The BioLAB Program 2026-27

The BioLAB Program offers one-year long research traineeships to students enrolled in a Master or PhD degree programs in Poland in life sciences, biophysics or medical fields of study. Traineeships will be completed at one of the four host institutions in the U.S.: University of Virginia, University of Chicago, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation and UT Southwestern Medical Center.

The BioLAB Program (previously known as Visiting Research Graduate Traineeship Program) was launched in 2001 at the University of Virginia under the leadership of Professor Zygmunt Derewenda. In 2006, the University of Chicago became the second host institution in the United States, followed by the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation in 2013 and the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in 2014.

To date, over 600 alumni have completed the BioLAB Program, with more than 90% choosing to continue their education in doctoral studies – 20% of them in the United States, and the rest in Europe and other countries worldwide. Notable institutions where alumni are pursuing their studies include the University of Oxford, University College London, University of Cambridge, the Max Planck Institute, and ETH Zürich. Research conducted during the program frequently serves as the basis for articles published in prestigious peer-reviewed journals such as Nature, Proteins: Structure, Function, and Bioinformatics, and Acta Crystallographica.

Each year 35-40 people join the BioLAB program in the role of research trainees and each of them develops their skills and knowledge under the mentorship of experienced researchers from host institutions. Program participants have contributed significantly to the scientific community, co-authoring numerous papers based on the research they conducted in the U.S. 

Since 2013, the Polish-U.S. Fulbright Commission has administered the BioLAB Program, with full funding provided by the host institutions.

Call for applications

The deadline for submitting applications for the 2026-27 academic year is February 2, 2025, at 03:00 PM Polish time.

Duration and planned number of placements

• There are approximately 40 positions (this number may change). 
• Internships are offered for 12 months. 
• In justified cases, there is a possibility to extend the internship for one additional year.

Who is this program meant for

Apply for BioLAB Program provided you fulfill all of the requirements listed below:

• You are enrolled in a graduate program, in Poland, where their major field of study is life sciences, biophysics or medical fields of study (biology, biotechnology, medicine, physics, pharmacy, biochemistry etc.),
• You are passionate about research and experienced in lab work,
• You are willing to commit to a one-year stay in the US and intensive, time-consuming laboratory work.
• You meet formal requirements of a F-1 or J-1 visa,
• You maintain a high grade point average (above 4.0 in Polish academic GPA),
• You demonstrate knowledge of English proficiency at the B2 level or higher,
• You hold, at a minimum, a bachelor’s degree and, at the time of the interview (March) you’ll be enrolled in a Master’s or PhD program (in the case of long-cycle studies – from the 4th year onwards) at a Polish university or research institution and maintain an active student status throughout the BioLAB Program,
• International students must have completed the undergraduate degree (Licencjat or Inżynier) in a Polish university.

You cannot apply for the BioLAB program if:

• You are studying in a country other than Poland.
• You have American citizenship or a permanent resident card in the US.

Participation in the program includes

Recruitment schedule

Required documentation

All documents should be prepared in English. 

Prepare your CV, transcripts, personal statement, and consent from your home university as a single PDF file, keeping the order specified. Name the file with your first and last name, e.g., Kowalski Jan.pdf. Upload this document to the application form; it cannot be sent in any other way.

Separately, attach the list of preferred projects (it can also be emailed to the program coordinator no later than the last day of recruitment).

If the documents aren’t formatted correctly, the application might be rejected on formal grounds.

The application form

Before you start completing the application form, make sure that you meet all formal criteria. Familiarize yourself with all information on this website.

• Read the Bylaws of the BioLAB Program.
• Read the Privacy Policy for the BioLAB Program participants.
• If you have any questions, contact the program officer.

Fill out the application form. You do not have to fill out the application form in a one go. You can open an account, save your answers and go back to filling out the application form later. Recommendation letters must be submitted by the referees. You will not be allowed to submit any missing documents after the deadline.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

How do I benefit from the program?

The program offers you a year of advanced research experience, allowing you to work on important and challenging projects at one of the top universities or institutions in the United States. Frequently, the research you conduct is published in high-impact journals. In addition to your academic training, this additional year of intensive research experience greatly enhances your competitiveness for admission to the world’s best PhD programs. Our alumni have been accepted by institutions such as the University of Cambridge, Oxford University, the University of Chicago, the University of Virginia, the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, the University of Oklahoma, Rockefeller University, Johns Hopkins University, ETH Zurich, and the University of Zurich, among others.

Do I need to have Polish citizenship to participate in the Program?

We do not require Polish citizenship. International students are very welcome, but to apply for the program, they must complete their undergraduate studies in Poland.

Please note that if you are not a Polish citizen, you will likely have to apply for a US visa in your home country if you get accepted for the program. Consider whether this will be feasible (in terms of time and money – you will have to cover any travel expenses on your own).

What if I am accepted for Master’s studies (after completing my Inżynier degree) after the BioLAB Program application deadline?

In this case, you will need to send your transcript from your Inżynier studies, and then later submit your Inżynier diploma and proof of admission to the Master program as soon as it becomes available (no later than March 5, 2026).

Is it necessary for diplomas and transcripts to be in English?

Yes, diplomas and supplements must be issued in/translated to English. If you only have diplomas and/or supplements in Polish, you will need to have them translated by a sworn translator or request the university to issue these documents in English.

I am studying a non-biological field. Can I participate in the program?

Due to the specific nature of the internship, which requires the participant to have the necessary knowledge and skills, we accept applications only from students whose study program includes laboratory work. If you are unsure whether your field of study qualifies for the program, please contact the coordinator.

When will I receive information about the results?

We will inform you about the results of the first stage by email approximately one month after the recruitment is closed. The message will be sent to the email address provided in your application.

How much will I be paid and will this be enough to live in the U.S.?

The stipends differ slightly depending on the cost of living: ranging from $28,000-$35,000 per year (the stipend is subject to US tax). This stipend is sufficient to fully cover your costs of living, and have spare cash on hand.

Will I have health insurance?

Yes, all host institutions offer comprehensive health insurance. You will be informed about the details after receiving a nomination.

Who pays for travel costs?

Program participants are responsible for travel arrangements and costs. 

What visa should I apply for, and what does the process look like?

Once you accept an offer, the host institution will provide you with the visa documentation. Depending on the institution, it will be either the (I-20 form) F-1 or the (DS-2019 form) J-1. The process involves visiting the US Embassy in Warsaw or the US Consulate in Krakow for an interview with the Consul. You will receive all the necessary information from the program coordinator. You are responsible for covering the costs associated with processing the visa application and SEVIS fee.

Please note that if you are not a Polish citizen, you will likely have to apply for a US visa in your home country if you get accepted for the program. Consider whether this will be feasible (in terms of time and money – you will have to cover any travel expenses on your own)

Where will I live?

The host institutions do not offer housing, and grantees are responsible for arranging their own accommodation. Nevertheless, each host institution has a robust support system in place to help incoming grantees choose suitable housing, often in the form of shared apartments. If you seek assistance, you should encounter no difficulties in locating suitable housing. The Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation even provides the option of moving into apartments exclusively leased for BioLAB participants.

I am married – can my spouse accompany me during the internship in the US?

Your spouse can apply for an F-2 or J-2 visa to accompany you during your stay in the US. While it is possible for a spouse with a J-2 visa to obtain a work permit (F-2 visa holders are not allowed to work in the US), please note that this process can be time-consuming and challenging. It’s important to keep in mind that your primary commitment should be your work, and the presence of your spouse should not significantly impact it. Additionally, you will be responsible for arranging housing that can accommodate both you and your spouse independently.

What is the maximum time I have to spend in the lab?

This program offers you a distinctive research opportunity as a grantee. You will be treated on par with graduate students, and the expectations regarding productivity will be the same. Although there is no fixed time requirement for your laboratory work, you are expected to work diligently to meet your objectives. Similar to other graduate students, there may be occasions when you’ll need to work in the evenings and occasionally on weekends. This dedication is ultimately for the benefit of your training and education, so it’s important to be prepared for such commitments. If you are hesitant about this level of commitment, it is advisable not to apply to the program.

How much vacation time do I have?

There are no designated vacation days, but national holidays provide opportunities for travel, etc. If you manage your time efficiently and make additional efforts to make up for it, it is typically feasible to arrange brief breaks that will enable you to explore the country and meet up with friends at other locations.

How can I guarantee a place in the Program for myself?

The primary consideration is the compatibility with a project. For example, if you specialize in ‘dry’ bioinformatics, but there are no projects available in this area, you may not receive an offer to join the program. Additionally, when multiple exceptional candidates apply for specific projects, the mentor will choose one, which may not leave a suitable alternative for others. This underscores the importance of the interview process to assess your flexibility.

I have a chronic health condition. Does it disqualify me?

No, there are no specific provisions. However, your health condition should not be such that it will hinder your ability to work in the laboratory. Each institution has resources available to provide assistance, but there are no arrangements for extended medical leave. While such situations are uncommon, we will strive to be flexible. Nevertheless, if your health is at risk, it may be necessary for you to return to Poland for proper medical attention. Although you may not feel compelled to disclose your health condition during the interview, the Selection Committee is prepared to offer guidance if you choose to discuss it. You will be required to provide details confidentially to our Student Health Centers prior to enrollment.

What happens if my top choices for projects are not available?

Several projects receive a high number of applications each year. Therefore, it’s important to be open to flexibility, as there will likely be equally suitable alternatives available to you. You may have broad interests in various research areas or be particularly interested in acquiring new techniques. This is the purpose of the interview process, providing an opportunity to explore your options. If you have strong preferences against certain areas, we understand and respect that, but please be aware that it may limit your opportunities.

Testimonials

Unsure if the BioLAB Program is right for you? Read stories from our alumni!

Contact Program Officer

Contact program officer with questions you couldn’t find answers for on this website.