If you’re a high school student passionate about chemistry but can’t commit to a pre-college program with a hefty price tag, paid research opportunities in chemistry are an option you can consider!
Research programs in STEM subjects, like chemistry, can give you comprehensive lab experience while helping you build real-world skills. These programs go beyond classroom learning, placing you in research settings where you might work on projects in molecular synthesis, spectroscopy, materials science, or chemical engineering.
You’ll learn core lab techniques, use professional-grade tools and software, and gain insight into how chemists approach complex problems. Some opportunities even offer a stipend, making these programs both educational and financially rewarding.
To help you find the right fit, we’ve compiled 10 paid chemistry research opportunities for high school students that offer meaningful experience in active scientific environments.
1. Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program (SIMR) – Research Internship Track
In this internship, you will be assigned to a research laboratory at Stanford University, where you will work on an individual project under the supervision of faculty and research staff. Your work will involve experimental design, hands-on laboratory techniques, and data collection across various fields, including molecular biology, cancer biology, immunology, genetics, and stem cell research.
You will read and interpret primary scientific literature, maintain a detailed lab notebook, and learn to troubleshoot experiments. Throughout the program, you can develop skills in data analysis and scientific communication. You will document your research in a formal written report and present your findings at a program-wide poster session at the end of the internship.
Stipend: Minimum $500 stipend
Dates: June 9 – July 31
Application Deadlines: February 22
Location: Stanford University, Stanford, CA
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors (graduating classes of 2025 or 2026); U.S. citizens or permanent residents; minimum age 16 by June 9; currently attending a U.S. high school. Preference for Bay Area students.
2. Aspirnaut™ High School Summer Research Internships at Vanderbilt University
In this program, you will spend six weeks conducting hands-on research in a biomedical laboratory at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. As part of a research team, you’ll contribute data to active studies in areas such as diabetic kidney disease, breast cancer, regenerative biology, and microfluidic device design.
You will independently perform experiments, analyze data, and present your results in both oral and poster formats. The program also includes mentoring, college planning, and preparation for the ACT and SAT. You’ll acquire hands-on experience with lab protocols and techniques relevant to chemical and biomedical research.
Stipend: $2,000
Dates: June 1 – July 12
Application Deadline: January 15
Location: Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
Eligibility: High school students (typically rising juniors and seniors) with an interest in STEM research.
3. ACS Project SEED
In this program, you will conduct 8 to 10 weeks of mentored chemistry research in an academic, government, or industrial laboratory setting. Under the guidance of professional chemists, you will develop practical skills in experimental design, organic synthesis, materials science, analytical chemistry, and environmental chemistry.
You will also learn essential laboratory techniques, data analysis methods, and professional research communication. The program includes structured workshops on college readiness, scientific writing, and career exploration within the field of chemistry and related disciplines. Project SEED is specifically designed to provide students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds with direct exposure to chemical research.
Stipend: $3,200 – $4,000 depending on program site and duration
Dates: 8–10 weeks during the summer (exact dates vary by site)
Application Deadlines: April 14
Location: Over 350 research sites across 40+ U.S. states and territories.
Eligibility: High school students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds who meet academic and financial criteria; U.S. citizens or permanent residents.
4. Research Science Institute (RSI)
In this program, you will participate in a six-week residential program at MIT that combines advanced STEM coursework with independent research. The first week includes intensive classes with faculty in subjects such as chemistry, molecular biology, and materials science.
You will then spend five weeks conducting mentored research, including designing experiments, collecting and analyzing data, and preparing scientific reports. The program culminates in formal oral and written presentations of your findings. You can acquire experience in research methods, lab techniques, and data analysis at a university level.
Stipend: Fully funded; tuition, room, and board provided at no cost.
Dates: June 1 – July 12
Application Deadline: January 15
Location: Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, MA
Eligibility: High school juniors (students entering grade 12); international students accepted.
5. Simons Summer Research Program at Stony Brook University
In this program, you will spend six weeks conducting independent research under the mentorship of Stony Brook University faculty. You will join an active research group, assume responsibility for a defined project, and gain experience with experimental design, laboratory methods, and data analysis.
The program also includes faculty seminars, workshops, and campus tours. You will complete a written research abstract and present your work at the final poster symposium, where a stipend award is granted.
Stipend: Awarded at the end of the program (amount varies).
Dates: June 30 – August 8
Application Deadlines: February 7
Location: Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY
Eligibility: High school juniors (11th grade); U.S. citizens or permanent residents; must be at least 16 years old by June 30.
6. iCLEM – Introductory College Level Experience in Microbiology
In this program, you will conduct a hands-on research project in microbiology, molecular biology, biochemistry, and synthetic biology at the Joint BioEnergy Institute in Emeryville. The program begins with a virtual prep week for lab safety and orientation, followed by six weeks of in-person laboratory work, where experimental techniques are applied to investigate biofuel production pathways.
The curriculum includes laboratory protocols, data collection, and the analysis of experimental results. Participants will also complete written assignments for their research documentation. Additionally, you will engage in training for scientific communication, learn how to write personal statements for college applications, and meet STEM professionals in the biotech and biofuels sectors.
Stipend: $3,000
Dates: June 16 – August 1 (prep week June 16–19; lab research June 20–August 1)
Application Deadlines: March 16
Location: Joint BioEnergy Institute (JBEI), Emeryville, CA
Eligibility: High school sophomores and juniors from Alameda, Contra Costa, or San Francisco counties; U.S. citizens or permanent residents; minimum age 16 by June 16; must meet income and GPA requirements.
7. Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program (SIMR) – Bioengineering Team Internship Track
In this internship, you will join a student design team to develop a working prototype that addresses a medical or biological need. You will participate in each stage of the design process, including problem identification, research, brainstorming, materials selection, and prototype construction.
You will use tools such as 3D modeling software, microcontrollers, sensor technologies, and 3D printing to build and refine your device. Faculty and graduate student mentors will guide your team through design reviews and testing. The program ends with a formal presentation of your completed prototype and an explanation of your design choices to peers and instructors.
Stipend: Minimum $500 stipend
Dates: June 9 – July 31
Application Deadlines: February 22
Location: Stanford University, Stanford, CA
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors (graduating classes of 2025 or 2026); U.S. citizens or permanent residents; minimum age 16 by June 9; currently attending a U.S. high school. Preference for Bay Area students.
8. NYU’s Applied Research Innovations in Science and Engineering (ARISE) Program
The Applied Research Innovations in Science and Engineering (ARISE) program at NYU Tandon School of Engineering provides you with the chance to contribute to active research projects across chemistry, materials science, and other STEM fields. Over 10 weeks, you will spend six weeks in an NYU research lab, working alongside graduate students and faculty, focusing on projects in areas like engineering materials chemistry, data science, and life sciences.
Additionally, you will participate in preparatory remote workshops that enhance your understanding of laboratory techniques and scientific communication. ARISE focuses on practical research experience, enhancing presentation skills, and fostering professional growth, all leading to a formal presentation of your research findings at the conclusion of the program.
Stipend: Students will receive a stipend of at least $750.
Dates:
- June 2 – 27 (remote workshops)
- June 30 – August 7 (in-person lab research)
- August 8 (Colloquium presentation)
Application Deadlines: February 21
Location: NYU Tandon School of Engineering, Brooklyn, NY
Eligibility: Current 10th and 11th-grade students enrolled in a New York City high school with a strong interest in STEM; students from underrepresented backgrounds in STEM are especially encouraged to apply.
9. ASE Internships by Saturday Academy
The ASE Internship Program by Saturday Academy places you in real-world STEM research environments, including chemistry labs, across Oregon’s leading research institutions and companies. You’ll work side-by-side with professionals in fields such as chemistry, biochemistry, materials science, and chemical engineering.
Interns contribute to active research projects under mentor guidance and gain experience in experimental design, data analysis, and laboratory safety procedures. You can develop your technical communication skills and explore professional scientific careers through required workshops and conferences. ASE internships are structured as professional experiences, with clear expectations on time commitment, communication, and project delivery.
Stipend: $500 – $1,500, depending on the internship hours (most internships are full-time, ~320 hours)
Dates: June 16 – August 22
Application Deadlines: March 8
Location: Portland metro area, Albany/Corvallis, and Eugene areas, Oregon. Interns must live locally or stay with family or friends near their assigned location.
Eligibility: Rising 10th–12th grade students (current 9th–11th graders). Must have reliable transportation, health insurance, and cannot have previously participated in ASE.
10. Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP) at the Department of Navy (DoN)
The Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP) allows you to spend eight weeks conducting hands-on research in a U.S. Department of Navy laboratory. You can work alongside professional scientists and engineers on real-world problems related to chemistry, materials science, and related fields. Depending on your assigned lab, you may explore chemical synthesis, materials testing, nanotechnology, or chemical engineering concepts.
You will acquire hands-on lab techniques, enhance your scientific writing, improve data analysis abilities, and refine experimental design skills. SEAP is an opportunity to contribute to active research with measurable outcomes, while being mentored by leaders in Navy science and technology.
Stipend: $4,000 for new participants; $4,500 for returning participants
Dates: 8 weeks, typically June–August (exact dates vary by lab)
Application Deadlines: November 1
Location: Various Department of Navy labs across the U.S.
Eligibility: U.S. citizens, enrolled in high school (grades 9–12), must be 16+ by internship start date; some labs allow exceptions
If you’re looking for a competitive mentored research program in subjects like chemistry, consider applying to Horizon’s Research Seminars and Labs! This is a selective virtual research program that lets you engage in advanced research and develop a research paper on a subject of your choosing. Horizon has worked with 1000+ high school students so far and offers 600+ research specializations for you to choose from. You can find the application link here!
Image source – Vanderbilt University
