Interns in this geographically distributed REU program participate in research using Rosetta Commons software. The Rosetta Commons software library includes algorithms for computational modeling and analysis of protein structures. It has enabled notable scientific advances in computational biology, including de novo protein design, enzyme design, ligand docking, and structure prediction of biological macromolecules and macromolecular complexes.
Interns will conduct projects in these focus areas:
- Artificial Intelligence
- Protein design
- Drug discovery
- Code development
- Antibody engineering
- Crowd-sourced citizen science
The program:
- One week of Rosetta Code School (June 1 through June 5) where you will learn the inner details of the RosettaPython code and community coding environment, so you are fully prepared for the summer!
- 8 weeks of hands-on research in a molecular modeling and design laboratory, developing new algorithms and discovering new science.
- The summer will finish with a trip to the Rosetta Conference in the gorgeous Cascade Mountains of Washington State, where you will present your research in a poster and connect with Rosetta developers from around the world. The conference will be held from August 3 through August 7.
- This program is supported by NSF (Award 2244288). Interns will receive housing, paid travel expenses, and a $6,000 stipend.
To apply, go to the link on our website and include the following:
- Resume
- Transcript
- Personal statement – why this internship interests you – brief summary of research and computing experience – why you are an appropriate candidate for the internship.
- Two references (complete the reference forms in the application with contact information)
- Select 5 three labs and projects of interest from the website.
- Deadline for receipt of applications is February 1, 2026.
- Deadline for receipt of recommendation letters is February 4, 2026.
- Program contact: cmathis@jhu.edu
Eligibility:
- U.S. citizens, permanent residents, U.S. nationals, AND international students studying in the US, are eligible.
- Major in computer science, engineering, mathematics, chemistry, biology, and/or biophysics.
- Available for at least 10 weeks during the summer of 2026.
- Interest in graduate school.
- While not required, we seek candidates with some combination of experiences in scientific or academic research, C++/Python/*nix/databases, software engineering, object-oriented programming, and/or collaborative development (git).
- **Students graduating before the start of the program are not eligible for the REU and are encouraged to apply to our RaMP Program.
Applicants must apply in the NSF ETAP Application.
The REU program is pending renewal, with a decision anticipated for the 2026 award year.