Biology Internships

What do biology interns do?

As a biology intern, you’ll gain hands-on lab and field experience working alongside researchers, scientists and conservation experts on real projects.

Internships last between four weeks and six months (sometimes longer) and take place during the summer months. But some employers have schemes that start throughout the year. 

What you do depends on the type of biology and internship you’re interested in (we’ll get on to that later), but you can expect to get on with the following:

• Laboratory research. This is one of the main parts of a biology internship. You’ll run tests, analyse samples and maintain records. You might work with DNA, bacteria, plants or tissue.

• Fieldwork. You’ll spend your time outside conducting wildlife surveys, collecting environmental samples and monitoring ecosystems. You could work anywhere from forests and urban areas to oceans and farms.

• Data analysis. You’ll take all your research and write reports, papers, helpful guides or present your findings to colleagues and other scientists.

• Clinical research. You’ll work on clinical trials using patient data that could help save lives.

Why do an internship?

Internships are such a great way to get foot in the door before you graduate. Here’s why you should seriously consider doing one:

• Put theory into practice. Classroom learning is great, but an internships gives you the chance to do it in real life

• Try out a role. Internships are a taste into what your career could be, so they can go a long way in helping decide if a career is right for you

• Gain experience. You’ll learn on the job and gain the professional knowledge emmployers love

• Earn a salary. You’ll be paid for your time (find out how much later on).

Want to know more? Read our guide below.

What types of biology internships are there?

Biology is a huge field with internships across different specialities. Here are some avenues you could explore:

• Biomedical and healthcare. You’ll assist medical research teams through clinical trials and patient samples to create new treatments

• Conservation. You’ll spend your time protecting wildlife and habitats. Your tasks can include monitoring wildlife populations, conducting field surveys and more

• Animal science. You could work in zoos, wildlife parks, veterinary practices or aquariums, where you’ll assist with animal care and conduct behavioural research

• Botanical. Love plants? Perfect. You’ll work with plant collections, conduct botanical surveys, research genetics, support horticultural projects in garden centres, gardens, local environments, forests and more

• Marine biology. You’ll explore the sea and work on projects that include underwater surveys, monitoring marine ecosystems, studying coastal habitats and supporting marine life

• Pharmaceutical. You could assist with drug development projects, conduct laboratory experiments, analyse test results and contribute to research that brings new medicines to the world.

Interested in a career in the environment? Check out our guide to environmental internships.

Here’s what this drug discovery intern felt about their time at Cancer Research UK:

I gained in-depth experience in a variety of molecular biology techniques. Focus and expertise on two techniques, plus the ability to experience and learn other techniques to a lesser degree. Fantastic experience, I intend to apply for a permanent position once one is available. I feel extremely fortunate and grateful to have had such a great experience. I would rate more than 5 stars if I could! Drug Discovery Intern, Cancer Research UK

What skills do you need for a biology internship?

As a biology student, you’ll already know about biological systems and concepts, and put this knowledge into practice during lab or field work. Internships are all about taking those skills, applying them to real workplace projects and teaching you a whole new set of skills (which will make you so much more employable when it comes to applying for placements and graduate schemes).

Employers love soft skills as they’re a great way of showing how you work. Some of these include:

• Communication. Report writing and presentations

• Project management. Planning experiments and managing timelines

• Investigative. Analysing specimens and assessing risks

• Research. Conducting studies and interpreting results

• Problem solving. Troubleshooting experiments, adapting methods and developing creative solutions.

How much do biology interns earn?

It all depends on the type of internship and where you’re based. On average, a biology intern earns between £18,000 and £24,000 pro rata. Internships in London usually pay more than £24,000 pro rata.

There’s so much progression once you’ve qualified, too. As a graduate, you could start anywhere between £24,000 and £35,000 per year, depending on which biology discipline you go for. The more experience you have, the more you’ll earn, with salaries reaching £75,000 per year for senior roles.

How to apply

Employers usually start looking for interns from August and hire right up until January or February. However, some schemes open closer to the summer (Kew Gardens opens its applications in March/April).

The most popular internships fill up super quickly, so it’s worth keeping your eyes on employers you’re interested in and applying as soon as you can.

Found a scheme you love? Great! You’ll need to apply, which usually starts with an online application where you’ll attach your CV and internship cover letter.

PRO TIP: Always make sure to tailor your applications for each job you apply for.

If successful, you’ll then be invited to an assessment centre where you’ll take part in lab simulations, group tasks, psychometric tests and a final interview.

You could also send a speculative application to employers you’re interested in, especially if it’s for schemes that aren’t usually advertised or get filled quickly.

Getting ready to apply? Check out our application toolkit. It’s super handy and FREE.