Bioinformatics Internship 2025 | Undergraduates & Remote Options

2025Let’s be real, bioinformatics isn’t the type of field that gets casually discussed in everyday conversations. But if you’re even a little bit into biology, tech, or data, you’ve probably heard why a bioinformatics internship is becoming a big deal in research labs, healthcare startups, and pharma companies. It mixes biology and computer science in a way that makes you feel like you’re working on problems that actually matter, like figuring out disease pathways or designing tools that can help speed up drug discovery. Students who are selected for these internships aren’t just doing it for resume points.

Many companies are looking for practical exposure, team projects, and the kind of mentorship that connects classroom theory to real-world applications. Whether you’re coding gene sequences, analyzing protein interactions, or just attending project briefings, it’s all valuable experience. A lot of students also go after internships in bioinformatics because they want to figure out if this is something they want to keep doing long-term. Some have a coding background but no real biology experience. Others come from a biochem background but have barely touched Python before. Internships help fill those gaps, and it’s a low-pressure way to test your skills and see if you like it.

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Bioinformatics Internship Summer | Open Positions

What Even Is Bioinformatics?

If you’re hearing the word “bioinformatics” for the first time and thinking it sounds like a complicated science-fiction thing, you’re not totally wrong. But it’s actually way more down-to-earth and useful than it sounds. Bioinformatics is the field where biology and computer science come together. Imagine using code to analyze DNA, study genes, or figure out how diseases evolve; that’s bioinformatics. It helps scientists understand biological data through technology. Instead of running lab tests all day, you’re writing scripts, running software, and visualizing data that helps answer huge scientific questions. This is the stuff behind personalized medicine, disease prediction models, vaccine design, and way more.

Where Can You Intern in Bioinformatics and What Kind of Work Will You Do?

The great part about this field is that an internship in bioinformatics can happen in so many places. You’ve got research labs at universities, biotech companies, hospital systems, and even startups working on revolutionary health tools. Each place offers something different. In a hospital facility, for example, you might be working with real patient data and helping analyze large datasets to support diagnostics. At a start-up, you could be building data pipelines or contributing to a web app that visualizes DNA sequences. People often assume that internships in this space are only for PhDs, but that’s not true at all. There are plenty of internships for undergraduates, especially if you’ve got the basics down. Here’s the kind of work you might be doing:

• Writing scripts to clean or analyze large genomic datasets
• Helping develop machine learning models to detect patterns in genetic data
• Assisting in visualization of biological networks using tools like Cytoscape or R
• Reviewing biological literature to support computational models
• Supporting the integration of multi-omics data into existing workflows

Every project feels different, and even if you’re just observing at first, you can pick things up quickly when the environment is fast-paced and collaborative.

Remote Internships in Bioinformatics 

Not everyone can move across the country just for an internship. That’s why bioinformatics internship remote opportunities are becoming a lot more popular, especially with companies that already have distributed teams. Remote setup doesn’t mean you’re missing out, either. In fact, for a lot of students, it’s even better. You get the flexibility of working from home while still contributing to real projects, attending team meetings, and learning tools that are used in the field. If you’re organized and self-motivated, remote internships can feel just as fulfilling as in-person ones.

A remote internship in bioinformatics with a stipend also helps students who can’t afford to take unpaid positions. Companies that pay usually cover things like software access, mentorship calls and sometimes even send merchandise or home office support. If you’re trying to figure out whether remote roles are legit, just check job boards or sites like LinkedIn and you’ll find a growing number of openings across countries. You might not be grabbing a coffee with your mentor, but you’ll still get to present your project, participate in knowledge-sharing calls, and stay connected with a smart and supportive team.

How to Get in (Even Without Perfect Grades or a Strong Resume)

This is where a lot of students’ panic, but you honestly don’t need to be an expert coder or a published researcher to land a spot. What matters most is that you’re curious, willing to learn, and open to feedback. If you’ve done a few projects in class, maybe messed around with bioinformatics tools on your own, or taken a short course online, you’ve already got something to show. Whether you’re looking into a summer internship in bioinformatics or just checking listings out of curiosity, the key is to apply even if you think you’re not “qualified enough.” Everyone starts somewhere, and a lot of labs and companies love students who bring enthusiasm and fresh energy. When you apply, just keep your application super focused and personal. Highlight any experience you have with:

• Coding languages like Python, R, or Bash
• Tools like BLAST, Bioconductor, or Jupyter notebooks
• Class projects that involved working with data
• Online certifications or courses in genomics or computational biology
• Research posters, lab experiences, or even school science fair projects

And if you’re looking to boost your odds, check out options like internships at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in bioinformatics or even niche labs that might not advertise but accept email inquiries. You don’t have to follow the same path as everyone else. Sometimes, a cold email and a clear pitch will get you through faster than any job portal ever could.

Tools You’ll Actually Use in a Bioinformatics Internship

When you begin your internship in bioinformatics, one of the first things you’ll notice is how much of your work revolves around tools you probably didn’t touch in class. This isn’t just about copying formulas into spreadsheets. You’re working with actual software and scripts that help process complex biological data. Most of the projects involve running code, visualising massive datasets, or using open-source platforms to pull insights out of noisy genomic info. If you’re already familiar with a few programming basics, you’ll settle in quickly. If not, no worries. The learning experience is real, but it’s manageable. The important part is staying curious and not being afraid to experiment. Everyone starts somewhere, and most teams don’t expect you to be an expert on day one.

• Python is the go-to language for scripting and building analysis workflows
• R is super helpful when you’re doing statistical analysis or plotting gene trends
• BLAST is used for comparing DNA and protein sequences quickly
• Bioconductor gives access to biodata libraries inside R for deeper analysis
• Jupyter Notebooks help you share and document your code in a clean, readable way
• Galaxy is a browser-based platform for running bioinformatics workflows
• Cytoscape helps visualise molecular interaction networks and complex relationships
• Command-line tools (like Bash or Unix) are often used to handle big files and pipelines

A Day in the Life of a Bioinformatics Intern

Every internship is different, but if you’re wondering what your daily routine might look like during this internship, it’s usually a combination of structure and flexibility. The day often starts with checking in with your mentor, planning out your tasks, and getting started with coding or reading. There might be a mid-day meeting with other interns, or you might get feedback on something you submitted the day before. No matter what the schedule looks like, you’ll be learning constantly and getting used to how real bioinformatics teams work together.

• Morning check-in or quick status update with your assigned mentor
• Reviewing documentation or research papers related to your current task
• Writing scripts to clean, format, or analyze biological datasets
• Attending a team sync or intern Q&A session in the afternoon
• Debugging issues or optimizing existing workflows for performance
• Reading through tutorials or Slack threads to solve blockers
• Wrapping up with notes on progress or sending updates to your team

What Recruiters Are Looking for (And What They’re Not)

This section isn’t about grades or perfect GPAs. Most teams are looking for curiosity, effort, and basic problem-solving. You’re not expected to be a genius, but you should have a mindset that’s flexible and open. Whether you’re applying for a summer internship in bioinformatics or a semester-long gig, these are the types of traits and skills recruiters usually want to see:

• Currently enrolled in an undergrad, postgrad, or equivalent academic program
• Studying something related to bio, computer science, biochem, engineering, or data science
• Comfortable with basic coding (even if it’s just Python or R)
• Interest in data-driven research, genome analysis, or algorithm-based tools
• Good communicator and someone who’s open to asking questions
• Self-organized and okay with working remotely or independently if needed
• Any kind of side project, classwork, or certificate related to bioinformatics
• Passion for science and tech

How to Pick the Right Internship for You

Not all internships are the same, and picking the first one you find just to “get something” isn’t always the smartest move. An internship in bioinformatics should match your level, interests, and learning style. If you like research and want to explore scientific questions, then academic labs or university-based roles might be your best fit. These give you the chance to work on published studies, attend lab meetings, and focus more on the science behind the data.

But if you’re more into real-world coding, building tools, or working on actual applications, then a healthcare startup or a pharmaceutical company might be a better pick. Startups generally move fast and give interns more freedom, while larger companies have more structure and support. Before applying, read through the internship description carefully, check out the company culture on LinkedIn or Reddit, and ask yourself if the work aligns with what you want to learn.

Best Online Certifications That Actually Help

You don’t need a huge list of credentials to apply, but a few well-chosen certifications can seriously boost your resume. If you’re applying for an internship in bioinformatics for undergraduates, and you want to stand out even with limited experience, a short online course can show recruiters you’re putting in the effort.

• Coursera’s “Genomic Data Science” from Johns Hopkins teaches real-world skills
• edX offers “Bioinformatics” courses with labs from places like Harvard and MIT
• NIH has training modules in sequence alignment, genetics, and more
• Codecademy and DataCamp help build your Python or R foundations
• UC Santa Cruz’s Genome Browser has tutorials you can add to your skill list
• Some internships even link to their preferred course track in the listings

Perks, Pay, and What Intern Life Actually Feels Like

Wanna know what it’s like being a bioinformatics intern day to day and how much you get paid? A lot of students’ stress about whether it’s worth applying if the internship doesn’t offer a salary, and honestly, it depends on where you work. Some academic research labs are unpaid or offer stipends, while corporate and private sector roles almost always come with monthly compensation. In the US and some international roles, bioinformatics internship salaries tend to fall between $2,000 and $4,000 per month, depending on the company and your experience. However, the value of these internships goes beyond just the money. You’re joining real projects, working with scientists, developers, and data teams, and actually contributing to something.

• Companies may offer relocation help, travel stipends, or housing in some cases
• Interns usually get access to premium software, datasets, or cloud tools
• You might attend team meetings, seminars, or even contribute to published work
• Labs and companies often offer mentorship, 1-on-1 sessions, or shadowing
• Interns sometimes get invited to end-of-project presentations or showcase events
• Remote internships often come with flexible hours and async communication tools
• You’ll likely use platforms like GitHub, Slack, Jupyter, and internal dashboards
• Most teams treat interns as junior contributors, not assistants or background helpers
• The experience is often good enough to land future jobs or full-time offers

How to Apply for a Bioinformatics Internship

The application process for a Bioinformatics Internship isn’t that complicated, but you do need to be organized and early. Most students look up listings and just submit one resume and wait. But the smart move is to treat this as a mini project. If you’re aiming for something like a remote internship or even one that’s more lab-focused, the first thing to do is gather your resume, project samples (if you have any), and maybe a short intro letter that sounds like you. Apply early, follow up respectfully, and don’t hesitate to reach out even if a listing looks competitive.

1. Search for internships on LinkedIn, RippleMatch, Glassdoor, or niche job boards.
2. Visit the official lab websites or university portals for academic openings.
3. Create a resume that highlights your biology, coding, or research-related experience.
4. Include personal or class projects, especially those with Python, R, or data tools.
5. If the internship needs a cover letter, keep it simple and specific to the role.
6. Apply through the company’s career portal or by emailing the lab contact directly.
7. Save deadlines and follow up after a week if you don’t hear back.
8. Stay active on platforms like GitHub or LinkedIn since recruiters sometimes notice.

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Summary

A career in bioinformatics isn’t just a buzzword on your resume. It’s a real opportunity to get into one of the most interesting areas in science and tech right now. You’ll be coding, researching, and analyzing data in a way that actually makes a difference in biology and healthcare. Whether you’re joining a university lab, a biotech company, or a remote-first startup, the skills you pick up will stick with you. It’s not about being perfect or knowing everything before you apply. It’s about showing up with curiosity, effort, and the mindset to learn. And once you finish one internship, it opens up tons of doors to future roles, research, and jobs you might not have even thought about yet.

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