Massachusetts Life Sciences Internship Opportunities: A Comprehensive Guide

Investing in the next generation of life science professionals is at the core of fulfilling the mission of organizations like the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center (MLSC). The Internship Challenge enhances the talent pipeline for the Massachusetts life sciences industry by creating internship opportunities each year for college students and recent graduates interested in life sciences careers. This article delves into the details of these opportunities, providing a structured overview for prospective interns and host companies.

Introduction to the Internship Challenge

The Internship Challenge is a workforce development program focused on enhancing the talent pipeline for Massachusetts companies engaged in the life sciences. Consistent with the MLSC’s role as a catalyst in growing the talent needed by the life sciences industry, the Internship Challenge is designed to create hundreds of new internship opportunities each year by enabling small businesses to hire paid interns.

Since the program’s inception in 2009, the MLSC has funded more than 5,000 internships with more than 920 companies for students from 250 different academic institutions. Nearly 40 percent of interns that completed college were offered employment directly following their internship.

Internships can be part or full time and can take place throughout the 12-month program year, which runs from May 1 through April 30 of the following year.

Key Aspects of the Internship Challenge

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

As part of its commitment to increasing diversity, equity, and inclusion in the life sciences workforce, MLSC also partners with Project Onramp and the UNCF Ernest E. Just Life Science Scholars Program.

Internship Structure and Duration

Internships facilitated through the MLSC can be either part-time or full-time. These internships are available throughout the year, specifically during the program year which spans from May 1 to April 30 of the following year.

Eligibility for Interns

To be eligible for the Internship Challenge, candidates must meet specific academic criteria. 2-year/Community College/Certificate students must be enrolled in an Associate’s Degree or Certificate program or have completed one within the past calendar year. Graduate students must be enrolled in a Master’s Degree program or received their Master’s Degree within the past calendar year. Ph.D. and M.D. students are also eligible.

Intern Responsibilities and Conduct

The MLSC expects that interns maintain a professional demeanor throughout their internship and comply with all host company policies. It is also expected that interns complete all weeks of their internship as initially agreed upon with their host company. If an intern cannot fulfill his or her commitment to the internship, providing sufficient advanced notice to their supervisor is required.

Interns complete a survey of their experience upon completion of their internship.

Financial Aspects

Interns will be hired and paid directly by their host company. The pay rate should be established and agreed to prior to accepting the internship offer. The MLSC will commit to reimburse companies for pay rates between $17 and $20 per hour for a total amount of up to $9,600 per intern. However, companies are welcome to pay interns a higher rate with any amounts over the maximum not subsidized by the MLSC.

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Application Process for Interns

Students or recent graduates looking for internships in the life sciences industry first complete an online application, which includes their resume and a cover letter. Applications are accepted year‐round but expire after six months if not updated. Once submitted, applications are made available to companies reviewing candidates and will remain in our database for up to six months.

Required Documentation

All applicants are required to upload eligibility verification documentation as part of their application (college transcript, college ID, or proof of Massachusetts residency (for out-of-state colleges).Interns are not required to execute an Agreement with the MLSC. However, interns will have to satisfy all paperwork requirements as requested by the employer (which can vary).

Company Selection and Notification

The names of participating companies will not be posted. The program is designed so that companies review applications and contact applicants directly if they are interested in arranging an interview.

Application Process for Host Companies

Representatives from companies looking to host interns submit an online application, and once approved, are given access to a searchable database of applications. They review applications, interview candidates, and select interns with the qualifications that are most suited to their needs.

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