SURE Intern

About the Job

POSITION & DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW

The Summer Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE) Internship program at The Hormel Institute provides students with the opportunity to work with scientists in their respective labs on biomedical research projects. Depending on the research laboratory, interns will gain hands-on experience in a wet or dry lab. While the majority of our research groups are wet labs, we also offer opportunities in dry labs focused on computational biology and digital health. Students will expand their knowledge while developing laboratory techniques, computational methods, data analysis, and other approaches relevant to their assigned project. To learn more about the research areas happening at The Hormel Institute, please visit https://hi.umn.edu/our-research-areas.

In addition to the research experience, students will participate in weekly professional development training. At the conclusion of the summer internship, students will highlight their research by participating in The Hormel Institute Research Symposium. To learn more about SURE please visit https://hi.umn.edu/sureinternships. The employer retains the right to change or assign other duties to this position as needed. Low-cost housing is available on a limited basis.

PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS & BENEFITS

• Program dates: May 2027 - August 2027 (10 weeks)
• Paid internship at $16/hour for 40 hours per week.
• Biomedical research experience in a wet lab, dry lab, or combined research environment under the guidance of The Hormel Institute researchers. (Note: The majority of host laboratories are wet labs; students are matched with a lab based on their research interests.)
• Weekly intern focused professional development engagements.
• Apply foundational coursework knowledge into practice in a real-world research laboratory setting.
• Bolster scientific communication skills by developing a research poster and presenting results at The Hormel Institute Symposium.
• Scholarship applications are available to selected interns for housing as needed during the program dates

SELECTION

The position will remain open until February 1, 2027. Offer letters will be sent out on a rolling basis starting the last week in February. Incomplete applications may not be considered. Please ensure you have uploaded all requested materials listed in the "How to Apply" section. We highly recommend providing your references with enough time to write a letter, prior to the deadline. Preference is given to applicants entering their Junior or Senior year of undergraduate studies in the Fall of 2027.

Please ensure that the email you provide with this application is one that you intend to use frequently for program communications. Application status and other communication will happen via the email address you have supplied. It is imperative that you have reliable access to email.

HOW TO APPLY

Apply by submitting:

• Current resume or CV.
• Undergraduate school transcripts; upload in .pdf or unofficial format.
• Two letters of recommendation from college professors, mentors or supervisors; upload them directly to the application site. However, if a recommender prefers to submit them separately, they may be emailed to hi-education@umn.edu
• 1 Page personal essay describing the following:

o Academic and career goals

o Interest in science education or health/medical research

o How you will benefit from the SURE internship program

o What you want to learn or accomplish from this program

o Research experience you have had

o If applicable, personal challenges you have faced that have influenced your life and/or academic career.

Work Profile

Profile 1, Office Lab-Based - is expected to work primarily on-site in the office/lab. Only occasionally and inconsistently working remotely. Your office will be located at The Hormel Institute in Austin, MN. The Hormel Institute's management retains the right to modify flexible work arrangement agreements on a temporary or permanent basis for any reason at any time.

Qualifications

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Pursuing a science or math related undergraduate degree at a two or four-year college or University.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Students entering their Junior or Senior year of undergraduate studies.
• 3.0 minimum GPA.
• Previous coursework or lab experiences in Chemistry and/or Biology.
• Community involvement & leadership experience.

About the Department

Founded in 1942 by Jay C. Hormel and The Hormel Foundation, The Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota, makes scientific advancements that enhance wellbeing and extend human life. For more than 80 years, we have pursued our mission to conduct research and provide education in the biological sciences with applications in medicine and agriculture. A part of the University of Minnesotas Research and Innovation Office, The Hormel Institute partners with the regions leading biomedical research facilities, including Mayo Clinic.

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $16.00 per hour; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Please visit the Office of Student Health Benefits website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

Student workers are eligible to participate in the Student Health Benefit Plan, if they maintain 6 or more eligible course credits within a given semester. The same applies for Undergraduate Students, Graduate Assistants, Residents, Fellows and Interns.

How To Apply

Student positions are a form of financial support while pursuing an education at the University of Minnesota.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a 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 jobcentr@umn.edu.

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 nations 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, 2025, 2026), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.