Job Description:

• Complete orientation and Professional Development training for mentoring
• Provide meaningful mentorship in-person to high school students
• Assist students' learning and development with the research process
• Engage students with STEM and personal development topics:
  • College readiness
  • Identity development

The ideal candidate is enthusiastic about science, ready to try new things, and excited to connect and share with teenagers.

To support the goal of bringing more underrepresented youth into STEM majors, M-ASCEND offers 13 high school sophomores and juniors the opportunity to work on the U of M, Minneapolis campus for 8 weeks in the summer. In the program, high school interns will conduct a semi-independent scientific investigation and create a research poster to present; attend lectures on health disparities, public health and cancer biology; learn lab skills, network and tour professional U of M research labs; and build college readiness and professional skills.

The undergraduate mentors will support program staff in providing daily programming for the high schoolers Monday-Thursday from 8:30am-3:00pm, in addition to set up, clean up, and team meetings. Depending on background and interest, example tasks could include preparing solutions for laboratory work, supporting students as they analyze their data, providing feedback on high school research posters resumes, leading a public health lecture, or facilitating a discussion on preparing for college. Mentors will be trained and supported by staff in all tasks; there will be flexible opportunities to lead some sessions based on mentor interest and experience. Mentors will also attend daily lunch, professional lab visits, and lectures with the high schoolers to support the Safety of Minors protocol.

All required qualifications must be documented on application materials

Required Qualifications:

• Experience with basic biology laboratory equipment (microscopes, micropipettes, gel electrophoresis, etc.)
• Experience with diverse populations
• Interest in and commitment to advancing equity in health and education
• Mature and outgoing personality
• Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with participants, staff, and faculty by using advanced written, verbal, and listening communication skills

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working with teenagers (a background check and Safety of Minors training will be required upon hire)
• Experience in a research laboratory or performing inquiry-style experiments
• Experience designing and presenting research posters
• Interest in teaching

The Department of Family Medicine and Community Health at the University of Minnesota was created more than 50 years ago in response to a legislative mandate to train primary care physicians. Since then, we have been leaders in transforming the specialty through education, research, and patient care. We are the academic sponsor of seven family medicine residencies-five in the Twin Cities, two in Greater Minnesota. We are involved in medical student education activities across the Medical School's two campuses: Twin Cities and Duluth. We sponsor five fellowship programs-sports medicine, hospice and palliative medicine, clinical informatics, behavioral medicine, and human sexuality- and offer continuing medical education opportunities. We are regularly among the top National Institutes of Health-funded family medicine departments. Our faculty are actively researching health disparities, healthcare delivery, and population health. More at

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:

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).