EMBL Undergraduate Internships

European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL)

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Details checked on 30 October 2026. Dates and amounts change every year. Always confirm on the official page.

Who can apply

Undergraduates in biology, chemistry, physics, maths, medicine, informatics or engineering. Send the group leader a CV, a research-interest statement, your intended dates and the contact of a faculty referee.

Watch: how to apply

About this opportunity

Operating across six sites in Europe—Heidelberg and Hamburg (Germany), EMBL-EBI Hinxton (UK), Grenoble (France), Rome (Italy), and Barcelona (Spain)—the European Molecular Biology Laboratory offers flexible undergraduate and Master’s internships lasting up to 6 months. Rather than a single centralized deadline, candidates identify a specific EMBL Group Leader whose research matches their skillset and apply directly to the lab.

How to apply, step by step

1. Check that you are eligible. Undergraduates in biology, chemistry, physics, maths, medicine, informatics or engineering. Send the group leader a CV, a research-interest statement, your intended dates and the contact of a faculty referee.
2. Note the deadline. Rolling (contact the group leader of your choice directly - no fixed deadline) Confirm the exact date on the official page.
3. Prepare your documents. Targeted Cover Email & Research Pitch: Concise, scientifically rigorous email explaining how your wet-lab or computational skills can contribute to a specific project in the target EMBL group.; Academic CV: Highlighting molecular biology assays, structural biology tools, or Python/R genomic data analysis pipelines.; University Transcripts: Official grade records.; Reference Contact Details: Names of 1–2 academic supervisors who can vouch for your laboratory independence..
4. Apply on the official page. Open the official application page and submit your application before the deadline.

How applicants are selected

Direct Evaluation of Scientific Pitch by the EMBL Group/Team Leader → 1-on-1 Online Lab Interview & Journal Club Discussion → EMBL HR Contract & Stipend Processing.

Profile of past winners

Self-starting students who read an EMBL lab's latest Nature/Cell/Bioinformatics paper, propose a concrete 3-to-6-month project idea, and reach out 4–5 months before summer or their thesis semester.

Free materials

Templates, checklists and guides to help you apply.

Browse all free materials →

Tips from our advisors

1. Tailor your CV to the role: lead with the skills and projects the posting asks for.
2. Write a short, specific motivation statement. Name the team or project you want to join and why.
3. Beyond grades, show leadership and community impact with concrete numbers and outcomes.
4. Spend most of your time on the criteria with the highest weight in the selection breakdown above.
5. Start at least 8 to 12 weeks early. Certified transcripts, translations and referee letters usually take longer than expected.
6. Ask your referees at least 4 weeks ahead and give them your CV, your draft SOP and the deadline.

Quick answers

Who can apply for EMBL Undergraduate Internships?

Undergraduates in biology, chemistry, physics, maths, medicine, informatics or engineering. Send the group leader a CV, a research-interest statement, your intended dates and the contact of a faculty referee.

What does EMBL Undergraduate Internships cover?

Payment is at the discretion of the group leader and not guaranteed; accommodation depends on the EMBL site

When is the deadline for EMBL Undergraduate Internships?

Rolling (contact the group leader of your choice directly - no fixed deadline) Dates change every year, so confirm on the official page.

Where can I study or work with EMBL Undergraduate Internships?

Host countries: Germany, United Kingdom.

What documents do I need for EMBL Undergraduate Internships?

Targeted Cover Email & Research Pitch: Concise, scientifically rigorous email explaining how your wet-lab or computational skills can contribute to a specific project in the target EMBL group.; Academic CV: Highlighting molecular biology assays, structural biology tools, or Python/R genomic data analysis pipelines.; University Transcripts: Official grade records.; Reference Contact Details: Names of 1–2 academic supervisors who can vouch for your laboratory independence..

How are applicants selected for EMBL Undergraduate Internships?

Direct Evaluation of Scientific Pitch by the EMBL Group/Team Leader → 1-on-1 Online Lab Interview & Journal Club Discussion → EMBL HR Contract & Stipend Processing.

How much work is the EMBL Undergraduate Internships application?

High: Direct Scientific Cold-Email Pitch to an EMBL Group Leader + CV + Transcripts + Reference Contacts