Paid Undergraduate Fellowship 2025 – Simons Foundation’s SURFiN in Neuroscience. The Simons Foundation is now accepting applications for the Shenoy Undergraduate Research Fellowship in Neuroscience (SURFiN) for the 2025–2026 academic year.
This prestigious paid, in-person fellowship provides undergraduate students—especially those with limited research access—an opportunity to gain hands-on experience, mentorship, and career guidance in neuroscience.
Program Overview
The SURFiN Fellowship spans 30 weeks, from September 2025 to May 2026, and offers selected students:
- 10 hours per week of research experience in a neuroscience laboratory
- A stipend of up to $7,500 ($25 per hour)
- Mentorship from early-career neuroscientists, including graduate students and postdoctoral researchers
- Opportunities to participate in monthly virtual meetings and a coding boot camp
- A fully funded research presentation at the Simons Foundation headquarters in New York City in April 2026
Participants are matched with Simons Foundation-supported laboratories located in the United States, Canada, and Europe. To ensure accessibility, relocation is not required or supported, and fellows must be based within a reasonable commuting distance from their assigned lab.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the SURFiN Fellowship, applicants 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 eligible)
- Be at least 18 years old by July 31, 2025
- Reside within a 1.5-hour commute of a participating lab
- Have no prior lab experience (the program is specifically designed for students without research training)
- Be of any nationality (however, the program does not sponsor visas or support relocation)
Application Process
Interested candidates must submit an online application, which includes:
- A personal statement outlining research interests and career aspirations
- A resume or CV
- An academic transcript (official or unofficial)
- At least one letter of recommendation
- A ranked list of up to three preferred SURFiN lab opportunities
Applications can be submitted here.
Key Dates
- Informational Webinar: April 16, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. ET
- Application Deadline: May 1, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. (noon) ET
This fellowship presents a unique opportunity for undergraduates to engage in cutting-edge neuroscience research, develop technical skills, and build connections within the scientific community. Early application is highly recommended.
