Internship Cybersecurity Researcher Jobs in Minnesota

Optum is a global organization that delivers care, aided by technology, to help millions of people live healthier lives. The work you do with our team will directly improve health outcomes by connecting people with the care, pharmacy benefits, and data they need to feel their best. Here, you will find a culture guided by diversity and inclusion, talented peers, comprehensive benefits, and career development opportunities. Come make an impact on the communities we serve as you help us advance health equity on a global scale. Join us to start Caring. Connecting. Growing together.

As an Associate Cybersecurity Analyst on the Cybersecurity Incident Response Team (CIRT), you will play a vital role in protecting and defending our enterprise network, systems, and data from cyber threats and unauthorized access. Operating in a team-oriented, 24/7/365 Tier 1 Cybersecurity Incident Response team, you will monitor work queues, triage security alerts, and identify potential network intrusions and malicious behaviors. This role offers an exciting opportunity to leverage enterprise-approved AI tools and modern security technologies to streamline analysis, automate repetitive workflows, and accelerate threat response. If you are passionate about cybersecurity defense, enjoy problem-solving in a fast-paced environment, and want to help safeguard critical healthcare technology, this is the perfect opportunity to grow your career.

You will enjoy the flexibility to telecommute* from anywhere within the U.S. as you take on some tough challenges.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Monitor work queues for alerts of potential network threats, intrusions, and/or compromises
• Assess the validity and scope of cybersecurity alerts to determine if they are actionable
• Confirm the accuracy of alerting information, identify malicious behaviors
• Leverage enterprise-approved AI tools to enhance productivity and innovation by streamlining workflows and automating repetitive tasks
• Escalate verified security incidents to the proper response and remediation teams in a timely manner
• Efficiently document triage details, sources of information, and technical findings for incident response
• Evaluate emerging security trends to inform solution design and strategic defense innovations
• Collaborate as part of a 24/7/365 Tier 1 Cybersecurity Incident Response team, to support continuous enterprise threat monitoring, incident detection, and response operations

You'll be rewarded and recognized for your performance in an environment that will challenge you and give you clear directions on what it takes to succeed in your role as well as provide development for other roles you may be interested in.

Required Qualifications:

• High School Diploma/GED
• 6 months of experience or any one active industry certification in cybersecurity {such as: CompTIA Security , CySA , CompTIA SecurityX, GIAC Certified Incident Handler (GCIH), Certified SOC Analyst (CSA), GSEC, CEH, CCNA Cyber Ops, or similar}
• 6 months of experience in Dedicated Security Operations Center (SOC) or a security incident response team
• 6 months of experience in Utilizing Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) systems or security orchestration, automation, and response (SOAR) platforms
• 6 months of experience with any one of the security principles related to major cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP)

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Cybersecurity, Digital Forensics, or any related technical field
• 6 months of professional work, internship, or equivalent project experience in cybersecurity, IT support, network analysis, or security monitoring
• Foundational understanding of fundamental security and network concepts, including TCP/IP, operating systems (Windows/Linux), ports, and protocols
• Foundational knowledge of industry-recognized analysis frameworks (such as MITRE ATT&CK, Cyber Kill Chain, NIST, or Diamond Model)
• Experience utilizing modern software tools, digital automation, or productivity applications to manage tasks and optimize workflow efficiency
• Willingness and ability to work as part of a 24/7/365 Tier 1 Cybersecurity Incident Response team, including participating in a rotating schedule with occasional shift work
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with a focus on clearly documenting technical details and recommendations
• Experience leveraging AI-assisted tools, machine learning features, or digital assistants to research threats, draft documentation, or accelerate incident analysis

*All Telecommuters will be required to adhere to UnitedHealth Group's Telecommuter Policy.

Pay is based on several factors including but not limited to local labor markets, education, work experience, certifications, etc. In addition to your salary, we offer benefits such as, a comprehensive benefits package, incentive and recognition programs, equity stock purchase and 401k contribution (all benefits are subject to eligibility requirements). No matter where or when you begin a career with us, you'll find a far-reaching choice of benefits and incentives. The hourly pay for this role will range from $29 - $52 per hour based on full-time employment. We comply with all minimum wage laws as applicable.

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. 

Application Deadline: This will be posted for a minimum of 2 business days or until a sufficient candidate pool has been collected. Job posting may come down early due to volume of applicants.

At UnitedHealth Group, our mission is to help people live healthier lives and make the health system work better for everyone. We believe everyone-of every race, gender, sexuality, age, location, and income-deserves the opportunity to live their healthiest life. Today, however, there are still far too many barriers to good health which are disproportionately experienced by people of color, historically marginalized groups, and those with lower incomes. We are committed to mitigating our impact on the environment and enabling and delivering equitable care that addresses health disparities and improves health outcomes - an enterprise priority reflected in our mission.

UnitedHealth Group is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer under applicable law and qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, religion, age, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by local, state, or federal laws, rules, or regulations.

UnitedHealth Group is a drug-free workplace. Candidates are required to pass a drug test before beginning employment.

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