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Job Description

An academic medical oncology research program is seeking a Visiting Scholar to join a translational oncology laboratory focused on breast cancer genomics and precision medicine. The laboratory specializes in advanced genomic profiling of breast cancer, with expertise in single-cell proteomics, multi-omics integration, and translational cancer research.

This position offers a collaborative educational environment designed to provide advanced training in cancer genomics, bioinformatics, translational oncology research methodologies, and clinical research collaboration. The Visiting Scholar will work closely with physician-scientists, computational biology collaborators, and multidisciplinary research teams to investigate tumor heterogeneity, treatment resistance, and biomarker discovery in breast cancer.

The program actively participates in multi-institutional clinical trials and maintains strong collaborations with computational biology and bioinformatics core facilities. The Visiting Scholar will also have opportunities to engage in academic mentorship, scientific presentations, and manuscript development.

Key Responsibilities Technical & Research Training

• Gain hands-on experience in cancer genomics methodologies and translational oncology research workflows.
• Learn next-generation sequencing (NGS) data analysis techniques and single-cell genomics applications.
• Receive training in bioinformatics pipelines and genomic data interpretation within a clinical oncology context.
• Develop skills in experimental design, translational research methodology, and biostatistical analysis of genomic datasets.

Research Activities

• Analyze genomic datasets from breast cancer patients, including studies focused on acquired treatment resistance.
• Apply computational approaches to identify resistance-associated molecular alterations and biomarkers.
• Conduct analyses evaluating tumor microenvironment changes associated with treatment response and resistance.
• Collaborate with biostatistics and computational research teams on genomic and survival analyses.
• Contribute to manuscript preparation, scientific presentations, and collaborative research initiatives.

Academic Collaboration

• Participate in weekly laboratory meetings, research-in-progress discussions, seminars, and cancer center grand rounds.
• Contribute to the development of future international collaborative research projects and grant opportunities.
• Engage with multidisciplinary clinical and research teams in a highly collaborative academic environment.

Training Timeline Months 1–3: Orientation & Foundational Training

• Complete institutional research training requirements.
• Participate in laboratory and research meetings.
• Receive training in bioinformatics tools and databases such as cBioPortal, TCGA, and GEO.
• Conduct literature review focused on breast cancer treatment resistance mechanisms.

Months 4–6: Active Research Initiation

• Analyze existing breast cancer genomic datasets.
• Apply computational methods to identify treatment resistance-associated alterations.
• Attend departmental seminars and scientific conferences.
• Present preliminary findings during internal research meetings.

Months 7–9: Advanced Analysis & Skill Development

• Perform advanced analyses of tumor microenvironment and resistance-related molecular pathways.
• Collaborate with biostatistics teams on genomic and clinical outcome correlations.
• Expand proficiency in translational research methodologies and data interpretation.

Months 10–12: Synthesis & Dissemination

• Prepare manuscripts for peer-reviewed publication.
• Develop proposals for continued institutional collaboration.
• Create implementation strategies for applying learned methodologies within the scholar’s home institution.

Mentorship & Learning Environment

The Visiting Scholar will receive structured mentorship through:

• Weekly one-on-one meetings with faculty leadership
• Guidance from senior laboratory and research staff
• Ongoing feedback on research progress and scientific development
• Exposure to multidisciplinary translational oncology research programs

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.).
  

Preferred Qualifications

• MD, PhD, or equivalent advanced degree in medicine, oncology, biomedical sciences, or related field
• Background or interest in oncology, genomics, translational research, or bioinformatics
• Strong interest in breast cancer research and precision medicine
• Excellent analytical, communication, and collaborative skills