Step Up Summer Intern

Positions are under Dr. Jo Heuschele, USDA Research Agronomist, in the Forage Chemistry Laboratory. Current projects include improving alfalfa digestibility, alfalfa as a human protein alternative, methane production in dairy cattle, and alfalfa as a biofertilizer.
Excellent opportunity for students to gain experience in basic/preliminary research, field sampling techniques, experimental design, and more. This position requires moderate physical movement, use of hand and power tools, as well as exposure to all weather conditions, allergens, and loud environments. The majority of summer work will be done outdoors.

Description of Duties
80% Field work (planting, harvesting, plot maintenance, scouting, etc.)
10% Lab work (data collection, harvest prep, sample processing, etc.)
10% Misc. (greenhouse maintenance, special/one-time projects, wet chemistry, etc.)

Applicants must:
1) Be already accepted into the Achieve Twin Cities Step Up Program for summer 2026.
2) Be a U.S. citizen.
3) Submit to fingerprinting and background check (only if hired).
4) Be able to commute to St. Paul campus.
5) Be comfortable/willing to work outdoors in a variety of weather conditions.

Successful candidates will have:
1) An interest in plant science, human/animal nutrition, biology, or similar.
2) Taken at least one science laboratory class.
3) An understanding that this position primarily takes place in the field and in a processing ("dirty") lab, and that work in the wet chemistry lab may be available but will be limited.

Pay Range: $16.50; 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.

To apply, students must submit the following to Shelby Brendler (she/her) at brend155@umn.edu :
1) Resume.
2) Cover letter.
3) Their entire summer schedule, to the best of their ability (including vacations, classes, and other known conflicts).
Pay is $16.50/hour.

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 Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.