Lurie Center for Autism Summer Internship

Overview

The MGH Lurie Center for Autism, based in Lexington, Massachusetts, is now accepting applications to our Summer 2026 internship program.

The Summer Undergraduate Research Program at the Lurie Center provides an opportunity for hands-on training in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and related conditions, and experience in clinical, preclinical, and translational research.

As part of the program, interns will be matched with a Lurie Center for Autism faculty mentor to conduct a semi-independent research project. Interns will meet weekly with their faculty mentor and interact regularly with other research staff. In addition, the program includes weekly seminars on ASD and the fundamentals of research, as well as the opportunity to observe clinical care (e.g., neurology, psychology, psychiatry, among other specialties).

Requirements

• The Lurie Center for Autism’s Summer Undergraduate Research Program is designed for undergraduates who plan to be in the Boston area and who are interested in clinical and/or research careers related to ASD.
• Interns are responsible for their own housing and transportation.
• Typical majors of applicants include psychology, biology, neuroscience, or pre-med studies, but are not limited to these.
• Preference for rising juniors and seniors, although exceptional rising sophomores will be considered.
• Neurodiverse/autistic students are particularly encouraged to apply.
• Top candidates will be invited to submit two letters of recommendation from a professor, teacher, former employer or similar, and to a virtual interview in February or early March.

Curriculum

The program is nine weeks, full-time (35 hours/week), in person, and will conclude with a final presentation for peers and Lurie Center staff. It is expected that all accepted interns will be available for the nine week duration of the program.

• Internship session: June 1, 2026 through July 31, 2026
• Application deadline: January 30, 2026
• Acceptance notification: March 27, 2026

If you have questions about our internship, please contact us at: mgfcluriecentersummerinternship@mgb.org.

Research Experience

Through these activities, interns gain exposure to a variety of clinical and/or translational research areas, such as:

• Literature searches and analysis
• Clinical trial and research study design
• Patient recruitment to studies
• Biosample analysis and processing
• Regulatory management
• Data management and entry
• Data analysis
• Neuroimaging
• Microscopy, preclinical models, PCR, histology

How to Apply

Application link: https://forms.gle/5WMkj495EZoMm2qS8