If you’re a high school student curious about how ideas turn into real discoveries, a research job can be an exciting place to start. These opportunities let you work on actual academic or industry-based projects, while exploring subjects that interest you, whether that’s biology, psychology, environmental science, or computer science. You’ll also get a behind-the-scenes look at how research works, under the guidance of professors, graduate students, or researchers. These roles can be part-time, summer-based, or even virtual, which makes them flexible to fit into your schedule.
What do research jobs for high schoolers include?
In a research role, you won’t just observe, but will get to take part in real studies or projects. You might read and break down research papers, write short summaries, or help prepare reports. You might also collect and analyze data, assist with experiments, assist with simple lab experiments, or even help design small parts of a study. Depending on the field you choose, you might use tools such as spreadsheets, such as Excel or Google Sheets to organize data, basic coding languages like Python to analyze it, or work with lab equipment for experiments. You’ll basically learn how research works, from forming a hypothesis to interpreting results, using the same tools and methods researchers use every day. Most of these opportunities also come with a stipend, giving you an opportunity to earn while you learn, and even save, invest, or use for college expenses.
Here are 15 research jobs for high school students worth exploring. If you’re looking for free online research programs, you can find them here. You can also check out summer research internships for high school students here.
1. NYU’s Applied Research Innovations in Science and Engineering (ARISE) Program
Location: Remote workshops | In-person lab research at NYU Tandon School of Engineering, Brooklyn, NY
Cost/Stipend: Free | Students earn $2,000
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Last year, about 70 students participated in the program
Dates: June 1 – August 14; orientation takes place on May 29
Application Deadline: February 2 (regular) | February 27 (extended)
Eligibility: New York City residents entering 11th or 12th grade in the upcoming school year
New York University’s ARISE is a 10-week summer program that gives high school students hands-on experience in STEM research. You’ll start with four weeks of virtual workshops covering college-level writing, research methods, and lab safety. After the training phase, you’ll spend six weeks completing about 150 hours of research in one of over 80 NYU research labs across fields such as computer science, bioengineering, AI, robotics, molecular engineering, chemical engineering, and machine learning. Beyond technical skills, the program helps you strengthen your communication and public speaking skills. At the end of the program, you’ll present your research at a poster symposium at the American Museum of Natural History and the NYU Colloquium. Arise also provides college application support, mentoring, and access to future research and internship opportunities.
2. Biophysics Research for Baltimore Teens (BRBT)
Location: Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD
Cost/Stipend: Free | Paid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Limited slots are available
Dates: July 7 – August 7
Application Deadline: March 1
Eligibility: Rising 10th–12th grade students
Biophysics Research for Baltimore Teens at Johns Hopkins University is a paid five-week research program for rising 10th to 12th-grade students interested in science and research. You’ll work full-time in a teaching lab with other students, where you’ll learn core scientific concepts and apply them through hands-on research. Guided by instructors and researchers, you’ll prepare materials for biophysical studies before moving into advanced topics such as microbiology, DNA, and protein engineering. The research combines multiple STEM fields, including chemistry, physics, and biology, to show how modern scientific research works across disciplines. You’ll also gain exposure to professional research tools and techniques such as X-ray crystallography and NMR (nuclear magnetic resonance). Along the way, you’ll learn data analysis, quantitative methods, and scientific writing, as well as build problem-solving and practical research skills in a lab environment.
3. Biorocket Research Internship Program at Genspace
Location: Virtual and in person at Genspace, Brooklyn, NY
Cost/Stipend: Free | Students earn $2,000
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 15 students
Dates: February 25 – May 21 (Spring Session) | July 6 – August 14 (Summer Session); students must attend both sessions. The orientation takes place on February 20
Application Deadline: November 1 – January 5
Eligibility: Students who are at least 16 years old and attend a New York City public or charter school within a 45-minute commute of Genspace
The Biorocket Research Internship Program is a six-month opportunity that gives high school students hands-on experience in genetic engineering and laboratory biology. You’ll work with other high school students on both group and individual research projects, guided by scientist mentors. During the program, you’ll learn about DNA sequencing, bioinformatics, and genetic modification, and understand how research is carried out from idea to experiment and results. The program also focuses on career development and communication. You’ll receive career guidance from professionals, and practice presenting your work to improve your science communication skills. You’ll also visit labs and biotech companies across the city to see how the industry operates beyond the classroom. In addition, you’ll gain a better understanding of biotechnology and its ethical use. You can explore past projects here.
4. Texas Tech University’s Anson L. Clark Scholars Program
Location: Honors College, Lubbock, TX
Cost/Stipend: Free, except for a $25 application fee | Students earn $750 after completing their research project report
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 12 students
Dates: June 21 – August 6
Application Deadline: January 2 – February 16
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors and recent graduates who are at least 17 by the program start date and are U.S. citizens or permanent residents
The Anson L. Clark Scholars Program at Texas Tech University is a seven-week summer research program for rising high school seniors and recent graduates. The program lets you take part in college-level research, work on hands-on projects, and collaborate with a faculty mentor on an advanced research project. Research areas include Physics, Biology, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Cancer Biology, Computer Science, Chemistry, Mechanical Engineering, and work in Cancer Bioimaging. You can check out past projects here. In addition to lab work, weekly seminars cover topics such as research ethics, academic writing, and professional development. You’ll also join discussions, field trips, and social activities that give you a taste of college life. Past activities have included visits to the Texas Tech observatory to observe celestial bodies and trips to museums. At the end of the program, you’ll submit a formal research report explaining your findings.
5. University of Chicago’s DSI Summer Lab
Location: John Crerar Library at the University of Chicago, Hyde Park campus, IL
Cost/Stipend: Free | Students earn $5,600
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 20–25 students, including both high school and undergraduate students
Dates: June 15 – August 7
Application Deadline: January 12
Eligibility: High school seniors from the Chicago area who will begin college in the fall can apply. Experience with at least one programming language, i.e. Java, Python, or C++, is preferred, along with coursework in statistics, computer science, and math
UChicago’s Data Science Institute Summer Lab is a paid research program for local high school seniors interested in exploring how data science is used to solve real-world problems. During the program, you’ll work with mentors across fields such as computer science, social science, public policy, materials science, climate and energy policy, and biomedical research. As a research assistant, you’ll receive training tailored to your specific lab and build skills in research methods and data analysis. You’ll gain both core data science knowledge and specialized experience applying those skills to real projects. Along the way, you’ll take part in sessions where researchers share their career paths and explain how data is used to solve real problems. You’ll work on research projects such as training AI models, developing open-source geospatial tools, and running simulations. To wrap up the experience, you’ll present your work through talks and final videos at a summer symposium. You can check out past projects here.
6. Rockefeller University’s Summer Science Research Program (SSRP)
Location: RockEDU Science Outreach Laboratory, Rockefeller University, New York, NY
Cost/Stipend: Free | Need-based travel stipends and an OMNY card or MetroCard for NYC transit are available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 32 students
Dates: June 22 – August 6
Application Deadline: October 13 – January 2
Eligibility: Current high school juniors and seniors aged 16 or older by the start of the program
The Summer Science Research Program at Rockefeller University gives high school students the opportunity to take part in team-based research in fields such as neuroscience, cell biology, genetics, cancer biology, biochemistry, immunology, and computational biology. You’ll work in a group of 8–10 students, guided by one to three lead mentors and other scientists, following a structure that closely mirrors a research lab. Each team focuses on a different scientific topic based on the expertise and scientific interests of its leaders. You spend about 35 hours per week shaping a research question, collecting and analyzing data, learning lab techniques, and preparing results. Along the way, you’ll collaborate with trainees from Weill Cornell Medicine, Rockefeller, and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. At the end of the program, you’ll present your findings in a final symposium.
7. NLM Data Science and Informatics (DSI) Scholars Program
Location: NIH Campus, Bethesda, MD
Cost/Stipend: Free | High school students earn $2,530 before graduation and $2,840 after graduation
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; 32 students participated in a past year’s program
Dates: The program runs for 8–12 weeks starting in June, with flexible start dates and durations to fit interns’ schedules
Application Deadline: December 8 – February 18
Eligibility: High school seniors enrolled at least half-time who have completed coursework in computer science, informatics, data science, math, or related fields can apply. Applicants must be at least 18 by the internship start date, or 17 by June 1 if they live within 40 miles of an NIH campus, and must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents. A GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale is preferred
The NLM Data Science and Informatics Scholars Program is a full-time summer research internship for high school seniors interested in computational health and biological sciences. Over 8–12 weeks, you’ll work about 40 hours each week on real data science research projects involving complex biological datasets. You’ll collaborate with a research mentor in a shared research environment, gaining firsthand experience in how computational research is conducted. Depending on your project, you might use bioinformatics methods and computational health tools, explore ongoing research, or develop ideas with a principal investigator. In addition to research work, the program includes seminars and workshops on scientific communication and professional skills. The program ends with a poster presentation at the National Library of Medicine Summer Poster Day, with possible opportunities to present at a larger National Institute of Health event.
8. Simons Summer Research Program at Stony Brook University
Location: Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY
Cost/Stipend: Free (on-campus housing and meals cost $2,450, which is optional) | Paid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 5%
Dates: June 29 – August 7
Application Deadline: February 5
Eligibility: High school juniors aged 16 or older who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents
Stony Brook University’s Simons Summer Research Program gives high school students the opportunity to take part in STEM research in neurobiology, physics, biomedical informatics, engineering, computer science, biochemistry, and math. As part of the application process, you can select up to three preferred fields or mentors. Once selected, you’ll join a research group and work with a faculty mentor to learn lab techniques, research methods, and experimental design. Rather than simply observing, you’ll take responsibility for a specific research question or be part of an ongoing project. You might study aging and nuclear pore dysfunction linked to ALS and Alzheimer’s, or get to use tools including PyTorch and NumPy to build machine learning models for disease risk assessment and treatment analysis. By the end of the program, you’ll write an abstract and present your research at a final symposium.
9. Johns Hopkins University’s Summer Academic Research Experience (SARE)
Location: Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD
Cost/Stipend: Free | Students earn $3,000
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive
Dates: June 22 – August 13
Application Deadline: March 1
Eligibility: High school students in the greater Baltimore area who have limited educational resources and come from low-income households (below 200 percent of the federal poverty line)
The Summer Academic Research Experience (SARE) Program gives high school students the opportunity to take part in biomedical research and build academic skills. The program includes learning lab techniques, completing assignments, and developing critical thinking skills. You’ll work on real projects at Johns Hopkins and spend most of the time in research labs collecting and analyzing data. Along with lab work, you’ll take courses in math, data analysis, scientific writing, and bioethics related to your research. You’ll learn data science concepts through hands-on work with real datasets and quantitative methods. By the end of the program, you’ll create a scientific poster with your group and present your findings at a final event. SARE also provides guidance on financial planning and college applications.
10. Environmentor – Rockaway Initiative for Sustainability and Equity (RISE) Research Mentorship Program
Location: RISE, Far Rockaway, NY
Cost/Stipend: Free | Students earn up to $1,200 for their participation and research work
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 12–15 students
Dates: June to mid-August
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in April
Eligibility: Students in grades 9 to 11 who live on or attend school near the Rockaway Peninsula can apply, with preference given to those who previously took part in the fall or spring Shore Corps
Environmentor is a science research mentorship program for high school students interested in environmental and conservation-focused STEM fields. You’ll be paired with a scientist from a local university or research institution and work on a project connected with environmental science, wetland restoration, marine biology, conservation biology, or animal physiology. The program starts with orientations and workshops in June, followed by six weeks of research in July and August. You’ll meet your mentor four days each week to carry out research projects around the Rockaway Peninsula shoreline and Jamaica Bay, giving you exposure to real environmental challenges. Past student research projects have explored topics such as Seabeach Amaranth, salt marsh restoration, sea turtle strandings, dolphin biodiversity, and air quality monitoring. Beyond research, you’ll complete water safety and CPR training, take part in outdoor activities such as biking, surfing, and kayaking, and earn community service hours.
11. Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP)
Location: Several lab locations across the country
Cost/Stipend: Free | New participants earn $4,000, and returning participants receive $4,500
Acceptance rate/cohort size: <10% | 265 students participated in last year’s program
Dates: 8-week program, with optional 2-week extension
Application Deadline: August 1 – November 1
Eligibility: High school students who are 16 or older, have completed at least ninth grade, including graduating seniors, and are U.S. citizens, can apply; some labs may have extra requirements
The Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program gives high school students the opportunity to work on real research with Navy scientists and engineers at Department of the Navy labs. Projects cover STEM fields such as computer science, physics, engineering, math, and statistics. You can list up to three preferred labs as part of the application process, but placement depends on your grades, recommendations, interests, and application. Once accepted, you might design ships such as light aircraft carriers for UAV launch, calculate weight and fuel needs, build drone boats, create propulsion systems with Arduino, and work with 3D-printed hulls. You may also design aircraft components, study speed and water resistance in research basins, and use specialized equipment at sites such as the Naval Surface Warfare Center Carderock.
12. Duke University Neuroscience Experience (DUNE)
Location: Duke University’s Institute for Brain Sciences, Durham, NC
Cost/Stipend: Free | Paid (amount not specified)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 6–7 students
Dates: June 15 – August 7
Application Deadline: December 15 – February 8
Eligibility: Public or charter school students in Durham, NC, who are current sophomores or juniors, are at least 16 by the program start date, and are U.S. citizens, legal residents, or permanent residents
The Duke University Neuroscience Experience (DUNE) gives high school students the opportunity to carry out full-time research in a Duke neuroscience lab. During the program, you’ll be paired with a mentor and collaborate on a research project that matches your interests. The program runs Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., totaling about 40 hours each week. Along with research, you’ll attend workshops and professional development sessions that cover neuroscience topics, college application guidance, communication skills, and career paths in academia, industry, and medicine. You’ll present your research at a final poster session attended by your family, peers, and the DUNE team. You can check out past interns’ experiences here.
13. Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience (MPFI) Summer Research Internship
Location: Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience, Jupiter, FL
Cost/Stipend: Free | Interns earn $14 per hour
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Last year, only 7 students participated in the program
Dates: June 22 – July 31
Application Deadline: December 16 – February 8
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors or seniors enrolled in a Martin County or Palm Beach high school who are 16 or older and legally authorized to work in the United States
The Max Planck Florida Institute (MPFI) for Neuroscience Summer Research Internship gives high school students a six-week hands-on experience in neuroscience research and scientific innovation. You’ll explore topics such as brain structure, function, development, and imaging tools, while working directly with MPFI researchers. The program includes several specialized tracks such as Scientific Programming, Neuroscience, Mechanical Engineering, and Programming or Coding for Public Engagement. Depending on the track you choose, you may carry out histological staining and advanced microscopy, develop data analysis software using C, C++, Python, Matlab, or Java, design and create custom parts for neuroscience experiments with SolidWorks CAD, or build web applications and online tools for STEM engagement. By the end of the program, you’ll write a scientific abstract and present your research findings. You can review past research presentations here.
14. UCSF SEP’s High School Intern Program (HIP)
Location: University of California, San Francisco, CA
Cost/Stipend: Free | Interns earn $4,500
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 25 students
Application Deadline: February 8
Eligibility: Current high school juniors enrolled in a San Francisco charter school or an SFUSD high school
The SEP High School Intern Program at the University of California, San Francisco is an eight-week summer research experience for local high school juniors interested in medicine and biomedical science. During the program, you’ll be paired with a scientist mentor at UCSF labs and work on a biomedical research project that matches your interests. Lab placement depends on your preferences, location, and schedule. Research areas may include neuroscience, molecular biology, immunology, developmental biology, infectious diseases, cancer research, or stem cell research. Alongside research, you’ll develop science communication skills, interact with researchers, and take part in activities related to your research work. You also receive help with college preparation, including personal statements, transcripts, resumes, financial aid, and campus visits. You can check out previous projects here.
15. Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program (SIMR)
Location: Stanford University, Stanford, CA
Cost/Stipend: Free, except for a $50 application fee (waivable based on financial need) | Limited need-based stipends are available via special grants
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Around 50 students
Dates: June 8 – July 30
Application Deadline: December 19 – February 21
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors who are at least 16 by the program start date can apply. Applicants must live in the U.S., attend high school there, and be U.S. citizens or permanent residents with a green card
The SIMR program gives high school students the opportunity to take part in real medical research with Stanford faculty, researchers, and students. During the program, you’ll work one-on-one with a mentor in a SIMR lab and contribute to ongoing research projects. Your specific placement will be based on your interest in areas such as cancer biology, bioinformatics, immunology, genetics, neurobiology, stem cell research, cardiovascular biology, and bioengineering. The program runs about 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday. Your work may include reviewing scientific literature, conducting patent searches, and performing user interviews. Alongside lab work, you’ll attend lectures, complete lab research, and join weekly group discussions to share ideas with fellow students and researchers. The experience concludes with a final research poster presentation. You can also join a Bioengineering Team Internship to design biomedical prototypes.
One more option – Horizon Academic Research Program
If you’re looking for a competitive mentored research program in subjects like data science, machine learning, political theory, biology, and 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: Stony Brook University