AO Research Institute Davos veterinary internships
Apply coursework learning to a real-life setting in preclinical orthopedic research within the AO Research Institute Davos (ARI)
This experience allows veterinary students to apply coursework learning to a real-life setting in preclinical orthopedic research within the AO Research Institute Davos (ARI). Students are trained under the supervision of highly skilled and dedicated veterinarians, including ECLAM and ECVS diplomates, scientists and technical staff, whose combined knowledge and experience are utilized to develop models, plan experiments, conduct studies, correlate data, and prepare study reports.
It is a chance to observe, ask questions, and gain hands-on experience in a highly-developed academic research environment. An externship can lead to opportunities after the completion of studies and provides a source of networking contacts for a later professional career.
Participation and insight
- Examination of patients before and after surgical interventions
- Anesthesia of different species
- Assistance in surgical procedures
- Postoperative surveillance and wound management
- Digital radiography and CT imaging
- Necropsy
- Ethical and welfare aspects of preclinical research
- State-of-the-art husbandry and housing of research herds
- Project management in preclinical research
If the applicant is interested, insight into other research areas in AO Research Institute Davos (histology, biomechanical testing, regenerative medicine, and musculoskeletal infection) could be possible.
Application
Please send your completed application package including CV, references (optional), and university transcripts to the address provided below.
Skills and qualifications
Strong interest in one or more of the following: surgery, anesthesia, medicine laboratory, imaging, and orthopedic research
Self-motivated and proactive team player with flexible attitude to constantly shifting work priorities
Final year veterinary students will be given preference
Fluency in German or English
Duration
Externships run for eight to twelve weeks, or longer if that can be justified in the application.
Eligible countries
Only applicants from EU-25 or EFTA member states can apply for these positions.
Contact
General enquiries
AO Research Institute Davos fellowships
What AO Research Institute Davos fellows have to say
“The AO Research Institute Davos fellowship helped me better organize my work, enhance my communication skills, and expand my vision or approach.”
Dr Junxuan Ma, AO Research Institute Davos, Switzerland
AO Research Institute Davos veterinary internships
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2025
Milena Benz
Switzerland
University Animal Hospital Zürich
My name is Milena Benz, and I am a final-year veterinary student at the University of Zurich with a strong focus on small animal surgery and emergency medicine. I am currently writing my master's thesis on small animal orthopedics and have completed extensive clinical training at the Tierspital Zürich. I am particularly motivated by the opportunity to bridge clinical practice and research, as I believe that translational approaches are essential to advancing evidence-based veterinary medicine. The AO Veterinary Externship at the Preclinical Services unit in Davos offers an ideal setting to further develop these interests. I am eager to contribute actively to animal-based research, assist in surgery, and support animal welfare.
Klemens Driver
Germany
Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences
I am a 26-year-old student of Veterinary Medicine. Originally from Germany, right now I am about to start my 5th year of studies at the Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences in Poland. Having already gained insights in the world of research in my biology bachelor's degree, I am excited to now incorporate and broaden that knowledge in my time at the ARI. With AO courses being known all around the world, I think that this is a great place and opportunity to learn about the role of veterinarians in preclinical research and how the outcomes of that can also be used for advancing human medicine
Arina Polujanenkova
Estonia
Estonian University of Life Sciences
I am a veterinary medicine student from Estonian University of Life Sciences (Estonia). I spent 8 weeks in the Preclinical Facility of ARI Davos after my 4th year of studies due to personal interest in getting experience in the field of research. This opportunity gave an excellent overview on the impressive work conducted in PCF on a daily basis as well as precious experience in handling animal species used for research here, including species-specific features of anesthesia, welfare and post-operative care. Working in this team was an absolute pleasure and an important point of my personal growth