Research Intern

Job Description

About Company

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The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center is the direct employer offering this Research Intern position. It is a world-renowned institution dedicated to cancer patient care, research, education, and prevention. Its policies emphasize equal employment opportunity without discrimination based on race, color, religion, age, national origin, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other basis protected by law.

Job Description: Research Intern (Dr. Ronald DePinho laboratory, Department of Cancer Biology)

A Research Intern position is available in Dr. Ronald DePinho’s laboratory within the Department of Cancer Biology at MD Anderson Cancer Center.

Role and Responsibilities:
The Research Intern will be involved in a research program focused on understanding how chromosomal instability (CIN) influences tumor-immune interactions in colorectal cancer. The intern will gain hands-on experience in both fundamental and advanced experimental techniques commonly used in cancer biology and tumor immunology. Specific responsibilities include:
• Supporting mouse-based experiments, including tissue processing and sample collection.
• Conducting in vitro immunology assays.
• Assisting with mouse-based experimental workflows.
• Maintaining accurate experimental records.
• Contributing to data analysis and interpretation.
• Actively participating in lab meetings and collaborative discussions related to ongoing projects.
• Carrying out all duties in compliance with institutional policies, ethical research standards, and applicable federal and state regulations.

Research Focus of the Lab:
Dr. Ronald DePinho’s research program investigates how chromosomal instability (CIN) shapes tumor-immune interactions in colorectal cancer. The lab utilizes a combination of patient-derived models, genetically engineered mouse models, and molecular and cellular assays to explore how genomic instability influences tumor progression and immune modulation. The ultimate goal is to identify novel translational vulnerabilities in cancer.

Learning Objectives:
The intern will have the opportunity to develop proficiency in several key areas and techniques, including:
• Establishment, maintenance, freezing, and recovery of tumor organoid cultures.
• Nucleic acid extraction and quantitative PCR (qPCR).
• Genotyping of mouse and organoid samples.
• Protein analysis techniques, specifically Western blotting.
• Basic molecular biology methods.
• Best practices in experimental design, data analysis, and documentation within a translational cancer research environment.

Eligibility Requirements:
• Applicant must hold a bachelor’s or master’s degree.
• The degree must have been obtained recently (within one year).
• Applicant must possess previous research experience.
• Applicants who hold a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree (e.g., M.D., D.V.M., M.B.B.S.) are not eligible.
• Applicants associated with a home institution do not qualify.
• Applicants currently in a clinical position, postdoctoral fellowship, or faculty position do not qualify.
• Research Interns cannot change titles to another trainee title upon completion, with an exception if the trainee enrolls in a degree-seeking program.

Position Information:
• Work Arrangements: Offsite work arrangements are subject to approval and may be modified or revoked at any time based on business needs, performance considerations, or regulatory requirements.
• Security and Integrity: This position may be responsible for maintaining the security and integrity of critical infrastructure (as defined in Section 113.001(2) of the Texas Business and Commerce Code). Therefore, it may require routine reviews and screening. The ability to satisfy and maintain all requirements necessary for continued security and integrity is a condition of hire and continued employment.