Undergraduate Research Intern 2026 - Experimental Surgical Sciences

Reporting Structure: This is a non-management position within Experimental Surgical Services which is part of the Department of Surgery, within the University of Minnesota Medical School, and within the Academic Health Center at the University of Minnesota.

Department: Department of Surgery

General: Experimental Surgical Services is a preclinical research lab that performs non-clinical research for the purpose of the research and development of medical devices, physician training, new surgical techniques, and other academic projects with a surgical component.

Basic Function: The Undergraduate Research Intern 2026 assists in most aspects of the daily function of the laboratory and completes a research project for the ESS Laboratory Director.

Characteristic Duties and Responsibilities:

• Contribute to and complete a research project overseen by the Director
• Attend Summer Research Seminars June-August
• Present internship capstone presentation on a Seminar in August
• Observe and may assist with the daily care and treatment of animals.
• May assist with weighing animals
• May assist with daily observations of animals
• Observe and may assist with the daily medicating of animals
  • Pilling (oral administration) after training and under supervision
  • Injections after training and under supervision
• May assist with transporting animals to different holding areas
• Observe and may assist with blood collection after training as required and processing the specimens
• May assist with cleaning instruments and making sterile surgical packs
• May assist with maintaining the surgical suites, cleaning rooms, and standard stocked supplies.
• May assist with monthly cleaning
• May assist in the room set up prior to surgery
• May assist with maintenance of the equipment under supervision
• May assist in surgical procedures after training, from induction to post op under supervision
• May assist with intubation, catheterization, and medication with training and under supervision
• Observe and may circulate during the procedure
• Observe and may assist in the surgical procedure or pass instruments to the surgeon
• May assist in the operation of surgical suite equipment (i.e. C-arm, power injector, monitoring equipment, cardiopulmonary bypass machine)
• Observe and may assist with the recovery of animals after training and under supervision (e.g. after CT scan, immediately after surgery in OR, or after hours in post-op)
  
  Supervision Received: This position reports to the ESS Director.

Supervision Exercised: This position works cooperatively with ESS Staff and students

Qualifications:

• Requires scheduled hours for this position agreed upon by the supervisor, (30-40hrs per week)
• May work within core lab hours of 7am - 3:30pm.
• Undergraduate enrollment (Pre-medicine or Pre-veterinary Medicine) at the University of Minnesota or external academic University
• Previous volunteer experience in preclinical research within the ESS lab highly preferred
  

Physical Demands:

• Standing and sitting for long periods of time (>4hrs).
• Be able to lift 50lbs by yourself
  

Non-Physical Demands:

• Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

Committed to innovation and diversity, the Medical School educates physicians, scientists, and health professionals; generates knowledge and treatments; and cares for patients and communities with compassion and respect. We value excellence, inclusiveness, collaboration, and discovery.

To learn more about the Department of Surgery, please visit https://med.umn.edu/surgery

Pay Range: $15.25/hour

Retirement plan options are available for Civil Service, Faculty, Labor-Represented, Professional & Administrative, and Temp Casual classifications. Learn more about retirement plans.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).