presentation of summer research experience to a broad audience

Skills And Abilities

• Strong attention to detail and effective notetaking skills
• Self-starter, organized, strong time management abilities
• Motivation and ability to investigate and troubleshoot problems that may arise in research
• Willingness to ask questions and be proactive in clarifying understanding
• Interest in data analysis and curiosity in approaches to it
• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written
• Strong interpersonal skills, including tact, diplomacy, and flexibility
• Respect and understanding for individuals from diverse backgrounds and cultures

Eligibility Requirements:

• Must be 18 years or older.
• Must be currently enrolled in college.
• Be entering their junior or senior year at the time of participating in the program and/or have at least one full semester/quarter remaining of their undergraduate education following the completion of the program.
• Be pursuing a STEM or related degree.
• Have a minimum of a 3.0 GPA and a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher in science courses.
• Be able to commit to the program dates and requirements.

The expected pay for this position is $17.25 per hour. Salk Institute provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of what the institute reasonably expects to pay for a position. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal equity, geographic location, and external market pay for comparable jobs.

The deadline for Applications is December 7, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. PT.

Applicants must submit the following documents with their application:

1. A resume
2. An unofficial transcript

Please review the link below before starting application questions.

SURF Scoring Rubric

Salk Values

The Salk Community, both scientists and administrators, worked together to define values that we believe support Salk's pursuit of excellence. To be truly the best scientific institution requires not only incredible discoveries, but a common understanding of how we should work together to enable those discoveries.

The acronym "I CARE" provides a simple way to remember each of the values and reminds each of us of the importance of what we do each day.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The Salk Institute for Biological Studies is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to providing equal access to opportunities for students, employees, applicants for employment and other visitors. Salk has also adopted and maintains a policy to encourage professional and respectful workplace behavior and prevent discriminatory and harassing conduct in our workplace.

Accordingly, the Institute prohibits harassment and discrimination in employment on the basis of, and considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to, actual or perceived race (race is inclusive of traits associated with race, including, but not limited to, hair texture and protective hairstyles. Protective hairstyles include, but not limited to, such hairstyles as braids, and twists), color, religion, religious creed (including religious dress and grooming practices), national origin, ancestry, citizenship, physical or mental disability, medical condition (including cancer and genetic characteristics), genetic information, marital status, age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), reproductive health decision making, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, veteran and/or military status (disabled veteran, veteran of the Vietnam era, other covered veteran status), political affiliation, and any other status protected by state or federal law.

Discrimination is prohibited with any intersectionality of the above-mentioned characteristics, including:

1. Any combination of characteristics.
2. A perception that the person has any of the characteristics or any combination of those characteristics.
3. A perception that the person is associated with a person who has, or is perceived to have, any of those characteristics or any combination of those characteristics.