Research Intern en Cedars-Sinai Cancer

Cedars-Sinai Cancer is dedicated to solving important regional and national unmet needs in cancer by studying populations we are uniquely positioned to address, then translating discoveries into global impact. We have implemented strategic initiatives that promote precision interventions to address disparities and improve quality of life, including the Computational Biomedicine and Data Sciences Initiative, the Board of Governors Innovation Center (BOGIC), the Investigator-Initiated Trial (IIT) Incubator Initiative, and the Molecular Twin Initiative.

This research internship will provide a University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) undergraduate student with a mentored, credit-bearing experience. Over the course of 11 weeks, the intern will engage in laboratory- and clinic-based translational research, gaining hands-on experience in both basic and clinical bladder cancer research. The role is designed to expose the intern to multiple facets of translational oncology, including laboratory techniques, animal models, clinical data handling, biospecimen processing, and interdisciplinary team-based science.

Primary Responsibilities

• Assist with basic research activities, including sample processing, data logging, and wet-lab experiments.

• Contribute to IACUC-approved small-animal studies related to bladder cancer therapeutics (under supervision).

• Participate in IRB-approved clinical research activities such as biospecimen management, data collection, and patient research workflows.

• Attend team meetings, research discussions, and mentorship sessions with faculty and lab staff.

Internship Goals & Objectives

• Learn foundational research techniques used in translational cancer studies, including wet-lab and in vivo methods.

• Gain exposure to clinical research workflows including consenting, sample handling, and electronic data capture.

• Understand the scientific process by supporting ongoing hypothesis-driven research projects.

• Develop insights into the ethical, regulatory, and procedural aspects of IRB- and IACUC-regulated research.

• Enhance career exploration through structured mentorship and interdisciplinary exposure to research roles.

Program Timeline (11 Weeks)

• Week 1: Onboarding, compliance training (CITI, IACUC, lab safety), and orientation.

• Weeks 2–3: Introduction to studies, shadowing lab personnel, biospecimen handling, and observation of animal research models.

• Weeks 4–6: Active participation in wet-lab experiments, animal model management, and team research meetings.

• Weeks 7–9: Continued lab and clinical research activities, involvement in subgroup projects, and exposure to biomarker diagnostics.

• Weeks 10–11: Preparation of project summaries/posters, final mentorship meeting, and completion of post-internship reflection or academic deliverables.

Additional Information

• The intern will be added to pre-approved IRB and IACUC protocols.

• The internship is unpaid and conducted for academic credit through UCLA.

• Responsibilities will not include clinical observation or patient care.

• Work is fully on-site at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center.

• All compliance trainings must be completed prior to lab engagement.

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 during the internship.

• Interns: Must receive academic credit for the full duration of the internship.

• Visitors: Must be receiving funding from an eligible sponsoring institution (employer, educator, funder, etc.).

Preferred Education & Experience

• Current enrollment in a bachelor’s or master’s degree program at a regionally accredited U.S. institution, or graduation within the past 12 months.