Association of Public Health Laboratories Internship Program

Be a part of Wisconsin’s public health laboratory! The Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene (WSLH) at the University of Wisconsin–Madison is seeking paid student interns to join the Association of Public Health Laboratories (APHL) Internship Program.

We are hiring 10+ interns for positions starting around May 15 or June 1, 2026, through August 30, 2026 (with possible extension). Interns should have 4–8 hour blocks of time available on weekdays between 7:45 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Ideal candidates will be available 30+ hours per week. Some limited weekend work may be required.

Interns may be placed in one of several laboratory areas: inorganic chemistry, organic chemistry, trace element clean lab, environmental toxicology, water microbiology, wastewater surveillance, sample receiving, National Atmospheric Deposition Program, soils lab, clinical, occupational, or other sections of the WSLH. Typical responsibilities could include:

• Making reagents or standards
• Checking in samples
• Preparing and analyzing environmental samples
• Cleaning glassware and bottles
• Performing data entry
• Maintaining cultures
• Assisting with method validations
• Preparing sampling kits
• Specimen organization
• Supporting general lab or administrative tasks

This is a unique opportunity to gain hands-on laboratory experience while learning about the wide range of public and environmental health testing conducted at Wisconsin’s state laboratory. Interns will also complete several short APHL training modules (such as lab safety and quality) during paid work hours.

Program Benefits

• Gain hands-on laboratory experience in environmental and public health testing
• Learn about laboratory quality systems, safety, and analytical processes
• Work alongside and be mentored by experienced scientists
• Explore multiple areas of the Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene
• Build technical and professional skills for future employment or graduate study

Qualifications

• APHL internship eligibility requirements:
  • 18 years or older at the time of application submission
  • S. citizenship or permanent resident
  • Enrolled as an active student in a certificate, associate, bachelor, or master program
  • 2.0 + GPA
• Reliable transportation (most work sites are off campus)
• Must provide proof of personal health insurance for the duration of the internship
• Physical demands: Some lab positions require standing for extended periods and occasional lifting of moderate weight
• Responsible, detail-oriented, and motivated students with an interest in environmental or public health are encouraged to apply