Salk SURF 2026: Paid Summer Research Fellowship with Housing & Travel (Apply by Dec 7)

The Salk Institute has opened applications for its prestigious Salk Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (Salk SURF) 2026. This is a transformative 9-week program designed to give undergraduate students a comprehensive introduction to world-class scientific research and professional development.

This is a fully funded and paid opportunity. Selected fellows will receive a competitive hourly wage, roundtrip travel to the institute, and housing accommodations if needed. The application window is closing fast, with a strict deadline of December 7, 2025.

Fellowship Overview & Key Details

Program Structure: What Will You Do?

The 2026 program runs for 9 weeks and is divided into two phases to ensure students are fully prepared for the lab environment:

• Virtual Immersion (Week 1): A virtual week dedicated to training and soft skills development to prepare you for the project.
• In-Person Research (Weeks 2-9): 8 weeks of hands-on research and mentorship at the Salk Institute in the United States. You will have access to world-class facilities and a network of mentors.

Eligibility Criteria

Salk SURF aims to build a strong biomedical research pipeline. To qualify, you must meet the following strict requirements:

• Academic Status: You must be entering your Junior or Senior year at the time of the program (or be a community college student in a transfer year). You must have at least one semester remaining after the program.
• GPA: You need a minimum 3.0 Overall GPA and a cumulative 2.5 GPA in science courses.
• Major: You must be pursuing a STEM or related degree.
• Work Eligibility: You must be eligible to work in the United States.
• Commitment: You cannot enroll in summer courses or participate in other internships during the SURF program dates.

Benefits and Compensation

The Salk Institute removes financial barriers so students can focus on science. Compensation: A competitive hourly wage for your work. Travel: Roundtrip travel to the Salk Institute is covered (from within the US). Accommodation: Housing accommodations are provided for students who need them.

Selection Timeline

• Application Deadline: December 7, 2025.
• Review Period: Applications are reviewed throughout December.
• Interviews: Conducted in January and February.
• Final Offers: Notification of lab placement and offer letters will be sent in mid-February.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted online before 11:59 p.m. PST on December 7, 2025. You will need to upload your resume and unofficial transcripts. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Official Application Link: Click Here to Apply for Salk SURF 2026