Intern - Salk Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF)

Staff Career•La Jolla, CA

6d•Hybrid

About The Position

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 2027 program will run from June 7, 2027 - August 6, 2027. 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.

Requirements

Be 18 years or older.
Be enrolled in an accredited undergraduate program OR be a community college student in their transfer year to a bachelor’s degree-granting institution.
Be entering their junior or senior year at the time of participating in the program (summer 2027).
Have a minimum of 3.0 overall GPA and a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher in science courses.
Be able to commit to the full program dates and requirements; this includes, but is not limited to, not enrolling in summer courses or participating in other internships while participating in the Salk SURF.
Be eligible to work in the United States.
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 with different backgrounds and experiences from your own.

Responsibilities

Prepare and conduct experiments under the guidance of a research team.
Attend weekly professional development sessions with the Office of Community & Engagement.
Read and discuss relevant research articles (learning how to do so if this is not an existing skill).
Adhere to all safety protocols and guidelines to ensure a safe working environment.
Follow laboratory policies and procedures, including proper handling and disposal of hazardous materials.
Record and analyze experimental data accurately and maintain detailed laboratory records.
Maintain lab notebooks.
Participate in professional development opportunities.
Participate in lab meetings, other trainings, and research.
Prepare comprehensive slides and a presentation summarizing the research experience/project.
Present the summer research experience/project to a broad audience, articulating findings and insights effectively.