Undergraduate

About the Internship

Program Description

The E.E. Just Marine Biological Laboratory Internship provides Dartmouth undergraduates with the opportunity to conduct research at the world-renowned Marine Biological Laboratory at Woods Hole. The successful applicant will conduct research alongside world leaders in molecular and cell biology, neurobiology and behavior, physiology, developmental biology, and evolutionary biology. This is a great opportunity for a budding scientist curious about the life sciences to immerse themselves in scientific discovery during a 10-week "leave term" .
 

About the Marine Biological Laboratory

The Marine Biological Laboratory (MBL), located in the picturesque village of Woods Hole Massachusetts, is dedicated to scientific discovery – exploring fundamental biology, understanding biodiversity and the environment. Resident scientists utilize the unique resources at the institution with a strategic focus on new discoveries emerging from the study of novel marine organisms, encompassing research in regenerative biology, neuroscience, sensory physiology, environmental science and comparative evolution and genomics.

In addition, faculty research centers on the study of microbiomes and microbial diversity and ecology in a variety of ocean and terrestrial habitats; cutting-edge imaging and computation, illuminating cellular function and previously unknown biology; and organismal adaptation and resilience in the face of global change and rapidly changing ecosystems.

  • Applicants will be asked to identify three MBL scientists with whom they would like to work. The names of available faculty mentors can be found on the introductory page of the application form (see link below).
  • Other written application materials will be requested on the form.
  • All application materials will be reviewed by the prospective mentors, staff at the E.E. Just Program, and the Marine Biological Laboratory.
  • The program can accommodate up to two students per quarter.
  • Admitted students will be housed on the MBL campus and work in their mentors' labs on an agreed-upon research project.
  • Participants will receive a stipend in addition to fully subsidized room and board on the MBL campus.
  • This program has been made possible by the The Milton L. Shifman Endowed Scholarship Fund at the MBL and the Dartmouth E.E. Just Program.

 

Eligibility

Dartmouth undergraduates (first-years through juniors) with sufficient background in biology/chemistry and who are committed to the mission of the E.E. Just Program are eligible to apply.  

 

Benefits & Responsibilities

  • Mentorship: Interns work closely with world-class scientists at the MBL 
  • Community: Interns become members of the E.E. Just Community 
  • Room & Board: Accommodations and meals provided by the Marine Biological Laboratory
  • Stipend: Interns will receive a stipend provided by the E.E. Just Program
  • Final Report: A final report summarizing your experience and scientific findings will be required by the E.E. Just Program at the end of your internship.

 

Application Process & Deadline

  • About the MBL Dartmouth Internship Application: All Dartmouth undergrads (apart from seniors) are eligible to apply for this residential 10-week internship. The application typically opens in December/early January and closes around mid Feburary annually. Students can apply for summer, fall, winter, or spring of the upcoming academic year, which runs from July to June in the next calendar year. The E.E. Just Program runs information sessions on our programs in late fall/early winter. To request to be added to the mailing list for these sessions, please contact us.

Application Process:

  • Once the application window is open (see above), candidates create an application account on the MBL website and will see information about the following required materials:
    I. Two Letters of Recommendation from Dartmouth Faculty (you request these via the form)
    II. Three Short Answer Questions (max 500 word each)
    III. Three Essay Questions
    IV. (Unofficial) Undergraduate transcript
    V. Resume
     

  • Applicants will be notified of next steps as applications are reviewed.
    Please feel free to reach out and contact the program at any time if you have questions.

    FYI, the AY26 deadline for all EEJ-MBL Internship application materials was February 10, 2026. It is anticipated that the AY27 application window will be from Dec/earlyJan to mid February. Please check back for updates.

    To learn more about the Marine Biological Laboratory Fellowship, please email the program coordinator.