Undergraduate Summer Intern

Summer Internship Opportunity - Masonic Institute for the Developing Brain (MIDB) University of Minnesota | May 30 - August 7, 2026

Are you an undergraduate student passionate about psychology or neuroscience? Are you interested in pursuing a graduate degree (PhD or MD/PhD). If so, the University of Minnesota's Masonic Institute for the Developing Brain (MIDB) invites you to apply for our fully-funded 10-week Summer Internship Program. About the Program This intensive summer research internship provides a supportive, hands-on experience for students looking to build a strong foundation for graduate school in neuroscience, psychology, or related disciplines. Interns will gain experience working in active research labs, contribute to group projects, attend lab and mentoring meetings, and receive personalized professional development guidance.

• Dates: May 30 - August 7, 2026
• Stipend: $6,000 ($15.25 per/hr)for full-time (40 hours/week) participation
• Housing, meals, and round-trip travel to UMN will be fully covered
• Location: University of Minnesota - Twin Cities, Minneapolis, MN

Program Highlights

• Work alongside expert faculty in one of three research labs:
  • Cognition and Neurodevelopmental Studies (CNS) Lab: Focuses on brain and behavioral development in infants and young children, with a special emphasis on early identification of autism spectrum disorders.
  • Developmental Cognition and Neuroimaging (DCAN) Lab: Investigates brain development across the lifespan, including brain-based disorders and community-engaged neuroscience.
  • Minnesota Tic and Compulsivity Lab (MnTiC) Lab: Focuses on tic disorders/Tourette Syndrome and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), advancing the scientific understanding of these conditions, developing new and improved treatments.
• Engage in small group research projects
• Participate in weekly lab meetings and 1:1 faculty mentorship
• Receive guidance on applying to graduate or MD/PhD programs
• Join a cohort of aspiring scientists committed to inclusive excellence

Submit your application by 11:59 PM CST on Friday, April 16, 2026.

Eligibility Criteria

• U.S. citizens, non-citizen nationals, or lawful permanent residents
• Undergraduate students enrolled in a college or university at the time of application
• Strong interest in psychology, neuroscience, or health sciences
• Priority will be given to:
  • Students from underrepresented backgrounds in science
  • Students from non-R1/R2 institutions with limited research opportunities
• Rising juniors and seniors are especially encouraged to apply, though all years are welcome
• No prior research experience is required or expected

The Masonic Institute for the Developing Brain (MIDB) is committed to advancing brain health from the earliest stages of life. Our mission is to support children through early assessment, evidence-based intervention, inclusive research, informed policymaking, and community education. We believe fostering diversity in science is essential to this mission.

Pay Range: $6,000 stipend ($15.25 per/hour for full-time participations); 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.

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.

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

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.

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 the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).