Summer Undergraduate Program in Biomedical Ethics Research
The Summer Undergraduate Program in Biomedical Ethics Research provides students with a mentored research experience that assists them in preparing for careers in healthcare, science, law or bioethics.
Students in the summer program develop research skills that include empirical research methods, study design, data collection and analysis, and scholarly writing, and learn how to apply these skills to bioethics research. Students also develop professional skills and gain a familiarity with current and seminal topics in bioethics and timely ethical issues in the healthcare setting.
Students are expected to dedicate 40 hours a week to a combination of research and educational activities. Each student is placed with a faculty mentor to work on a particular ethics research project for about 10 weeks starting in late May or early June.
In addition to conducting mentored research, students participate in a biomedical ethics education curriculum led by expert faculty in a small group, discussion-based setting. Clinical and nonclinical researchers lead these weekly discussions.
Eligibility
To be eligible, students must be currently enrolled in an undergraduate degree program. Students must have the authorization to work and remain in the United States without Mayo Clinic visa sponsorship. All students must pass a background check and a post-offer placement assessment before their start date.
The successful applicants must be:
- Committed to pursuing a career in which they plan to engage in topics in biomedical ethics.
- Able to work independently.
- Skilled in written and oral communication.
- Highly motivated to learn new research methods.
Application process
The Biomedical Ethics Research Program is now accepting applications for our summer of 2025 bioethics intern positions. You must apply by 11:59 p.m. Central time Jan. 17, 2025.
Apply to a job posting based on location and your education level:
Candidates must attach these documents to their applications:
- Cover letter describing your career goals and how they relate to biomedical ethics research.
- Resume or CV that includes your major, relevant coursework, honors and related experiences.
- A 5- to 10-page writing sample, such as a course paper, preferably on a topic in biomedical ethics.
- Current college transcript. An unofficial copy is acceptable.
- Two letters of recommendation from research mentors or undergraduate professors should be emailed to bioethics@mayo.edu. Address letters to Richard Sharp, Ph.D., director, Biomedical Ethics Research Program.
We will invite top applicants to participate in a brief phone interview to discuss specific skills and areas of research interest.
Students, including international students, who are interested in a future Ph.D. or M.D./Ph.D. in clinical and translational science also can consider applying for the Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) through Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences. In your application letter for SURF, describe your interests in biomedical ethics as they relate to clinical and translational science. The SURF deadline is Feb. 1, 2025.
Contact
For more information or if you have specific questions, contact our education staff at 507-538-1433 or email us.
FAQ
Why should I study and research biomedical ethics at Mayo Clinic?
Mayo Clinic frequently ranks as one of the top hospitals in the United States. Students have the opportunity to collaborate with nationally and internationally recognized physicians and scholars and to gain hands-on experience with clinically relevant research at a major medical institution.
Is this a paid position?
Yes. The pay rate is determined annually by the Human Resources Department at Mayo Clinic and is included in the job posting.
Does the program provide housing?
The program doesn't provide housing. However, affordable accommodations are available within walking distance of the campus in Rochester, Minnesota.
How will I get to work?
Most students live within walking distance of our office. For those who live farther away, Rochester has a reliable public transit system that many Mayo Clinic employees use to commute.