Summer Internship Program in Diabetes and Metabolism 2026
Full time39 hrs./week
Neuherberg near Munich
At Helmholtz Munich, we develop groundbreaking solutions for a healthier society in a rapidly changing world. We believe that diverse perspectives drive innovation. Through strong partnerships, we accelerate the transfer of new ideas from the lab to real-life applications, improving lives.
Our research at the Helmholtz Diabetes Center aims at understanding the molecular bases underlying all forms of diabetes, its heterogeneity and risk factors, including obesity as well as its complications and comorbidities. We combine world-leading basic research with clinical intervention and cohort studies to develop tomorrow’s diabetes precision medicine.
Do you have passion for diabetes and metabolic research, curiosity and a desire to expand your career opportunities?
We are looking for outstanding undergraduate and first-year Master’s students (f/m/x) to join our student – tailored Summer Internship Program in Diabetes and Metabolism from 1st July to 31th August 2026.
Your tasks
We offer a 2-month internship program in English, which will give you the opportunity to:
- Work on an exciting research project and provide conceptual input
- Learn cutting-edge techniques
- Analyze and discuss data critically
- Interact with dedicated peers and experienced researchers in an international environment
- Attend lab meetings and regular seminars on diverse diabetes and metabolism topics
- Present your data in front of peers and more advanced researchers
Your profile
We are looking for outstanding undergraduate and first-year Master students with:
- Background in biological, biochemical, cell biological, biomedical, or bioinformatic sciences
- Excellent academic record
- Min. two years of university study
- Motivation to gain hands-on academic research experience
- Dedication to diabetes and metabolic research
- Willingness to actively engage in teamwork and group activities
- Good English language skills
- A mandatory internship requirement according to your study program regulations
During your research stay you will be integrated into the work life of your host lab. A list of projects to choose from can be found here.
Applicants must be enrolled at their university for the entire duration of the Summer Internship Program (beginning of July to end of August) and must be completing a mandatory internship required by their study program.
All interns are provided with free accommodation in a shared room in Munich. The internship is unpaid. This position is for a fixed term of 2 months.
"A truly valuable learning experience, offering broad exploration and diversity through the opportunity to meet many people with unique backgrounds and varied research interests."
Interested in applying?
If you have any questions, feel free to contact our HRD research school office, diabetes-researchschool@helmholtz-munich.de, who will be happy to help.
- Motivation letter (max. 1 page, font size 11) outlining your motivation, interest in diabetes and/or metabolic diseases, how the internship fits your research and career plans, and the skills and experience that qualify you for the program
- University transcripts and certificates (all courses with grades), translated into English
- High school transcript and certificate, translated into English
- Proof of university enrolment for the full internship period, confirming that the internship is a mandatory part of your degree program, or enrolment confirmation plus an excerpt from the study regulations stating the mandatory internship
- University confirmation of your major, degree type, start date, and expected completion date
- English proficiency certificate or university confirmation that English is the language of instruction (for non-native speakers)
- Updated CV (max. 2 pages, font size 11) including education, relevant work experience, research and language skills, and personal interests
- Motivation letter (max. 1 page, font size 11) outlining your motivation, interest in diabetes and/or metabolic diseases, how the internship fits your research and career plans, and the skills and experience that qualify you for the program
- University transcripts and certificates (all courses with grades), translated into English
- High school transcript and certificate, translated into English
- Proof of university enrolment for the full internship period, confirming that the internship is a mandatory part of your degree program, or enrolment confirmation plus an excerpt from the study regulations stating the mandatory internship
- University confirmation of your major, degree type, start date, and expected completion date
- English proficiency certificate or university confirmation that English is the language of instruction (for non-native speakers)
- Updated CV (max. 2 pages, font size 11) including education, relevant work experience, research and language skills, and personal interests
If you have obtained a university degree abroad, we will require further documents from you regarding the comparability of your degree. Please request the Statement of Comparability for Foreign Higher Education Qualifications as early as possible.
We are committed to promoting a culture of diversity and welcome applications from talented people regardless of gender, cultural background, nationality, ethnicity, sexual identity, physical abilities, religion or age. Qualified applicants with physical disabilities will be given preference.
Our commitment
Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH)
Institute for Diabetes and Cancer
Ingolstädter Landstraße 1
85764 Neuherberg
