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The Biological & Chemical Technologies Group develops advanced biological and chemical technologies to address urgent national security challenges. Capabilities within the Group include molecular, cellular, and synthetic biology; microbiome engineering; rapid DNA sequencing; bioinformatics; analytical chemistry; organic chemistry; mass spectrometry; laser spectroscopy; microfluidics; and rapid prototyping. These capabilities are applied to solving high-priority problems spanning chemical, biological, and explosives (CBE) detection and attribution; pathogen identification and characterization; point-of-care diagnostics; molecular intelligence; biosecurity; and DNA forensics. Our multidisciplinary team works across and outside the Laboratory to solve hard problems using innovative bio/chemical engineering and analytics.

Position Description

The Biological and Chemical Technologies Group seeks a summer intern to join a multidisciplinary team of researchers advancing technologies in synthetic biology, molecular biology, and biological engineering. The team’s work supports the development of innovative capabilities for rapid diagnostics, biosensing, and engineered biological systems to address national security and health-related challenges.

The selected candidate will contribute to ongoing projects involving engineering cell lines, building and testing novel biosensors, developing rapid diagnostic tools, and characterizing in vitro cell culture systems and protein–protein binding interactions. Interns will work closely with experts in synthetic biology, rapid prototyping, and microfluidics in a collaborative laboratory environment.

Qualifications

Candidates currently pursuing a B.S., M.S., or Ph.D. in biology, biochemistry, biological engineering, or a related field will be considered.

Desired Technical Experience

Experience or coursework in a subset of the following areas is preferred:

+ Bench biology techniques, including molecular biology, cell culture, or microbiology

+ Protein engineering or biochemical assay development

+ Data analysis and scientific communication (verbal, written, and graphical)

Summer Research Program Overview

The Summer Research Program offers students the chance to apply their academic knowledge to real-world national security challenges while working alongside leading scientists and engineers. As an SRP intern, you’ll engage in hands-on research, receive dedicated mentorship, and take part in professional development opportunities including workshops, tech talks, and networking events—all while building connections within a vibrant community of peers.

+ Internships are typically 10–12 weeks, with flexible start and end dates, typically May through early August.

+ Housing support is available for eligible non-local interns, including access to discounted university housing in Boston and a one-time taxable relocation payment.

+ Complimentary daily shuttle transportation is provided from Boston-based housing to and from the Lab.

Compensation

Hourly pay rates below are effective January 2025 – December 2025 and will be reviewed again for Summer 2026.

+ Freshman (BS expected May/June 2029): $24.50/hour

+ Sophomore (BS expected May/June 2028): $26.00/hour

+ Junior (BS expected May/June 2027): $28.00/hour

+ Senior (5-year BS program, completed 4 years by May/June 2026): $31.00/hour

+ Bachelor’s degree completed in 2026: $34.50/hour

+ BS + 1 (BS completed May/June 2025, 1st year of MS in 2025–26): $36.00/hour

+ BS + 2 (BS completed May/June 2024, 2nd year of MS in 2025–26, degree not yet conferred): $37.50/hour

+ MS (Master’s degree expected May/June 2026): $38.00/hour

+ MS + 1 (MS completed May/June 2025, 1st year of PhD in 2025–26): $40.50/hour

+ MS + 2 (MS completed May/June 2024, 2nd year of PhD in 2025–26): $42.00/hour

+ MS + 3 (MS completed May/June 2023, 3rd year of PhD in 2025–26): $43.00/hour

Selected candidate will be subject to a pre-employment background investigation and must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret level DoD security clearance.

MIT Lincoln Laboratory is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, veteran status, disability status, or genetic information; U.S. citizenship is required.

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