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Research Intern
Description
Research Intern – Urologic Oncology (Toro Health Pathways Program)
About the Program
Toro Health Pathways (THP) is a nine-month postbaccalaureate internship program created through a collaboration between the Cedars-Sinai Cancer Research Center for Health Equity (CRTEC) and California State University, Dominguez Hills (CSUDH). The program provides recent CSUDH graduates with an immersive, hands-on research experience in cancer and related health sciences, helping prepare participants for graduate education and research careers.
Position Summary
The Research Intern will join a urologic oncology research team focused on advancing the understanding of prostate cancer through epidemiologic and translational research. Working alongside experienced investigators and research professionals, the intern will gain exposure to molecular characterization of prostate cancer, transcriptomic research, biomarker evaluation, scientific literature review, and collaborative cancer research.
This position is designed for individuals interested in cancer biology, translational medicine, epidemiology, and academic research who are seeking meaningful research experience prior to graduate or professional school.
Key Responsibilities
- Participate in research team orientation and onboarding activities.
- Collaborate with the research team to understand study objectives, research workflows, and project requirements.
- Conduct comprehensive literature reviews using systematic search methodologies.
- Critically evaluate scientific literature related to prostate cancer, molecular subtypes, transcriptomics, and biomarkers.
- Observe and support research activities involving transcriptomic data analysis and biomarker evaluation.
- Assist with data organization, interpretation of molecular findings, and research documentation.
- Attend weekly one-on-one mentorship meetings and research team meetings.
- Contribute literature updates and research progress during team discussions.
- Develop and present a scientific research poster at the Toro Health Pathways Poster Session.
Learning Objectives
Throughout the internship, participants will:
- Gain experience in translational and epidemiologic cancer research.
- Develop an understanding of molecular profiling approaches in prostate cancer.
- Learn how molecular findings inform clinical decision-making and treatment strategies.
- Build skills in research planning, literature review, data interpretation, and scientific communication.
- Experience multidisciplinary collaboration between laboratory and clinical researchers.
- Strengthen scientific writing and presentation skills.
- Build professional networks through mentorship, seminars, and peer engagement.
- Develop introductory programming skills using R and Python.
Training & Professional Development
Interns will receive structured training in:
- Systematic literature search methodology
- Scientific database searching
- Critical appraisal of oncology literature
- Prostate cancer molecular biology and transcriptomics
- Biomarker development and evaluation
- Cancer epidemiology principles
- Research data organization and interpretation
- Scientific writing and communication
- Research ethics and collaborative research practices
Additional opportunities include:
- Shadowing research team members during transcriptomic data analysis.
- Participating in discussions connecting molecular findings with clinical outcomes.
- Contributing to literature synthesis supporting ongoing research projects.
- Presenting research findings through a scientific poster.
Internship Timeline
Months 1–2
- Orientation to the research environment
- Introduction to ongoing prostate cancer research projects
- Literature search and critical appraisal training
- Research planning and team integration
Months 2–7
- Observation of transcriptomic data analysis
- Biomarker evaluation activities
- Guided data organization and interpretation
- Weekly mentorship and research team meetings
Months 8–9
- Scientific poster development
- Presentation preparation
- Poster presentation at the Toro Health Pathways Poster Session
Systems & Research Tools
Interns will gain experience using:
- Microsoft 365
- REDCap
- Deep6
- CS-IRB
Ideal Candidate
Successful candidates will demonstrate:
- Recent bachelor's degree in a health-related or life sciences discipline (program eligibility requirements apply)
- Interest in cancer research, translational medicine, or epidemiology
- Strong analytical and critical thinking skills
- Excellent written and verbal communication abilities
- Ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary research team
- Curiosity, attention to detail, and willingness to learn new research methodologies
- Interest in developing computational skills, including R and Python
What You'll Gain
- Immersive experience in an academic cancer research environment
- One-on-one mentorship from experienced cancer researchers
- Exposure to translational oncology and molecular research
- Training in research methodologies and scientific communication
- Professional networking opportunities with researchers and peers
- Experience presenting research findings in a scientific setting
- Strong preparation for graduate, medical, or research-focused careers
Qualifications
Required Education & Experience
- Must be 18 years of age or older.
- Must have a HS Diploma or GED.
- Must reside in the greater Los Angeles area or surrounding cities while conducting all activities related to the intern or visitor appointment.
- INTERNS: Those participating for academic credit must receive academic credit for the duration of the internship.
- VISITORS: Must be receiving funding from an eligible sponsoring institution (employer, educator, funder, etc.).
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Diversity and Inclusion at Cedars-Sinai
We are caretakers and innovators committed to the pursuit of equitable healthcare. But health equity is not possible without representation. Our commitment to diversity goes beyond demographics or checking boxes. Our people must reflect the diverse identities, experiences and geographies of the communities and patients we serve – because that’s what our patients, colleagues and communities deserve Quality Care and Research—For All, By All.
Our compensation philosophy
We offer a competitive compensation package for our employees. The base pay range shown generally applies to the greater Los Angeles area and may vary based on work location. Our range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions, including knowledge/skills: relevant experience and training, education/certifications/licensure; and other business and organizational factors. The base pay range does not include any incentive payments that may be applicable to a role. Pay Transparency Non-Discrimination Provision (PDF) .
Cedars-Sinai is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.
Cedars-Sinai does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of the race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, ancestry, physical or mental disability, legally protected medical condition (cancer-related or genetic characteristics or any genetic information), marital status, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, age (40 or older), military and/or veteran status or any other basis protected by federal or state law. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please contact us by email at Applicant_Accommodation@cshs.org and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Requests for accommodation will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Please note that only inquiries concerning a request for reasonable accommodation will be responded to from this email address.
Cedars-Sinai will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories, in accordance with the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring.
At Cedars-Sinai, we are dedicated to the safety, health and wellbeing of our patients and employees. This includes protecting our patients from communicable diseases, such as influenza (flu). For this reason, we require that all new employees receive a flu vaccine based on the seasonal availability of flu vaccine (typically during September through April each year) as a condition of employment, and annually thereafter as a condition of continued employment, subject to medical exemption or religious accommodation. For the same reason, you may also be required to receive other vaccines as a condition of employment. Cedars-Sinai reserves the right to make modifications to its required list of vaccines as required by law and/or policy.
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