Career Center

The Boyce Thompson Institute (BTI), which is located on Cornell University’s campus as an independent organization, offers summer Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) to enrolled students interested in biological research, biological engineering, digital agriculture, and bioinformatics. As world leaders in plant research, Cornell University, BTI, and the USDA have facilities built on Cornell’s long tradition of research in genetics, breeding, and engineering to develop novel technologies which improve the scientific understanding of plant systems.

Our undergraduate research internships, funded by the NSF and USDA, provide an excellent opportunity to gain experience in a laboratory setting, prepare for graduate studies and explore future scientific careers.

Visit our website to learn more, see available projects, view past interns, and apply.

Selected Undergraduate Research Interns will have the opportunity to:

• Work closely with graduate students, postdoctoral fellows and scientists on a supervised independent project within the framework of the mentor's research program
• Attend weekly plant science seminars with scientists from BTI, Cornell University and the USDA and take a customized bioinformatics course
• Learn about graduate school, scientific careers, communication, outreach, research ethics, and work in an international research environment
• Present research to the other students, scientists, and mentors at our annual Scientific Symposium
• Learn if a career in research is right for you!

Duration: May 31, 2022 – August 5, 2022

Application Deadline: Friday, February 4, 2022

Selected Undergraduate Research Interns Will Receive:

Work experience in an international community of scientists who come together in research to protect the environment, enhance human health, and improve agriculture around the world.

Housing, Travel, and Meals: Undergraduate interns receive free group housing on Cornell campus, travel reimbursement up to $500, and a 10-week meal allowance of $850.

Stipend: Selected undergraduates will receive a $6,000 stipend over 10 weeks.

Who should apply?

Enrolled undergraduate students interested in:

• Biology
• Plant Science
• Engineering
• Biochemistry
• Biotechnology
• Bioinformatics & Computer Science
• Genetics & Genomics
• Agriculture
• Digital Agriculture
• Botany
• Ecology

Students who identify as under-represented* in STEM, first generation college students, persons with a disability, veterans, and students from small schools (two and four-year colleges, Primarily Undergraduate Institutions, and Minority Serving Institutions) are strongly encouraged to apply. 

Contact for questions: internships@btiscience.org

* Under-represented groups include: U.S. citizens or permanent residents who are American Indian, First Nations, Alaskan Native, Black, African American, Hispanic (including persons of Mexican, Puerto Rican, Cuban, and Central or South American origin), Pacific Islander, or other racial or ethnic group underrepresented in science and engineering.

Who is Eligible?

• Applicants must be either US citizens or permanent US residents. This is an NSF & USDA funded program.
• Applicants must be enrolled in a college/university and at least 18 at the start of the program.
• Applicants cannot have graduated college/university before the program start date.
• Applicants must be available for the full 10 weeks, from May 31, 2022 - August 5, 2022.

Application Requirements:

• Online Application from our portal
• Copy of Unofficial Transcript
• Resume
• Two Letters of Recommendation

Only online applications from our portal will be accepted.