Research Intern

The Teens, Technology, and Families Lab (PI: Dr. Xiaoran Sun) is excited to offer a summer internship opportunity for youth (ages 16-21) in collaboration with the Department of Family Social Science. The anticipated start date is June 22nd, 2026, with flexibility.

This position is part of the Teen and AI Study, where we explore how teens (13-17 years) use AI apps and chatbots in their daily lives. This includes apps like Character.AI, CHAI, Talkie, and tools like ChatGPT as a companion or friend. The intern will support the research team in activities such as reviewing interview responses, helping organize data, and contributing to discussions about what the findings mean. This internship is designed to be hands-on and supportive. You will receive training from the research team and gain experience in how studies are conducted. Just as importantly, we value your perspectives and lived experiences-your insights as a young person will help us better understand how teens interact with AI apps today.

Job Responsibilities:

Data Preparation (45%)

• Review and transcribe interview responses
• Assist with data organization
• Clean interview transcriptions

Data Analysis and Reporting(35%)

• Learn how to code qualitative data and support coding tasks
• Identify trends and help to interpret findings
• Assist with compiling information for reports

Other duties as assigned (20%)

• Attend research meetings
• Share your perspectives to inform study team on protocol refinements for study improvements
• Conduct literature searches and write summaries or reviews
• Organize and maintain study materials

Required Qualifications:

• Registered through the Step-Up program
• Ability to keep information confidential
• Responsible and organized
• Communicates clearly and responds to messages promptly

Preferred Qualifications:

• Has an interest in technology, social media, or AI
• Enjoys working with others and values different perspective and backgrounds with the ability to collaborate effectively with people from a variety of communities, backgrounds, and identities

The Department of Family Social Science (FSoS) prepares students to use research to discover and apply knowledge, build interpersonal communication skills, and develop personally and professionally. Considered one of the premier family departments in the United States and globally, our history reaches back to the very first classes taught at the University of Minnesota in 1884. We are leaders in community-based participatory research to develop community-based programs and educational models. We are dedicated to increasing equity, diversity, and inclusion across our academic programs, within our faculty, and in teaching and learning, research, outreach and engagement, and clinical practice.

The College of Education and Human Development (CEHD), the University's third largest college, contributes to a just and sustainable future through engagement with the local and global communities to enhance human learning and development at all stages of life. We know diversity is necessary to do our best work and foster our humanity. That's why the CEHD community is collectively dedicated to cultivating an inclusive and equitable environment, embracing and celebrating all identities of our students, staff, and faculty. These values are also a moral imperative requiring continuous proactive measures and a firm stance against prejudice, discrimination, and systemic injustice.

Pay Range: $16.50/hour; 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 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.