Prepare and save to your computer the following three documents as PDFs:

Statement of Purpose

A one-page statement (typed, single-spaced) answering the following:

• Why are you interested in applying to the QB3-Berkeley Biotech Internship Program?
• What is your biology, chemistry, and research experience?
• What are your short-term and/or long-term research and career goals?

Please include any additional information that might aid the selection committee in evaluating your preparation, potential, and aptitude for scientific research. You may also address any experiences, situations, or conditions that may have adversely impacted your academic advancement in science.

Unofficial undergraduate transcript

Please upload in one pdf your Cal Central transcript as well as a list of your current classes. Transfer students should include transcripts (unofficial is ok) from all previously attended universities.

Résumé

Please include a description of your most recent and relevant experiences, professional, scholastic, or volunteer.

1. Submit your application via the QB3-Berkeley Undergraduate Biotech Internship submission form. You must upload the following three documents; statement of purpose, unofficial undergraduate transcript, and résumé as a single batched PDF. Directions for saving your three PDF files as a single batched PDF via Adobe Acrobat:

• Open one of three PDF files in Adobe Acrobat
• Click on Organize Pages
• Click on Insert > From File…
• Locate and select the file you wish to add
• Choose the location to insert your file and click Ok
• Repeat until you’ve batched all required PDF documents into one PDF file
• Save the new batched file for uploading to your internship application

2. Ensure that your recommender submits the one required Letter of Recommendation by 5 p.m. (PST) on February 2, 2026. Your letter of recommendation must be submitted from your recommender to QB3-Berkeley via email to qb3interns@berkeley.edu.

• To improve your chance of acceptance into the program, this should be written by someone who is familiar with your interests, abilities, and/or career goals, particularly related to science;
• We prefer this letter come from a professor in a relevant science or engineering discipline;
  • Note: Alternatively, you may submit a letter of recommendation from a Postdoc or Graduate Student Instructor (GSI) but it must be co-signed by a relevant professor;
  • Transfer Students: You may submit a letter from a professor from a previous university.

A second optional letter from any individual inside or outside of the University, such as a former employer or research advisor, may be emailed to the Program Coordinator at qb3interns@berkeley.edu by February 9, 2026.

Once accepted into the program, students are required to attend all meetings, orientations, activities, and fulfill the following internship requirements:

1. Once a student accepts an internship offer, whether verbally or in writing, acceptance is considered binding for the duration of the entire work period;
2. Interns must complete all program and University of California administrative procedures;
3. Interns are required to turn in UC Berkeley, company employer, and internship program forms by stated deadlines;
4. Interns may be required to sign a confidentiality compliance statement protecting a company’s proprietary information and must observe company rules and regulations;
5. Interns may be required to participate in a background check, drug test, and may be asked to supply a copy of their most recent immunization record, current residence status, and health insurance card;
6. Interns will complete all QB3-Berkeley assignments by deadlines;
7. Interns will participate in end-of-program evaluation procedures and may be invited to a focus group;
8. Interns are required to report any issues or difficulties with the internship to the Program Coordinator (qb3interns@berkeley.edu), the company supervisor, or the company human resources representative;
9. Interns are required to resume a normal course of study (fall semester) upon completion of the internship program.

Each intern will receive a salary and be paid directly by the employer or approved third-party agency. Salaries are determined by the company, and interns must provide two types of identification when completing required payroll forms. Interns are ineligible for any insurance benefits or overtime pay from company employers. Students are financially responsible for their own travel, housing, and meals.

Each intern will receive a salary and be paid directly by the employer (or an approved third-party agency). Salaries are determined by the company, and interns must provide two types of identification when filling out required payroll forms. Interns are ineligible for any insurance benefits or overtime pay from company employers. Students are financially responsible for their own travel, housing, and meals.

The company supervisor has direct responsibility for hiring, training, and evaluating interns. The supervisor creates internship training plans, and may assign mentors to oversee and train interns. The supervisor defines specific duties and assignment responsibilities, including research project and presentation goals. Supervisors also provide an overview of the company’s operations, create professional networking opportunities, and encourage informational interviews.

The QB3-Berkeley program manager manages the initial application and screening process, acts as a liaison between applicants and company representatives, assigns three small activities to interns during the summer, and organizes activities before and after the internship to share information and solicit feedback.

A:  The program is open to UC Berkeley undergraduate students. Most students who are selected to participate in the program are sophomores or juniors. However,

• If you are a senior: You are eligible to apply only if you will be enrolled in a course(s) at UC Berkeley in the semester following the summer of the internship.
• If you are a transfer student: You must have completed at least one semester of coursework at UC Berkeley in order to apply.
• If you are an international student: You must have valid work authorization (F-1 visa, J-1 visa, or equivalent). Please contact the Berkeley International Office with any questions.

A:  Academic credit is not available.

A:  QB3-Berkeley partners with different Bay Area biotech companies each summer, so while your internship placement will definitely be local, the particular job duties will depend entirely on the needs of the company. You will work on a real project with a team that will support your development.

A:  There is no guarantee that an applicant will receive an internship at any of QB3-Berkeley’s partner companies.

A:  You should apply to the program to give your application the QB3-Berkeley “stamp of approval.” All applicants will be reviewed by QB3-affiliated faculty, and the most qualified candidates’ materials will be forwarded to companies with relevant internship opportunities. Companies trust the quality of students who apply through the QB3-Berkeley program, so much so that some companies only look at QB3-Berkeley candidates when looking for summer interns.

A: Most companies will accept undergraduate foreign students with F-1or J-1 visas.  However, UC Berkeley undergraduates are required to retain a work permit from the UCB Services for International Students and Scholars (SISS) office prior to starting an internship with a local biotech company. We highly recommend that you contact the SISS office before you apply to the program. Your internship is considered “off-campus employment.” Contact SISS with questions at siss@berkeley.edu or visit the SISS website.  The SISS office is located at 2299 Piedmont Avenue (at International House), UC Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720-2321, (510) 642-2818, (510) 643-7289 (fax).

A: At the end of the program, consider asking your supervisor if you can list him or her as a reference for future employment opportunities. You might also ask for a general letter of recommendation. This letter should be on company letterhead and addressed to “To Whom It May Concern. ” The letter can be photocopied and utilized when applying to multiple jobs.

A: The choice is entirely up to you. The QB3-Berkeley selection committee will receive application packets, conduct a thorough review/interview process, and forward the top application packets to companies. The company will then conduct interviews and make the final hiring decision.

A: Companies will reach out to applicants in March and April.

A: Interns are required to report any internship issues or difficulties to the QB3-Berkeley program coordinator, company supervisor, or human resources representative. The company supervisor will discuss an unsatisfactory situation with the intern and notify the QB3-Berkeley program coordinator. Grounds for immediate dismissal from the program include failure to fulfill responsibilities due to tardiness, absence, or other forms of undependability or incompetence.

A: The University of California, in accordance with applicable federal and state law and University policy, prohibits discrimination, including harassment, on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, physical or mental disability, medical condition (cancer-related or genetic characteristics), ancestry, marital status, age, sexual orientation, citizenship, or status as a covered veteran (special disabled veteran, Vietnam-era veteran or any other veteran who served on active duty during a war or in a campaign or expedition for which a campaign badge has been authorized). This nondiscrimination policy covers admission, access, and treatment in University programs and activities. Inquiries may be directed as follows: Sex discrimination and sexual harassment: Denise Oldham, Title IX Compliance Officer, (510) 664-7789; disability discrimination and access: Derek Coates, Disability Compliance Officer, (510) 643-8996 (voice or TTY/TDD). Other inquiries may be directed to the Academic Compliance Office, 200 California Hall #1500, (510) 642-2795.

A: Please email qb3interns@berkeley.edu with any questions not answered on this page.