Paid Undergrad Fellowship 2025 by Simons Foundation in Neuroscience

Undergraduate students dreaming of hands-on research in neuroscience can now apply for the prestigious Shenoy Undergraduate Research Fellowship in Neuroscience (SURFiN) for the 2025–2026 academic year. Launched by the Simons Foundation, SURFiN is a golden opportunity for students—especially those with limited access to research training—to gain real-world lab experience, mentorship, and career guidance in neuroscience.

What is SURFiN?

SURFiN is a paid, in-person research fellowship running from September 2025 through May 2026, designed for undergraduates enrolled in either a bachelor’s or associate’s degree program. Fellows will work approximately 10 hours per week for 30 weeks, receiving $25/hour, with a total stipend of up to $7,500.

Fellows are matched with Simons Foundation-supported laboratories located in the U.S., Canada, and Europe—close to where students already live, since relocation is not supported.

Who Can Apply?

Eligibility Criteria:

• Must be enrolled in a bachelor’s or associate’s degree program through at least April 2026.
• Both part-time and full-time students are welcome.
• Must be 18 years or older by July 31, 2025.
• Must reside within a 1.5-hour commute of one of the participating laboratories.
• No prior lab experience required—this program is designed for students without access to research training.
• Open to all nationalities, but the program does not sponsor visas or relocation.

What Will You Do?

SURFiN Fellows will:

• Work with a research team under the guidance of early-career neuroscientists (grad students or postdocs).
• Participate in monthly virtual community calls and attend a virtual coding boot camp.
• Present their research at a capstone symposium at the Simons Foundation headquarters in New York City in April 2026. (Travel and lodging are covered!)

How to Apply?

You can submit your application here (https://www.simonsfoundation.org/2025/03/27/applications-open-for-2025-2026-undergraduate-research-fellowships-in-neuroscience/) with following documents:

• Personal statement
• Resume/CV
• Academic transcript (unofficial or official)
• One (01) letter of recommendation (minimum)
• Ranking of up to three preferred SURFiN lab opportunities

Important Dates:

• Informational Webinar: April 16, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. ET
• Application Deadline: May 1, 2025, by 12:00 p.m. (noon) ET.