Spine Research Intern- Orthopedic Surgery

The Spine Division within the Department of Orthopedic Surgery at the University of Minnesota invites 2026 current undergraduate students interested in attending medical school with an interest in orthopedic surgery to apply for a summer research internship. This internship focuses on adult degenerative and deformity research. Specific areas of study include BMI/Bariatric & GLP-1/Impact on Surgical Outcomes, CBD and CBT impact on post-surgical pain management, biomechanical applications of spine implant designs on surgical outcomes, safety in adult
deformity surgery, applications of artificial intelligence in surgical planning and radiographic measurements in spine surgery, metabolomic/genomic factors on pre-optimization and post-surgical outcomes, and various clinical and radiographic factors associated with surgeries for adult degenerative and deformity conditions.

Position: Spine Research Fall Internship
Duration: Temporary, 3 Months (August-November)
Start Date: Fall 2026
Compensation: $15.25 Hourly Salary and conference registration/travel
Location: University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
Spine Surgeon Collaborators: David Polly, MD, Jonathan Sembrano, MD, Christopher Martin, MD, Nathan Hendrickson, MD

Responsibilities:

• Manage research projects, organize and maintain all aspects of the projects (e.g., Biomechanical, Cadaveric, Systematic Reviews, and Clinical/Bench research).
• Work alongside the spine research team to organize and present ongoing research updates at weekly meetings with a team of research faculty, fellows, residents, statisticians, and research coordinators.
• Develop and submit a research prospectus document to the Department CRC and Institutional Review Board (IRB).
• Assist in the preparation of PowerPoint presentations and e-Posters for professional conferences.
  

Goals/Opportunities of the Internship:

• 2-3 publications and conference presentations
• Gain important experience in clinical and basic science orthopedic research
• Learn and apply basic data analysis under the guidance of a PhD data analyst
• Build confidence in data collection, scientific writing, and submission of manuscripts
• Participate in clinic and operating room observation with the spine surgeons
• Gain support in your medical school or graduate school admission
  

All required qualifications must be listed on the resume/CV

• US-based undergraduates (between Sophomore & Junior year) with an interest in orthopedic research and a planned career in medicine, biomedical engineering, or biostatistics.
• Prior research experience preferred but not required.
• Demonstrated interest in research and strong academic record.
• Ability to work independently and complete tasks in an efficient manner.
• Skills include the ability to: communicate with team members, self-manage, and work independently.
• English language and Medical terminology proficiency.

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

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.

The mission of the regional campus located in Duluth is to be a national leader in improving healthcare access and outcomes in rural Minnesota and American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) communities. In partnership with CentraCare, the regional campus in St. Cloud offers a wide range of patient experiences throughout students' education in Greater Minnesota and prepares them to become exceptional clinicians and leaders for rural and immigrant populations

Founded in 1888, the University of Minnesota Medical School has three campuses. A four-year MD program and the MD/PhD program are located on the Twin Cities campus in addition to MD programs at regional campuses in Duluth and St. Cloud.

Pay Range: $15.25 an 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 Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.