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.

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 [email protected]. 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.