UX Design Intern - Fall 2026

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UX Design Intern - Fall 2026

Company: Medpace, Inc.

Location: Cincinnati, Ohio, United States

Job Type: Intern

Category: User Experience (UX) Design Operations / Software Development

Date Posted: July 30, 2026

Experience Level: 0-2 Years (Internship)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This internship focuses on hands-on User Experience (UX) design within Medpace's software innovation and design team, contributing to the modernization of internally built software tools used in clinical research.

• The role involves creating user flows, wireframes, prototypes, and high-fidelity mockups, translating complex workflows and regulatory requirements into intuitive user interfaces (UIs).

• Candidates will gain experience in Agile/Lean UX methodologies and participate in the strategic planning and design phases of software projects.

• The position offers an opportunity to apply and develop skills in design tools, user research, and cross-functional collaboration within the dynamic clinical research industry.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is an internship, primarily targeting students pursuing design-related degrees. The focus on "software innovation and design team" and "modernizing internally built software tools" suggests a need for individuals who can contribute fresh perspectives while understanding the constraints and requirements of clinical research software. The emphasis on translating "complex workflows and regulatory requirements" highlights the importance of clear, efficient, and compliant design.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Iterative Design Creation: Quickly and iteratively create user flows, wireframes, prototypes, and high-fidelity mockups. Develop detailed and scalable visual design specifications for both web and mobile interfaces throughout the design lifecycle.

• Agile/Lean UX Integration: Demonstrate a solid understanding of and actively participate in Agile and Lean UX methodologies, contributing to a collaborative and adaptive design process.

• Design Research & Analysis: Participate in research and evaluation of emerging design trends, new technologies, and market shifts to inform design decisions and identify opportunities for innovation.

• Strategic Design Planning: Contribute to the design planning and strategic phases of projects. Proactively propose new Customer Experience (CX) ideas, supported by strong, well-articulated rationale and user-centric principles.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with a cross-functional team to gather data and insights, driving the best possible UX outcomes and shaping the overall user experience strategy for internal software tools.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a project-based, iterative approach common in modern software development environments. The mention of "scalable visual design specifications" indicates a need for design thinking that considers future growth and maintainability. The requirement to "pitch new CX ideas backed by strong, well-articulated rationale" suggests that interns are expected to contribute thoughtfully and justify their design choices with data and logical reasoning, not just aesthetic preferences.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Pursuing a Bachelor's degree or higher in Visual/Communication Design, Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Industrial Design, or a closely related field.

Experience: Previous experience in defining, developing, and documenting UX design and interaction requirements. A portfolio demonstrating user experience activities, processes, and deliverables is essential.

Required Skills:

• UX Design Fundamentals: Proficiency in creating user flows, wireframes, prototypes, and high-fidelity mockups.

• Design Tools Proficiency: Demonstrated experience using industry-standard design tools such as Figma or Adobe Creative Cloud (CC).

• Agile/Lean UX Understanding: Familiarity with Agile and Lean UX methodologies.

• Communication & Presentation: Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with a strong ability to present design concepts and rationale effectively.

• Strategic Problem-Solving: Demonstrated experience in using strategic thinking to solve complex user experience problems.

• Portfolio: A comprehensive portfolio showcasing UX design processes, deliverables, and successful project outcomes.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with web and mobile interface design.

• Familiarity with user research methodologies and their application in design.

• Understanding of clinical research processes or healthcare technology (a plus).

• Ability to translate complex regulatory requirements into intuitive UI designs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on an "exceptional communication and presentation skills" combined with the need for a "Portfolio demonstrating user experience activities, processes, and deliverables" strongly suggests that candidates will be evaluated not only on their design output but also on their ability to articulate their design process and defend their decisions. The "0-2 years" experience level for an intern implies that practical application through academic projects or personal work, as showcased in the portfolio, is highly valued.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Process Documentation: The portfolio must clearly illustrate the candidate's design process, from initial concept and research through to final design deliverables. This includes showing how problems were defined, user needs were uncovered, and design solutions were iterated upon.

• Deliverable Showcase: Include a range of UX deliverables such as user journey maps, personas, wireframes, interactive prototypes, and high-fidelity visual designs.

• Problem/Solution Framing: For each project, clearly articulate the problem statement, the user needs addressed, the strategic considerations, and the final solution, highlighting the impact of the design.

• Tool Proficiency Demonstration: Showcase work created using tools like Figma or Adobe CC, demonstrating proficiency in their advanced features and workflows relevant to UI/UX design.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Demonstrate how you approach understanding existing workflows and how you design new, more efficient, and user-friendly workflows.

• User Research Integration: Show how user research findings were collected, analyzed, and integrated into the design process to inform decisions and validate concepts.

• Iterative Design & Feedback: Illustrate how you incorporated feedback from stakeholders or users to refine designs through multiple iterations.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an intern position, the portfolio is critical for demonstrating potential and understanding of UX principles. The emphasis here is on the process – how the candidate thinks and works through design challenges – rather than just the final visual output. This aligns with the responsibility of participating in "design planning and strategic phases."

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: As this is an internship position, compensation will be structured as a competitive hourly wage. Based on industry standards for UX Design Internships in Cincinnati, Ohio, and considering the 40-hour work week, an estimated range would be $18 - $25 per hour. This range is an estimation and may vary based on the candidate's specific qualifications, academic standing, and the company's internal compensation structure for interns.

Benefits:

• Competitive Compensation: Hourly wage commensurate with internship level and local market rates.

• Health, Wellness, Retirement, and PTO Benefits: While specific details for interns may vary, Medpace generally offers comprehensive benefits packages to its employees, often including access to health and wellness programs.

• On-site Fitness Facilities: Access to state-of-the-art 24-7 fitness and wellness facilities at the Cincinnati headquarters.

• On-site Dining Options: Multiple convenient on-site dining options available within the corporate campus.

• Free On-site Parking: Complimentary parking for employees at the Cincinnati headquarters.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for continuous learning and mentorship through the company's onboarding and training programs.

• Collaborative Work Environment: Exposure to a dynamic and supportive team culture that encourages learning and growth.

Working Hours: Full-time commitment of 40 hours per week. The specific daily schedule will be determined by the team and manager, but typically aligns with standard business hours to facilitate collaboration with the on-site team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on general knowledge of intern compensation for design roles in major US cities and the specific location of Cincinnati. Medpace's benefits listed for full-time employees provide context for the overall employee value proposition, with specific intern benefits likely tailored to their temporary role. The 40-hour work week is standard for full-time internships.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Medpace operates as a full-service clinical contract research organization (CRO) within the biotechnology, pharmaceutical, and medical device industries. This context means the software developed supports critical processes in bringing new medical treatments to market, involving complex regulatory frameworks and high stakes for patient safety and efficacy.

Company Size: Medpace employs over 6,500 people across 40+ countries, indicating a large, established organization with a global reach. This scale suggests opportunities for exposure to diverse projects and sophisticated operational structures.

Founded: Medpace was founded with a mission to accelerate the global development of safe and effective medical therapeutics. This core mission likely permeates the company culture, emphasizing scientific excellence, patient outcomes, and a commitment to rigorous clinical research.

Team Structure:

• Software Innovation & Design Team: The intern will join this specialized team responsible for the internal software tools. This suggests a focused group dedicated to improving the technology that underpins Medpace's core services.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: The role explicitly mentions working with a "cross-functional team," implying collaboration with individuals from clinical operations, regulatory affairs, IT, and potentially other business units who are end-users or stakeholders of the software.

• Reporting to Mentors: The "office based environment with on-site mentors" indicates a structured support system designed to guide interns and junior team members, fostering learning and development within the team hierarchy.

Methodology:

• Agile/Lean UX: The team likely employs agile development methodologies, emphasizing iterative design, continuous feedback, and rapid adaptation to changing requirements. Lean UX principles focus on minimizing waste and maximizing learning.

• Data-Driven Insights: The role requires collecting data and insights to drive UX strategy, indicating a commitment to evidence-based design decisions.

• Process Modernization: A key objective is modernizing internally built software tools, suggesting a focus on efficiency, user-friendliness, and leveraging current design and technology best practices.

Company Website: https://careers.medpace.com

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's focus on clinical research means that user experience design must balance innovation with strict adherence to regulatory compliance and data integrity. The culture is likely driven by a strong sense of purpose and a commitment to scientific rigor. The "Software Innovation and Design Team" is crucial for Medpace to maintain its competitive edge by providing efficient and effective tools for its global operations.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is an entry-level internship role (0-2 years experience) specifically within the User Experience (UX) Design discipline, which is integral to the operational efficiency of Medpace's software development. It's a foundational step for individuals aspiring to careers in UX/UI design, product design, or digital product management within the healthcare/biotech sector.

Reporting Structure: The intern will report to a manager or lead within the Software Innovation and Design Team and will be supported by on-site mentors. This structure is designed for active guidance and development, allowing for direct feedback and learning opportunities.

Operations Impact: While an intern's direct impact is developmental, the designs created will contribute to modernizing software tools that are critical for Medpace's operational efficiency in clinical research. By improving UI/UX, the intern can indirectly enhance data collection accuracy, reduce user error, and streamline complex processes, ultimately supporting the company's mission to accelerate therapeutic development.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Development in UX/UI: Gain practical experience with industry-standard design tools (Figma, Adobe CC), UX methodologies (Agile, Lean UX), and the end-to-end design process for web and mobile applications.

• Industry Exposure: Learn about the unique design challenges and regulatory considerations within the clinical research (CRO) industry, which can open doors to specialized roles in health tech.

• Portfolio Enhancement: Develop tangible projects and case studies for a professional portfolio, demonstrating real-world application of design skills to complex problems.

• Networking & Mentorship: Build professional relationships with experienced designers, developers, and other professionals within a global organization, benefiting from on-site mentorship.

• Potential for Future Opportunities: Successful interns may be considered for future roles or extended internships based on performance and business needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The internship is positioned as a stepping stone, emphasizing learning and development. The "Operations Impact" section highlights how even an intern's work contributes to the broader operational goals of Medpace by improving the tools used daily. The growth opportunities are framed around skill acquisition, industry knowledge, and professional networking, which are key for interns.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in Medpace's Cincinnati, Ohio headquarters, described as a "modern corporate campus designed to support collaboration and productivity." This suggests a professional, well-equipped office setting conducive to focused work and team interaction.

Office Location(s): The primary location is 5375 Medpace Way, Cincinnati, OH 45227. The headquarters offers amenities like multiple on-site dining options, free on-site parking, and convenient access to on-site 24-7 fitness and wellness facilities, enhancing the daily work experience.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The modern campus design and emphasis on cross-functional collaboration indicate that the workspace is set up to encourage interaction, brainstorming, and knowledge sharing among team members.

• Operations Tools and Technology: Interns will have access to industry-standard design software (Figma, Adobe CC) and the necessary IT infrastructure to perform their duties. The team's focus on modernizing software implies a commitment to providing up-to-date technological resources.

• Team Interaction: The on-site nature of the internship facilitates direct interaction with mentors, team leads, and colleagues, fostering a strong sense of team cohesion and facilitating real-time feedback and learning.

Work Schedule: The internship requires a full-time commitment of 40 hours per week. While specific daily hours will be managed by the team, the expectation is to be present and engaged during core business hours to maximize collaboration and learning opportunities within the on-site team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The description of the Cincinnati headquarters emphasizes amenities and a supportive environment, suggesting Medpace invests in its employee experience. The "modern corporate campus" and focus on collaboration imply a dynamic, professional workspace designed for efficiency and team synergy. The on-site requirement is key for the mentorship and collaborative aspects of the internship.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Application Submission: Candidates must submit their application through the provided link.

• Initial Review: The

Medpace team will review applications to identify candidates whose profiles match the internship requirements.

• Interview Stage(s): Selected candidates will be contacted for an interview. This may involve one or more rounds, potentially including:

  • A screening call with HR or a recruiter to assess basic qualifications and cultural fit.
  • A technical interview with the hiring manager or design lead, focusing on UX principles, problem-solving abilities, and design process.
  • A portfolio review session where candidates present their work and discuss their design methodology.
  • Potential for a small design exercise or case study discussion.

• Final Evaluation: Assessment will be based on skills, experience, portfolio quality, communication abilities, and overall fit with the team and company culture.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Select Projects: Choose 3-5 of your strongest projects that best showcase your UX design skills, problem-solving approach, and versatility across different design challenges.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your role, the process you followed (research, ideation, design, testing), the challenges you faced, and the outcomes or learnings. Use visuals effectively to illustrate your points.

• Highlight Process: Emphasize your design thinking and methodology. Show how you translated user needs and business requirements into design solutions. This is crucial for demonstrating your potential as a designer.

• Demonstrate Tool Proficiency: Be ready to discuss how you used tools like Figma or Adobe CC to achieve specific design outcomes.

• Prepare for Questions: Anticipate questions about your design choices, how you handle feedback, your understanding of Agile/Lean UX, and your career aspirations in UX design.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Context: If a design exercise is provided, take time to understand Medpace's business (clinical research CRO) and the potential users of their internal software.

• Focus on Process: For any exercise, prioritize demonstrating your thought process and problem-solving skills over delivering a perfectly polished final output under time constraints.

• Communicate Your Thinking: Clearly articulate your assumptions, design decisions, and rationale, even if you cannot complete the entire exercise.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a portfolio and the interview process suggests that Medpace values candidates who can not only design but also articulate their design process and rationale. For an intern, demonstrating potential and a strong foundation in UX principles is key. The "What to Expect Next" section in the raw description indicates that not all applicants will be contacted, so a strong initial application and portfolio are vital.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: Likely the primary tool for wireframing, prototyping, and high-fidelity visual design, given its industry prevalence for collaborative design. Candidates should be comfortable with its features for component creation, auto layout, and prototyping.

• Adobe Creative Cloud (CC): This suite may include tools like Adobe XD (for UI/UX design), Photoshop, and Illustrator, which can be used for asset creation, image editing, and detailed visual design work. Proficiency in at least one of these is expected.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly stated for the intern, the team likely uses analytics tools to track user behavior within their software. Exposure to or understanding of how design decisions are informed by data is beneficial. Concepts like user analytics and A/B testing might be part of the broader team's workflow. CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to the UX design intern role, as their focus is on the front-end user experience. However, understanding that the software they design for likely integrates with or supports CRM functionalities and automated workflows within Medpace is advantageous context.

📝 Enhancement Note: The specific mention of Figma and Adobe CC in the requirements strongly indicates these are the core tools for the role. Interns are expected to have foundational skills in these platforms. While advanced analytics or CRM knowledge isn't required, an awareness of how UX impacts these systems is a plus.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Purpose-Driven: Medpace's core mission to accelerate medical therapeutics likely instills a deep sense of purpose. This translates to valuing work that has a tangible impact on improving patient outcomes and advancing scientific research.

• Scientific Excellence: Given the industry, there's a strong emphasis on rigor, accuracy, and adherence to best practices in all aspects of work, including software design that supports clinical trials.

• Continuous Learning: The company culture promotes ongoing development, encouraging employees to stay updated with industry trends, new technologies, and best practices in their respective fields.

• Collaboration & Trust: Medpace fosters an interactive team environment built on open communication, mutual trust, and empowering decision-making, encouraging creative thinking and shared problem-solving.

• Efficiency & Innovation: The focus on modernizing internal software tools highlights a drive for efficiency and innovation in how work is done, aiming to streamline complex processes.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: The team operates within a broader context of cross-functional collaboration, meaning designers must work effectively with stakeholders from various departments (e.g., clinical operations, regulatory, IT) to ensure designs meet diverse needs.

• Feedback Exchange: An open culture that encourages feedback exchange is implied, allowing for constructive criticism and iterative improvement of designs.

• Knowledge Sharing: The emphasis on continuous learning and an interactive environment suggests practices that promote knowledge sharing among team members, fostering collective growth and problem-solving.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture is likely a blend of corporate professionalism and a mission-driven ethos. For a UX intern, understanding and aligning with these values—particularly purpose-driven work, collaboration, and continuous learning—will be important for integration and success.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Translating Complex Requirements: A significant challenge will be translating intricate clinical research workflows and strict regulatory requirements into simple, intuitive, and compliant user interfaces.

• Balancing Innovation with Constraints: The need to modernize existing systems while adhering to established processes and regulatory guidelines presents a challenge in balancing creative design with practical limitations.

• Cross-Functional Stakeholder Management: Effectively gathering input and managing expectations from diverse stakeholders with varying technical backgrounds and priorities can be complex.

• Rapid Skill Development: As an intern, rapidly acquiring new skills and adapting to Medpace's specific tools, processes, and industry nuances will be a key challenge.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• UX/UI Skill Specialization: Deepen understanding and practical application of wireframing, prototyping, user flows, visual design, and interaction design principles.

• Industry-Specific Design: Gain invaluable experience in designing for the highly regulated healthcare and clinical research sector, a niche with high demand.

• Agile/Lean UX Practice: Experience first-hand how these methodologies are implemented in a corporate setting for software development.

• Mentorship and Guidance: Benefit from structured mentorship from experienced design professionals within Medpace, providing personalized feedback and career advice.

• Portfolio Building: Develop robust case studies and design deliverables that can significantly enhance a professional portfolio for future career opportunities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are framed around the specific context of clinical research software design. The growth opportunities are geared towards providing practical, industry-relevant experience that is highly valuable for an aspiring UX designer.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Design Process Explanation: "Walk us through a project from your portfolio. What was the problem, what was your role, what was your process, what were the key decisions you made, and what was the outcome?" (Prepare to detail your methodology, research, iterations, and rationale.)

• Problem-Solving Approach: "Describe a complex design problem you encountered and how you approached solving it. What were the trade-offs you considered?" (Focus on your analytical skills and ability to navigate constraints.)

• Agile/Lean UX Application: "How have you applied Agile or Lean UX principles in your academic or personal projects? What are the benefits and drawbacks?" (Show understanding of iterative development and user feedback.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• Motivation for Medpace: "Why are you interested in Medpace and this specific internship? What do you know about clinical research organizations?" (Research Medpace's mission and the CRO industry.)

• Collaboration Style: "How do you prefer to collaborate with others on a project? How do you handle constructive criticism?" (Highlight your teamwork and receptiveness to feedback.)

• Impact of Design: "How do you think UX design impacts the efficiency and success of software used in clinical research?" (Connect your design skills to Medpace's operational goals.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Presentation: For each project, follow a clear narrative: Problem/Opportunity -> Your Role & Process -> Key Design Decisions & Rationale -> Challenges & Solutions -> Outcome & Learnings.

• Show, Don't Just Tell: Use visuals (wireframes, mockups, prototypes) to illustrate your points. Annotate key design elements and explain their purpose.

• Focus on "Why": Be prepared to explain the reasoning behind your design choices. Why did you choose a particular layout, interaction pattern, or visual style?

• Be Concise and Engaging: Practice your presentation to fit within the allotted time, keeping your audience engaged and focused on your key contributions and insights.

• Prepare for Q&A: Anticipate questions about your design choices, challenges, and potential alternative solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not just design skills but also problem-solving capabilities, understanding of the design process, and cultural fit. For an intern, articulating potential and a willingness to learn is as important as demonstrated skill.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this UX Design Intern position at Medpace:

• Submit your application through the careers portal at https://careers.medpace.com.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to highlight projects that demonstrate your skills in user flows, wireframing, prototyping, and visual design, particularly any work involving complex data or workflows. Ensure it clearly shows your design process and problem-solving approach.

• Resume Optimization: Update your resume to clearly state your academic pursuit (e.g., "Pursuing Bachelor of Science in Human-Computer Interaction") and any relevant coursework or projects. Quantify achievements where possible (e.g., "Designed app interface resulting in a 15% improvement in user task completion in a class project").

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, rationale, and problem-solving skills. Be ready to present 2-3 key projects from your portfolio and discuss your experience with Figma or Adobe CC. Research Medpace and the clinical research industry.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Medpace's mission, services, and values. Understand the role of a CRO and the importance of software in clinical research to better align your responses with the company's objectives and culture.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.