Job Description

Research Intern Position

A Research Intern position is available in Dr. Ronald DePinho laboratory in the Department of Cancer Biology. Our research program focuses on understanding how chromosomal instability (CIN) shapes tumor-immune interactions in colorectal cancer. Using a combination of patient-derived models, genetically engineered mouse models, and molecular and cellular assays, the lab investigates how genomic instability influences tumor progression and immune modulation, with the goal of identifying novel translational vulnerabilities. The research intern will gain hands-on experience in fundamental and advanced experimental techniques commonly used in cancer biology and tumor immunology. The intern will also be exposed to in vitro immunology assays and mouse-based experimental workflows, as well as best practices in experimental design, data analysis, and documentation within a translational cancer research environment. The role will also involve supporting mouse-based experiments, including tissue processing and sample collection. All duties and responsibilities are carried out in compliance with institutional policies, ethical research standards, and applicable federal and state regulations.

Learning objectives include developing proficiency in the establishment, maintenance, freezing, and recovery of tumor organoid cultures; nucleic acid extraction and quantitative PCR; genotyping of mouse and organoid samples; protein analysis techniques including western blotting; and basic molecular biology methods. In addition, the intern will be expected to maintain accurate experimental records, contribute to data analysis and interpretation, and actively participate in lab meetings and collaborative discussions related to ongoing projects.

Eligibility requirements: Applicant must hold a bachelor's or master's degree. Degree must have been obtained recently (within one year). Applicant must have 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 in a clinical position, postdoctoral fellowship, or faculty position do not qualify. Research Interns cannot change titles to another trainee title upon completion. Exception applies if the trainee enrolls in a degree-seeking program.

Position information: 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. 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 and therefore may require routine reviews and screening. The ability to satisfy and maintain all requirements necessary to ensure the continued security and integrity of such infrastructure is a condition of hire and continued employment. It is the policy of The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center to provide equal employment opportunity without regard to 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 institutional policy or by federal, state or local laws unless such distinction is required by law.

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