Deadline: February 15, 2026
Applications are open for the DaRin Butz Research Internship Program 2026 at the Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University. The DaRin Butz Research Internship Program at the Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University gives undergraduates in the life sciences a unique opportunity to experience research from start to finish while gaining training and connections among scientific colleagues.
DaRin Butz Interns will not only conduct research but will also develop their project with their Arboretum Advisors and be guided through the process of sharing their research through written reports and oral presentations, an important component of scientific research. Students will also participate in activities with the other DaRin Butz Interns, including a weekly journal club. During the internship, DaRin Butz Interns will conduct research with an Arboretum Advisor. Applicants should choose the research topic they find most interesting and contact a relevant potential advisor as early as possible to express their interest in working with the advisor during the internship. Potential advisors may conduct interviews prior to acceptance into the program and their lab.
Benefits
- DaRin Butz Interns receive a stipend of $6,250 for the ten-week period and up to $550 for travel expenses.
Eligibility
- Must be enrolled in an undergraduate degree program in the life sciences (part-time or full-time at the time of application) leading to a baccalaureate or associates degree. High school graduates who have not yet enrolled and students who have already received their undergraduate degree at the time of application are not eligible for the program.
- Prior research experience is not required.
- Maturity, self-motivation, and willingness to work as part of a team.
- Must be authorized to work in the United States.
- Must be able to work at least 40 hours per week for the entire ten-week term. Vacations are not permitted during the 10-week program (except for official Harvard-wide holidays).
- Harvard University does not provide health insurance for summer interns. All costs of any required health care are the responsibility of the intern.
- Students who have already participated in the program are not eligible to reapply. Those students are encouraged to contact Arboretum staff directly to discuss potential opportunities.
Application
To be considered for an internship, online applications should include the following:
- Cover letter. In 1-2 pages, your cover letter should state clearly the following: (i) interest in the program, (ii) interest in the selected research topic, (iii) career objectives and how the internship will help to achieve these goals.
- Resume.
- Unofficial transcript. An unofficial or unencrypted electronic transcript from the institution where the applicant is currently enrolled is preferred. A PDF copy or screenshot of courses/grades is acceptable.
- One letter of recommendation. As part of the online submission, you must send a request to the referee to submit a letter of recommendation (via the request section). The referee will be automatically sent an email with a link to an online submission form where they will upload a letter of recommendation. It is highly recommended that you contact your referee prior to sending the request. Inform the referee to expect an email from [email protected] with instructions for submitting a recommendation letter. Each referee must upload his/her letter of recommendation via the link by February 15.
For more information, visit DaRin Butz Research Internship.
