INTERNSHIP PROGRAM

Internships at DCLS

DCLS is NOW ACCEPTING applications for the Summer 2026 Internship Program.

Are you interested in learning more about public health and laboratory science? Do you want to help promote and protect the health and safety of all Virginians? If so, Internships at DCLS provide a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in one of the most diverse public health laboratories in the nation. As an intern, you will have the chance to participate in a variety of laboratory activities and interact on a daily basis with scientists involved in public health and emergency response. The experience gained from the completion of a DCLS internship will strengthen your skills as you prepare for your future.

DCLS internships are project-oriented and designed to be mutually beneficial to the intern and the laboratory. The number of accepted applicants each year varies and is subject to the number of available projects and/or program areas with DCLS initiatives.

The specific types of programs, equipment, instrumentation, sample types, or laboratory methods that interns will work with will vary depending on the project assigned. Recent projects have included:

Validation of a new Malaria test method
Validation of the Wellcolex Colour Shigella Kit
Updating the official DCLS website
Creating connections between DCLS and college career center partners
Updating testing methods for EPA Air Testing
Developing Quality Assurance resources for Pesticide testing

Please see subject areas and eligibility requirements below.

Internship Program Areas MAY include projects in the following:

Biology
Chemistry
Environmental Science
Sequencing and Informatics
Support Services
Newborn Screening
Quality Assurance/Safety/Auditing
Training/Communications/Media/Lab Systems

DCLS internships are open to those actively enrolled in an Associates, Bachelors, or Master’s degree program at the time of placement. Please note that for certificate, associate and bachelor’s program students: Summer enrollment is acceptable as long as you have completed at least one semester of courses at your institution AND are actively enrolled for the following fall semester. Candidates will be screened in a pool based on their education level. Interns will be compensated by The Association of Public Health Laboratories with a monthly stipend depending on education and experience.

Internships take place in person at the DCLS facility in downtown Richmond and begin June 1, 2026. Each position consists of a 40-hour work week and lasts 12 weeks. The exact internship start and end dates will be coordinated with the specific internship mentor.

Please see below for information, application materials, and deadlines for the 2026 DCLS Summer Internship.

Internship Eligibility:

Applicants must be at least 18 years of age by the internship start date
Applicants must be a Virginia resident or attending a Virginia College or University,
Applicants must be enrolled for 2026 as a rising Junior, Senior, or Masters degree candidate in a science, public health, or related program with relevant coursework at a 2 or 4 year College or University
Applicants must have maintained a cumulative minimum 3.0 GPA
Applicants must be legally eligible for employment as a US Citizen or US Permanent Resident
All selected candidates must successfully pass a criminal background check
Applicants must be able to provide immunization records, as requested, if applicable to the area of work
To see the list of questions included in the application and reference form, click on this link: Application Preview

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How to Apply:

DCLS is NOW ACCEPTING applications for the Summer 2026 Internship Program.

Application Deadline: January 11th, 2026 11:59 PM EST

Step 1) Complete the application packet online using the checklist and links below:

Checklist to submit:

Current resume or CV
An uploaded transcript from each institution of higher education listed on the application (official or unofficial will be accepted) Please note that, if selected, an official transcript must be promptly submitted after selection.
A completed Internship Application form (link below)
A completed reference form from an academic or professional reference with knowledge of the applicant (link below)

Step 2) Submit the completed packet NO LATER THAN 11:59 PM EST January 11th, 2026

DCLS Internship Application: Summer 2026

DCLS Internship Reference Form: Summer 2026

Submit completed application packets electronically via the form links provided above.

Confirmation of application receipt by DCLS will only be provided upon applicant request.
No handwritten, paper, late, or incomplete applications will be accepted.
Upon final selection, additional onboarding documents will be required.
The use of AI to complete the application is strictly prohibited and could result in application disqualification

For questions, please see the Frequently Asked Questions, below, or email us at: DCLSinternship@dgs.virginia.gov

I understand these are paid internships. How much will I earn, if accepted?

If accepted into the program, interns will be compensated by the Association of Public Health Laboratories with a monthly stipend depending on education and experience. Compensation does not include health insurance, benefits or payment for holidays or hours not worked.

Where will the DCLS internship take place?

DCLS internships occur within our state-of-the-art laboratory facility located at 600 N. 5th Street, Richmond Virginia.

When do DCLS internships occur?

Internships are a 40-hour work week over the summer months, typically beginning in June. Standard hours of work are 8:15 AM – 5:00 PM. The exact internship start date, end date, and working hours will be coordinated with the specific internship mentor taking into consideration the student's school schedule and other planned vacation dates.

How long do the DCLS internships last?

DCLS anticipates internships lasting at least 12 weeks during the summer.

I don't live in Richmond. Can DCLS assist me with housing and other local connections?

DCLS does not offer housing recommendations or stipends. If you are accepted into the program, please plan to arrange for your own housing prior to beginning your internship.

Will I be working on a project or just washing glassware?

DCLS assigns all interns a laboratory mentor and a project that will benefit the DCLS mission and the interests and goals of the intern. Our intent is to provide a hands-on project to all interns to allow them to gain practical knowledge and experience in the field of public health.

DCLS interns will be provided the opportunity to work in a fast paced, diverse public health laboratory environment with potential opportunities to interact with public health officials at the local, state and federal levels. The specific types of programs, equipment, instrumentation, sample types, or laboratory methods that interns will work with will vary depending on the project assigned.

Recent projects have included:

Validation of a new Malaria test method
Validation of the Wellcolex Colour Shigella Kit
Updating the official DCLS website
Creating connections between DCLS and college career center partners
Updating testing methods for EPA Air Testing
Developing Quality Assurance resources for Pesticide testing

Mentors will provide full project details including scope and objectives upon acceptance into the program.

How will I know if you have received my application?

DCLS will not acknowledge receipt of an application unless specifically requested by the applicant.

How will I know if I have been accepted as an intern?

All applicants will receive a notification of their internship acceptance status, via email, no later than 60 days after the official application deadline. The number of available internship positions varies each year depending upon the availability of projects and mentors.

Oops, I forgot to include something with my application. Can I add it now?

Possibly, as long as the deadline has not passed. You can resubmit a complete application packet or you can submit a detailed email to DCLSinternship@dgs.virginia.gov with your attachments, identifying your complete contact information and what additional item(s) are to be added to your application, by the official application deadline. DCLS suggests you contact the internship email address directly to inquire about the status of your application.

What if I have a prior commitment during the internship time frame?

Interns will be assigned an internship mentor that will evaluate all requests for time off during the internship period in order to assure that requested time off will not negatively impact the internship project or experience.

I only want a shadowing opportunity and will accept an unpaid or short-term internship. Is this possible if I do not get accepted for a full-time internship?

At this time, DCLS is not routinely accepting interns for shadowing/short term experiences. If you would like to learn more about the work performed at DCLS, we encourage you to visit our website: https://dgs.virginia.gov/division-of-consolidated-laboratory-services/dcls-jobs/what-our-employees-are-saying

Sounds great! How do I apply to be an intern at DCLS?

Internship applications, deadlines, requirements, and additional information are located on our website. Check back often to see if the internship program is open and accepting applications.