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Summer Lab Intern Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

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Summer Lab Intern information

What types of projects and responsibilities can a Summer Lab Intern expect to work on during their internship?

As a Summer Lab Intern, you can expect to participate in a variety of hands-on projects that support ongoing research within the lab. Your daily tasks may include preparing samples, conducting experiments under supervision, collecting and analyzing data, and assisting with equipment maintenance. Collaboration is key, as you’ll often work closely with graduate students, technicians, and principal investigators who will guide your learning and help you develop essential lab skills. Interns are usually encouraged to ask questions, contribute to team meetings, and may have opportunities to present their findings. This role offers a great foundation for understanding real-world research environments and can open doors for future academic or professional pursuits in science.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Summer Lab Intern, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Summer Lab Intern, you generally need foundational knowledge in science or engineering, strong analytical skills, and enrollment in a relevant degree program. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, safety protocols, and software tools like Excel or data analysis platforms is often required. Attention to detail, strong communication, and eagerness to learn are key soft skills that help interns stand out. These skills and qualities ensure safe, accurate experimentation, effective teamwork, and meaningful contributions to ongoing research projects.

What are Summer Lab Interns?

Summer Lab Interns are typically students or recent graduates who work temporarily in a laboratory setting during the summer months. They assist with scientific research, experiments, and data collection under the guidance of experienced lab staff. These internships provide hands-on experience and exposure to laboratory techniques, often helping interns decide on future career paths in science. Responsibilities can vary depending on the lab, but usually include maintaining equipment, recording observations, and supporting ongoing research projects.

What is the difference between Summer Lab Intern vs Summer Research Assistant?

AspectSummer Lab InternSummer Research Assistant
Required CredentialsTypically undergraduate student, some labs prefer coursework in relevant science fieldsUsually undergraduate or graduate students with some research experience
Work EnvironmentLaboratory setting, assisting with experiments and data collectionResearch projects, often more independent, supporting senior researchers
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, research institutes, biotech companiesUniversities, research labs, government agencies

The Summer Lab Intern role generally targets undergraduate students gaining initial research experience, focusing on assisting with lab tasks. The Summer Research Assistant position often involves more independent work and is suitable for students with some prior research background. Both roles are valuable for building research skills but differ in responsibilities and experience level.

What are the most commonly searched types of Summer Lab jobs in Minnesota? The most popular types of Summer Lab jobs in Minnesota are:
What cities in Minnesota are hiring for Summer Lab Intern jobs? Cities in Minnesota with the most Summer Lab Intern job openings:
Summer Lab Intern jobs near you
Infographic showing various Summer Lab Intern job openings in Minnesota as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.
SDEC Summer Intern

SDEC Summer Intern

University of Minnesota

Minneapolis, MN • On-site

$15.25/hr

Part-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

About the Job
 

Position Overview & Responsibilities

  • Assist Swine Disease Eradication Center (SDEC) in field-based studies.
  • Conduct specialized laboratory and animal studies employing standard procedures.
  • Provide technical assistance to professional staff personnel, graduate students and others in executing complex laboratory and field-based studies.
  • Achieve specific objectives in basic experimental or applied research.
  •   Record, tabulate, and graph data.
  •  Operate a variety of equipment used in the collection, processing, classification, description, measurement and analysis of specimens, or data. For example: microscopes, thermocycler, calorimeter, pH meter, spectrophotometer, electrophoresis apparatus, glassware, centrifuges. Assist with training in work procedures.
  •   Participate in wet lab activities and perform laboratory procedures as assigned (including but not limited to DNA extraction, serum separation, PCR testing).
  •  Prepare animal tissue specimens and clinical specimens for various examinations and tests.
  • Keep accurate database records within the laboratory and for field studies
  • Participate in ordering, preparing and laying out supplies, equipment and apparatus.
  • Perform other miscellaneous duties as assigned.

Anticipated Hours/Week

  • 40 hours/week

Appointment Duration

  • 67 days; August 2026
Qualifications
 

All required qualifications must be included in the application materials

Required Qualifications

  • High School graduation or the equivalent with specialization in sciences and related coursework or experience related to the job totaling at least four years in combination
About the Department
 

The Veterinary Population Medicine (VPM) department specializes in population and individual animal medicine focusing on large animals health and production, biomedical science, and ecosystem and public health. Our faculty members conduct animal and public-health-focused research to better diagnose, treat, and prevent animal disease, as well as diseases that can be transmitted between animals and humans. Faculty provide clinical instruction in medicine, diseases, surgery, production medicine, public health and reproduction of domestic large-animal species and are home to faculty in clinics, epidemiology, veterinary public health, and pathology. Faculty members provide clinical services for animals, diagnostic services to animal owners, and continuing education and extension programs for veterinarians and animal owners.

Teaching

The Veterinary Population Medicine Department provides clinical instruction in medicine, surgery, production medicine, diagnostics and reproduction of domestic large-animal species and is home to faculty in epidemiology, veterinary public health, and pathology. The department provides residency training in large animal medicine, surgery, pathology, and veterinary public health and preventive veterinary medicine and works with students in the Veterinary Sciences, and Comparative and Molecular Biosciences graduate programs.

Research

Faculty members conduct animal and public-health-focused research to better diagnose, treat, eliminate and prevent animal disease, as well as diseases that can be transmitted between animals and humans.

Service

Faculty members provide clinical services for animals in the Leatherdale Equine Center and Large Animal Hospital, as well as diagnostic services to animal owners through the Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory. They consult with producers and veterinarians in the community, provide continuing education and extension programs for veterinarians and animal owners, and play an active role in the Center for Animal Health and Food Safety, John Fetrow Dairy Education Center, Equine Center, and the Swine Disease Eradication Center. 

Pay and Benefits
 

Pay Range: $15.25/hr; depending on education/qualifications/experience.


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

How To Apply
 

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.

Diversity
 

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

Employment Requirements
 

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. 

About University of Minnesota
 

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.

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