Heithoff-Brody Summer Scholars Intern

This eight-week paid internship is an opportunity for high school students to gain real-life experience performing scientific research while developing skill sets needed for careers in a STEM field while being mentored by Salk scientists and Education Outreach.  Interns work side-by-side with Salk scientists on groundbreaking research projects, gaining hands-on lab experience under the guidance of expert mentors. Beyond the lab, students participate in dynamic seminars, career-building workshops, biotech industry site visits, and other enrichment activities that broaden their scientific horizons. The program culminates in a celebratory research symposium, where students present their findings to mentors, lab teams, and proud families.

Dates of employment will be from June 15, 2026, to August 7, 2026. 

Who We Are

The Salk Institute is an internationally renowned research institution that values all members of our scientific community. We seek bold and interactive leaders passionate about exploring new frontiers in science. Our collaborative community embraces perspectives across discipline, professional acumen, and unique life experiences, fostering innovation, and a sense of belonging. Together, we strive to improve the wellbeing of humanity through groundbreaking research.

Founded by Jonas Salk, developer of the first safe and effective polio vaccine, the Institute is an independent, nonprofit research organization and architectural landmark: small by choice, intimate by nature, and fearless in the face of any challenge. Salk's vibrant community has many talented individuals from varied backgrounds, each playing a crucial role in driving our mission forward. From visionary leaders to dedicated administrators and brilliant faculty members, the Institute is united by a shared passion for scientific exploration and innovation. 

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

Under the general supervision of the Salk Education Outreach/Community Engagement team and a scientist mentor, the intern will be:

• Conducting hands-on scientific research alongside a mentor scientist
• Acquiring and applying essential laboratory techniques
• Actively participating in the scientific research process
• Developing and testing hypotheses, designing experiments, analyzing results, and drawing conclusions
• Maintaining accurate and detailed laboratory notebooks
• Attending and contributing to lab meetings and relevant training sessions
• Engaging in enrichment and extension activities
• Participating in weekly enrichment seminars and professional development workshops
• Presenting a formal summary of research findings and summer experiences
• Performing additional duties as assigned by the mentor.

What We Require

• Must be a San Diego County resident who has completed their most recent semester of high school at a public or private high school within San Diego County.
• Must be 16 years of age on or before June 15, 2026. 
• If under 18 years old, if selected for the intern program, the incumbent must obtain a work permit from their school upon notification of hire. 
• Have a minimum of a 2.75 GPA.  
• Be able to commit to the program dates and requirements.
• Able to commit to 30-40 hours per week 
• Commit to the following dates: June 15, 2025, to August 7, 2025.
• Short Answer Questions: We recommend drafting the answers to these questions in advance so that you are able to copy and paste into the application. Please answer these questions within 200 words.  Please review the link below before starting application questions. 
• Heithoff Scoring Rubric  

Applicants must submit the following documents with their application (before beginning your application, ensure you are prepared to complete each of the following components):

1. Resume: Your resume should be no longer than 1-2 pages, and include ONLY relevant information. This is you “at a glance,” keep it clear, short, and to the point. Suggested information/sections include contact information, education, any and all work experience, skills and abilities, and other relevant information, as it applies to the internship program
   Helpful links: WikiHow - Create a Resume & LiveCareer - Resume for Teens
2. Letter of Recommendation: One letter is required and you will upload with your application. Recommenders can be previous or current teachers of any subject, coaches, school counselors, mentors/former supervisors, or others in similar roles.
3. Unofficial School Transcript

The deadline for Applications is March 1, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. PT.

What We Can Offer

The expected pay for this position is $17.75 hourly. Salk Institute provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of what the institute reasonably expects to pay for a position. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal equity, geographic location, and external market pay for comparable jobs.

Salk Values

The Salk Community, both scientists and administrators, worked together to define values that we believe support Salk’s pursuit of excellence. To be truly the best scientific institution requires not only incredible discoveries, but a common understanding of how we should work together to enable those discoveries.

The acronym “I CARE” provides a simple way to remember each of the values and reminds each of us of the importance of what we do each day.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The Salk Institute for Biological Studies is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to providing equal access to opportunities for students, employees, applicants for employment and other visitors. Salk has also adopted and maintains a policy to encourage professional and respectful workplace behavior and prevent discriminatory and harassing conduct in our workplace.

Accordingly, the Institute prohibits harassment and discrimination in employment on the basis of, and considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to, actual or perceived race (race is inclusive of traits associated with race, including, but not limited to, hair texture and protective hairstyles. Protective hairstyles include, but not limited to, such hairstyles as braids, and twists), color, religion, religious creed (including religious dress and grooming practices), national origin, ancestry, citizenship, physical or mental disability, medical condition (including cancer and genetic characteristics), genetic information, marital status, age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), reproductive health decision making, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, veteran and/or military status (disabled veteran, veteran of the Vietnam era, other covered veteran status), political affiliation, and any other status protected by state or federal law.

Discrimination is prohibited with any intersectionality of the above-mentioned characteristics, including:

1. Any combination of characteristics.
2. A perception that the person has any of the characteristics or any combination of those characteristics.
3. A perception that the person is associated with a person who has, or is perceived to have, any of those characteristics or any combination of those characteristics.

Salk Institute for Biological Studies conducts research on molecular biology and genetics, neurosciences, and plant biology.