Job Details

Type: Adjunct/Part-Time
Posted: December 1, 2025
Category: Medical Research
Job ID: 371293
Position: Spine Research Summer Internship
Duration: 3 months (May–August 2026)
Location: University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
Compensation: Hourly pay ($15.25/hr) plus conference registration/travel

About the Internship

The Spine Division, Department of Orthopedic Surgery at the University of Minnesota, invites undergraduate students (2026 current undergraduates) interested in medical school and orthopedic research to apply for a summer research internship. Research focuses on adult degenerative and deformity spine conditions, including:

• BMI/Bariatric & GLP-1 effects on surgical outcomes

• CBD/CBT impact on post-surgical pain management

• Biomechanical applications of spine implant designs

• Safety in adult deformity surgery

• AI in surgical planning and radiographic measurements

• Metabolomic/genomic factors influencing surgical outcomes

• Clinical and radiographic determinants of spine surgery success

Interns will work directly with spine surgeons including Drs. David Polly, Jonathan Sembrano, Christopher Martin, and Nathan Hendrickson.

Responsibilities

• Manage and organize research projects (biomechanical, cadaveric, clinical, bench, or systematic reviews)

• Collaborate with faculty, fellows, residents, statisticians, and research coordinators

• Prepare and submit research prospectus to Department CRC and IRB

• Assist with presentations and e-posters for professional conferences

• Contribute to publications and conference submissions

• Participate in clinic and operating room observations

• Learn data analysis under guidance from a PhD data analyst

Qualifications

• Current US-based undergraduate between sophomore and junior year

• Interest in orthopedic surgery, biomedical engineering, or biostatistics

• Prior research experience preferred but not required

• Strong academic record and demonstrated interest in research

• Ability to work independently and efficiently

• Proficiency in English and medical terminology

• Strong communication and teamwork skills

Benefits & Opportunities

• Opportunity for 2–3 publications and conference presentations

• Hands-on experience in clinical and basic science orthopedic research

• Mentorship in scientific writing, data collection, and manuscript submission

• Support for medical or graduate school applications

• Retirement plan options available for eligible classifications

How to Apply

Applicants must submit the following online:

• Curriculum Vitae

• Brief cover letter/personal statement

• 3 references

• Institutional transcripts (unofficial)

Additional materials may be submitted via “My Job Applications” page. Applicants should also email documents to kodland@umn.edu.

Accommodation Requests: employ@umn.edu | (612) 624-8647

Diversity Statement

The University of Minnesota values diversity and inclusion in employment and education. Equal access and opportunity are provided without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. Learn more: UM Diversity

About the University

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is a leading public research university offering a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs. The campus is located in a diverse metropolitan area with strong connections to healthcare centers, corporations, government agencies, and nonprofits. UMTC has been recognized by Forbes and Star Tribune for excellence in workplace diversity, innovation, and student opportunities.