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Internships and Student Programs

At NEI, we’re dedicated to training and supporting the next generation of vision researchers and clinicians. Through the National Institutes of Health (NIH), we offer exciting opportunities to students in college, graduate school, and medical or dental school.

Summer internships

NEI’s 2 summer internship programs are open to students who are enrolled at least half time in:

  • College
  • Graduate school
  • Medical or other professional school (like veterinary or optometry programs)

Internships are in Bethesda or Rockville, Maryland and last 8 to 12 weeks.

  • NIH Summer Intern Program
    Spend the summer working alongside some of the world’s leaders in vision research. Our interns have assisted on important projects studying eye diseases, genetics, retinal cell biology, and more.

    Learn more about the Summer Intern program

Student programs

For college students

For college graduates

  • Postbaccalaureate Intramural Research Training Award
    Recent graduates who plan to apply to graduate or professional school can spend 1 to 2 years doing full-time biomedical research at NIH. Work side by side with some of the world’s leading scientists.

    Explore your postbaccalaureate options

For medical students

For graduate students

  • Graduate Partnerships Program 
    Take advantage of NIH’s extensive resources while you conduct your dissertation research. Join the Intramural Research Program and collaborate with leading scientists and clinicians.

    Learn more about the Graduate Partnerships Program

For postdoctoral fellows

  • Postdoctoral Research Training Awards

    Improve your research skills while collaborating with leading NIH investigators. At NIH, you can explore your area of research interest with the support of a vibrant postdoctoral community. 

    Find opportunities for postdoctoral research

Contact

Dr. Cesar Perez-Gonzalez
Training Director
301-827-7755
The National Institutes of Health, Bldg. 10/Rm. 10D45

Last updated: May 27, 2026