Research Intern – Health Equity (Per Diem/Onsite) bei Cedars-Sinai Medical Center

Outstanding internship opportunities exist in the Cedars-Sinai Cancer Research Center for Health Equity (CRCHE) to gain experience in health policy, LGBTQ+ health equity, and community organizing. This position will be placed with the Quit Alliance team, which aims to reduce tobacco-related health disparities among LGBTQ+ communities of Los Angeles County by providing tobacco cessation and prevention community programming.

Pay Rate: $24/hour

We can only consider applicants who will be able to commute to our Los Angeles work location a few times per week. If hired you must reside in the commutable area.

• Schedule: Part-time (10–20 hours per week).
• Combination of onsite work and community-based activities in Los Angeles County
• Duration: Approximately 5 months / 200 total hours

About the Program

Outstanding internship opportunities are available at the Cedars-Sinai Cancer Research Center for Health Equity (CRCHE) for students interested in health policy, LGBTQ+ health equity, and community organizing.

This internship supports the Quit Alliance initiative, which aims to reduce tobacco-related health disparities among LGBTQ+ communities across Los Angeles County through community programming focused on tobacco cessation and prevention.

Role Summary & Learning Objectives

This internship offers hands-on experience in public health research, community engagement, and policy analysis. Interns will have the opportunity to:

• Conduct policy reviews, assist in policy implementation planning, and support data collection through observational studies, key informant interviews, and public surveys.
• Participate in local LGBTQ+ events and advocacy day activities within Los Angeles County and at the state capital.
• Receive training in:
• Study and survey design
• Health education and outreach writing
• Community event planning
• Resource development
• Community organizing
• Presentation and communication skills

Role Activities & Timeline

The internship is structured to provide a progressive learning experience over five months with mentorship, guided skill development, and increasing independence.

• Months 1–2:
• Orientation, mentoring plan, and goal setting
• Training on community engagement, policy research, and grant deliverables
• Begin on-site community activities
• Months 2–3:
• Increased community involvement
• Networking with internal and external community partners
• Attend community events and city council meetings
• Develop and practice public health education and outreach skills
• Months 4–5:
• Active participation in community events and outreach
• Continued mentorship and skill refinement
• Deepened understanding of barriers and disparities affecting underrepresented communities

Interns will meet weekly with their mentor and participate in at least one in-person community activity per month.

Progress will be evaluated through completion of learning objectives, demonstration of skill growth, and increased independence throughout the internship.

Qualifications