Application Deadline
All application materials must be submitted by December 1, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. This includes the completed application via UKG, resume, and unofficial transcript.
Application Preparation
There will be a virtual Program Overview & Application Tips Workshop on Friday, October 23, 10:00-11:00 a.m. PT, and on Wednesday, November 18, 2:00-3:00 p.m. PT.
Letters of Recommendation
The Salk SURF program does not require nor accept letters of recommendation. Submitted letters will not be reviewed.
Age Eligibility
To participate in the program, you must be at least 18 years old by June 7, 2027.
International Eligibility
The Salk Institute does not provide visa sponsorship for SURF participants. International students enrolled at a U.S. college or university may be eligible to participate if they can obtain appropriate work authorization through their institution. Authorization must be in place before the program start date and remain valid for the duration of the program.
Prior Experience Not Required
This internship is designed to help you build both technical and soft skills while exploring a potential career in research. Therefore, prior lab, research, and employment experience is not necessarily required to participate and excel in the program. Emphasis is placed on expressed passion, an active interest in exploring a STEM career, and a willingness to learn.
Internship Location
Internships will take place at the Salk Institute’s main campus:
10010 N Torrey Pines Rd, La Jolla, CA 92037
*First week will take place virtually via Zoom
General Schedule & Hours
Interns must be able to commit to 40 hours per week (Monday – Friday) from June 7 to August 6, 2027. The cohort will attend weekly professional development sessions on Monday mornings facilitated by the program organizers. The remainder of the week is generally reserved for lab time, with a few exceptions for workshops and off-site visits. Most labs operate between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., but exact schedules may vary depending on the lab placement. Be sure to ask about the lab’s schedule during the interview—it’s a great way to show curiosity and preparedness!
Lodging
Week 1 (June 7-11): Programming for Salk SURF will be held virtually during the first week. Students can be located anywhere during this week but are required to have reliable access to a computer, internet connection, and a quiet space. Students are responsible for their own lodging during this week.
Week 2 (June 13-19): Students who will be utilizing Salk-provided lodging will be placed at Sonesta ES Suites located in Sorrento Mesa (~10-15min drive from Salk). Rooms will be shared with other program participants. Students will be responsible for getting to/from Salk each day.
Week 3-9 (June 19-August 7): Students who will be utilizing Salk-provided lodging will be placed in UC San Diego’s on-campus housing (~20-minute walk or ~5-min bus ride from Salk) where apartment-style suites will be shared with other program participants. Students will be responsible for getting to/from Salk each day.
Selection Process
- Applications will be reviewed through January.
- Interviews will be conducted in February.
- Selected candidates will receive an invitation/offer letter that contains the details of their internship and notification of their lab placement by the end of February.
- To participate in the program, candidates will have one week from the time of receiving their offer to provide their final decision. Offers are conditioned upon successful completion of the Institute’s background check.
Still Have Questions?
We’re here to help! If you have any outstanding questions, feel free to reach out to the Office of Community & Engagement at community@salk.edu.