USF REU in Functional Materials

The University of South Florida (USF) Chemistry Department is accepting applications for their 2026 Functional Materials Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU).

This 10-week program will run May 18–July 24, 2026 in Tampa, Florida.

Participants will advance the understanding, design, creation and isolation of molecules with tailored and desirable properties, working on projects such as:

  • Synthesizing new catalysts, sensors, and peptidomimetics
  • Developing sol-gel coatings, enzymes, liposomes, and light-harvesting systems
  • Innovating semiconductors
  • Studying photoswitches and protein switches
  • Synthesizing and analyzing natural products

The program combines hands-on lab work with workshops on:

  • Scientific communication
  • Research careers
  • Safety
  • Intellectual property
  • Entrepreneurship

The experience will culminate in a campus-wide REU symposium. Students will be mentored by USF faculty and graduate students in a vibrant research culture where undergraduates play a key role.

Benefits include a $700 weekly stipend and on-campus housing. Social events and field trips are also part of the program.

The application deadline is February 15, 2026.


Want to jump start your search for the right research program? Check out this listing of programs that have recently reached out to CBC students.

Discover Cancer Research Careers at the University of Florida Health Cancer Center

Applications are now open for the University of Florida Health Cancer Center’s annual Cancer Research Career Explorations Program, which will take place January 28–January 30, 2026.

This opportunity is ideal for undergraduates interested in pursuing a Ph.D. in cancer research. The free visit will allow participants to learn about the wide range of Ph.D. options at the University of Florida and discover the groundbreaking cancer research at the National Cancer Institute-designated UF Health Cancer Center.

Participants will:

  • Meet UF faculty and trainees, and learn about career paths
  • Explore multidisciplinary cancer research opportunities
  • Discover a range of Ph.D. options from biology to engineering to health communications
  • Attend the annual UF Health Cancer Center Annual Research Showcase, featuring more than 150 posters

What’s included:

  • Roundtrip travel to sunny Gainesville, FL, a fun city with a wealth of outdoor and cultural activities to enjoy
  • Two-night hotel stay
  • Meals and transportation

The application deadline is December 1, 2025.

If you have questions, please email education@cancer.ufl.edu.

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical Undergraduate Research Program

Application Deadline: March 8, 2024

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University is accepting applications for its Interdisciplinary Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) Program. This immersive research program is set to take place from May 13 to July 20, 2024 at the university’s Daytona Beach Campus.

During this 10-week research experience, students will:

  • Conduct research in aerospace engineering, chemistry and applied space biology
  • Work in leading-edge laboratories alongside experienced faculty mentors
  • Receive a $5,000 stipend plus coverage of housing and meals

Applications are now open for undergraduates from any university, regardless of major.


Want to jump start your search for the right research program? Check out this listing of programs that have recently reached out to CBC students.

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical Undergraduate Research Program

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University is accepting applications for its Interdisciplinary Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) Program. This immersive research program is set to take place from May 15 to July 21, 2023 at the university’s Daytona Beach Campus.

During this 10-week research experience, students will:

  • Conduct research in aerospace engineering, chemistry and applied space biology
  • Work in leading-edge laboratories alongside experienced faculty mentors
  • Collaborate with fellow student researchers from around the nation
  • Receive a $5,000 stipend plus coverage of housing and meals

Undergraduates from any university and all majors are welcome to apply, and applications are now open through Feb. 27.

DEA Job Opening: Forensic Chemist

Drug Enforcement Administration has Forensic Chemist job openings at its Pleasanton, CA; Miami, FL; and Chicago, IL locations.

Incumbents will perform quantitative and qualitative chemical analysis on evidence in lab, testify in court, and advise and assist law enforcement personnel, amongst other duties.

Learn more or apply here.

Please note: Applications can be accepted from students who expect to graduate by June 2020 and if a transcript is provided with anticipated conferral date. However, DEA must verify that the degree has been conferred before the applicant can be appointed.

REMINDER: FAST Fellowship Application Deadline is Approaching!

If you are looking for a an exciting opportunity during undergrad or post-grad, the FAST Fellowship may be just right for you! The Florida Agricultural Science and Technology (FAST) Fellowship Program is a paid, two-year program in a state-of-the art laboratory located in Tallahassee, Florida. The deadline to apply is March 31, 2018. Don’t wait, apply today!

For more information about the program, check out the original blog post.

FAST Fellowship Applications Open Now

The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is offering two exciting fellowship opportunities for upcoming Bachelors, Masters, and Ph.D. graduates in Natural Science (Chemistry, Agricultural and Natural Resources, or Physical Sciences).  The Florida Agricultural Science and Technology (FAST) Fellowship Program is a paid, two-year program in a state-of-the art laboratory located in Tallahassee, Florida.

Minimum Requirements

Applicants must have received their degree (Bachelors, Masters, or Ph.D.) by the time the FAST Fellowship Program begins (September 2018) and may not have received it prior to September 2015.  Eligibility requirements are listed below:

  • A bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university with a major in a Natural Science (Chemistry, Agricultural and Natural Resources, or Physical Sciences) received within the last three (3) years.  Salary is based on degree of selected candidate.
  • Be a United States citizen, or a lawfully authorized alien worker.
  • Have a Cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.5 or higher in the science courses completed.
  • Less than three (3) years of post-graduation professional experience in the Natural Sciences as described in (1).

Students and recent graduates may apply for one of our FAST Fellowship positions by visiting FreshFromFloridaCareers.com by March 31, 2018.

If you have any questions regarding this opportunity, please don’t hesitate to contact Julie Wood by calling (850) 245-5561 or emailing Julie.Wood1@freshfromflorida.com.

For more information check out this flyer FAST Fellowship Flyer-1i4gyu6

NASA Internship

NASA Internship-Merritt Island, FL

For highly motivated, multidisciplinary students: the Chemical and Biological Sciences Research Group at Kennedy Space Center is seeking an intern!

Student will lend support to any number of microbiological, molecular, analytical chemistry and horticultural experimentation occurring at the time.

This work can include (but not limited to): maintenance and harvesting of experimental food crops, PCR/Gel electrophoresis, heterotrophic plate counts, spread/streak plating, sample preparation, chemically analyzing various phytochemical and water constituents via HPLC, IC, ICP and TOC.

It is recommended to have knowledge about autoclaves, pipettes, basic wet chemistry techniques, and analytical balances in advance.

Requirements: Experience with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

Expected outcome includes a paper outlining one focus experiment.