PNI has two routes for summer research internships: (1) the PNI Summer Internship Program (SIP), for non-Princeton undergraduates who are interested in pursuing a graduate degree in neuroscience or a related field; and (2) Research internships in PNI labs for Princeton NEU undergraduates. Through both routes, PNI provides education and hands-on research experience for interns to collaborate closely with students and faculty at PNI on original research projects and gain invaluable first-hand experience on what it is like to be a neuroscientist.

The SIP program described below is only open to visiting undergraduates. Current Princeton undergraduates can apply for a research internship in a PNI lab and are encouraged to join in the programming and events of SIP (see list below).  Current Princeton undergraduates can search for funding opportunities and apply to join a PNI lab as a summer intern via the SAFE portal before March 24, 2025. 

PNI's Summer Internship Program (SIP) is for highly motivated non-Princeton undergraduates who are interested in pursuing a graduate degree in neuroscience or a related field. PNI provides education and hands-on research experience for interns to collaborate closely with students and faculty at PNI on original research projects and gain invaluable first-hand experience on what it is like to be a neuroscientist.

Non-Princeton undergraduate applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents, per the requirements of our NSF funding. Applications are accepted through the Leadership Alliance's Summer Research - Early Identification Program (SR-EIP) portal, which opens November 1. More information about SR-EIP application process and requirements can be found here.

Summer Internship Program (SIP) Details

Our program spans nine weeks across early June to early August. For 2025, SIP will take place June 2 -  August 1. 

Each student is placed in a world-class research laboratory – headed by a faculty member – and carries out an original research project. Students are thoughtfully matched to labs based on their research interests as indicated in their application form, recommendation letters, and personal statement. Careful consideration is taken of each applicant’s overall experience, academic background, and objectives. Lab assignments are included in acceptance letters. 

SIP interns participate in group educational activities, including:

  • Weekly foundational overview lectures from PNI faculty
  • Summer courses in Python and Matlab
  • Lab meetings with the researchers with whom they will work
  • Journal club reading groups
  • Special forums on topics such as career advice and graduate school application preparation
  • End-of-summer poster session
  • Attend Leadership Alliance National Symposium
  • Attend Society for Neuroscience Annual Meeting

The Summer Internship Program offers:

  • Competitive stipend
  • Travel costs to and from Princeton
  • Housing on campus
  • Meal plan
  • Travel costs to attend the Society for Neuroscience Annual Meeting

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Read more about the Application Process

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Program Contacts

Non-Princeton Undergraduates
PNI Summer Internship Program

Princeton Undergraduates
Undergraduate Administrator

Who Should Apply?

For application information, please see the Summer Internship Application Process page.

We strongly encourage applications from

  • Current undergraduates who identify themselves as belonging to groups that have been historically underrepresented among researchers in the sciences.
  • Current undergraduates who have a strong passion for scientific research and are seriously considering graduate studies in neuroscience.
  • Future researchers whose participation will add to the diversity of researchers in the sciences, or who are from institutions that do not have large research programs.
  • Applicants must be current undergraduates who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents.

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