Are you an undergraduate student eager to explore the biotech and pharmaceutical industries? These fields offer exciting opportunities to contribute to life-changing innovations. Here’s your roadmap to finding and securing summer internships.
Why Biotech & Pharma?
Biotech and pharma companies are at the forefront of developing new therapies, vaccines, and medical technologies. Whether you’re interested in research, data science, or business operations, there’s a role for you.
Organizations & Roles You Can Explore
Big Pharma & Biotech Leaders
Johnson & Johnson, Pfizer, Eli Lilly, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Novartis, Amgen, Biogen, Moderna, Regeneron
Large biotech and pharmaceutical companies usually offer structured internship programs in research, operations, and business functions. These can usually be found on the company’s’ career sites under the “Early Careers” or “Students and Graduates” sections.
Medical Device Companies
Abbott, Medtronic, Boston Scientific
Often medical device companies get looped in with other life sciences organizations, but they do have a special focus on engineering, product development, and quality assurance.
Startups
Ginkgo Bioworks, Beam Therapeutics, ElevateBio
Startups are companies that are early-stage and often range in size and funding from a small 10 person operation to a larger 100+ person organization. These innovative ventures offer great hands-on experience in fast-paced environments.
Common Roles & What They Involve
Research & Development (R&D): Lab-based work, assay development, and experimental design.
Data Science & Digital Tech: Analyze biological data, build predictive models, and support digital health initiatives.
Quality Control: Ensure compliance with regulatory standards and maintain product integrity.
Operations & Supply Chain: Manage logistics, optimize processes, and support manufacturing.
Commercial & Business Strategy: Market analysis, product launches, and business development.
Recruiting Timeline
Applications Open: Mid to late fall
Interviews: Mid fall through early spring
Offers: Late fall through spring
Tip: Start early—many programs open before winter break!
Where to Find Opportunities
- Company Career Pages: Look for the section or filter “Early Careers” or “Students & Graduates.”
- Job Boards: Biospace, Biopharmguy, Wellfound (great for startups)
- Career Fairs: BioPharma employers are featured in a couple early fall career fairs including the Harvard GSAS BIotech Club Fair and the Tech, Science and Data Fair, but your best bet to interact with actively hiring employers in the biotech/pharma industry is the upcoming Biotech, Pharma & Healthcare career fair in early spring (January 30, 2026).
- Crimson Careers Jobs and Internships Database
Tip: For startups, there may not be an internship listing on their website, so you will have to network! Check out MCS’s tips on how to effectively network with prospective startups, from Founders/CEOs, to entry level analysts.
Sample Summer Internships
Below are a few examples of current summer 2026 internship openings at various biopharma companies. While some companies have rolling deadlines, others will have set application deadlines, so be sure to check the company website.
- AbbVie: Business Technology Solutions – Data – Focus on data analytics and digital solutions.
- Amgen: Operations Intern – Assist with manufacturing and operational efficiency.
- Novartis: Biomedical Research Internship – Gain hands-on experience in cutting-edge research.
- Regeneron: Supply Chain & Industrial Engineering – Work on logistics and process optimization.
Tip: Even if you don’t meet every preferred qualification on the job description, you can still apply.
How to Stand Out
- Build Skills: Join research programs like REUs or campus labs. Check out the Undergraduate Research and Fellowship office (URAF) to learn more about term-time and summer research programs and funding. Cold email professors to express genuine interest in their research and attach your resume.
- Join relevant student groups to engage in industry project work and discussion. The Harvard Undergraduate Biotech Club and Harvard Undergraduate OpenBio Laboratory are great options for Harvard undergrads! The Harvard Griffin GSAS Biotech Club also opens select programming including their fall career fair to interested undergraduates.
- Craft a Strong Resume: Use the MCS resume templates to update your resume today!
- Network: Connect with alumni and attend industry fairs. Easily connect with alumni using MCS Firsthand Advisors.
- Prepare for Interviews: Review the STAR Method and practice common behavioral questions such as: “Tell me about yourself.” “How do you stay updated on biotech trends?” “Describe a time you resolved a conflict in a research team?”
Ready to Start?
Explore opportunities, polish your resume, and reach out to mentors. Also, don’t forget to check in with an MCS career advisor for recruiting insights and valuable tips on how to craft your application materials and successfully network with alumni in the field. Your summer in biotech or pharma could be the first step toward a transformative career!
Bonus: Check out BioSpace Hotbed Maps to discover biotech hubs across the U.S.
