Summary

The Clinical Research Intern will join Intuitive's Future Forward Advanced Research team for a 10–12 week summer internship, reporting to a Senior Clinical Research Scientist within Future Forward. The intern will contribute directly to early-stage product development for a novel technology platform, applying clinical and scientific expertise to support product strategy, clinical evidence generation planning, and market opportunity evaluation. Working alongside cross-functional team members in engineering, translational science, medical affairs, and product management, the intern will help de-risk key clinical and strategic uncertainties for an early technology in development. The internship culminates in a final presentation to leadership and cross-functional partners.

Job description

Primary Function of Position

The Clinical Research Intern will join Intuitive's Future Forward Advanced Research team for a 10–12 week summer internship, reporting to a Senior Clinical Research Scientist within Future Forward. The intern will contribute directly to early-stage product development for a novel technology platform, applying clinical and scientific expertise to support product strategy, clinical evidence generation planning, and market opportunity evaluation. Working alongside cross-functional team members in engineering, translational science, medical affairs, and product management, the intern will help de-risk key clinical and strategic uncertainties for an early technology in development. The internship culminates in a final presentation to leadership and cross-functional partners.

Essential Job Duties

Clinical Evidence Strategy: Develop and refine clinical evidence generation strategies for an early-stage technology platform, including identifying key clinical endpoints, target patient populations, and study design considerations.
Literature Review & Outcomes Research: Conduct targeted literature reviews and clinical outcomes research to benchmark the technology against standard of care, identify evidence gaps, and support clinical trial planning activities.
Scientific De-Risking: Collaborate with translational science teams to identify, prioritize, and de-risk key scientific and clinical risks for the technology under development; contribute to de-risking plans, experimental design, and milestone definitions.
Product Development: Partner with cross-functional teams, including engineering, medical affairs, and product management, to support early project de-risking activities, align clinical requirements with technical feasibility, and contribute to risk mitigation plans.
Product Strategy & Market Opportunity Evaluation: Evaluate expansion market opportunities by analyzing disease-state epidemiology, procedure volumes, competitive landscapes, and unmet clinical needs for adjacent or new clinical applications. Translate clinical insights into product and market requirements, contributing to upstream product strategy, clinical value propositions, and market positioning. Potential participation in clinical observations, physician interviews, or voice-of-customer sessions.
Communication & Deliverables: Summarize findings in clear visualizations, written deliverables, and presentations; deliver a final presentation to leadership and cross-functional partners.

Requirements

Demonstrated ability to critically evaluate clinical literature and synthesize findings into actionable strategic insights
Experience with clinical study design concepts or clinical trial planning
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to develop and test clinical hypotheses
Experience or training in needs-based innovation, clinical immersion, or translational research (e.g., Biodesign, clinical fellowships, or equivalent)
Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate complex clinical and scientific concepts for diverse audiences including engineering and business teams
Comfortable working on defined deliverables under the guidance of senior team members, with the independence to drive them to completion within the internship period
Intellectual curiosity and comfort with ambiguity
Must be currently enrolled in and returning to an accredited degree-seeking academic program after the internship
Must be available to work full-time (approximately 40 hours per week) during a 10-12 week period starting May or June
Current enrollment in a Medicine (MD), Bioengineering, Biomedical Sciences, or related degree-seeking program at the Doctorate (MD or PhD) level
Master's level students with specific relevant experience in clinical research, Biodesign / needs-based innovation training, or medical device product development may also be considered

Benefits

Housing Allowance
Medical, Dental & Vision
401(k) Matching

Company overview

Intuitive Surgical, Inc., commonly known as Intuitive, is a global technology leader in minimally invasive care and the pioneer of robotic-assisted surgery. Founded in 1995 and headquartered in Sunnyvale, California, the company has revolutionized surgical procedures through its flagship da Vinci Surgical System and Ion endoluminal system. As a publicly traded company on NASDAQ (ISRG), Intuitive has established itself as the dominant player in robotic surgery, with over 15,000 employees worldwide and an installed base of thousands of surgical systems across more than 60 countries. The company's innovative platforms enable surgeons to perform complex procedures with enhanced precision, flexibility, and control through minimally invasive techniques. Intuitive's technology portfolio includes advanced vision systems, wristed instruments, and intelligent software that work together to optimize surgical outcomes. The company continues to expand its product offerings and geographic presence while maintaining a strong focus on clinical evidence, physician training, and patient safety. With annual revenues exceeding $8 billion, Intuitive represents a transformative force in modern healthcare, driving the adoption of robotic-assisted procedures across multiple surgical specialties including urology, gynecology, general surgery, and thoracic surgery.