Research Intern - Cell Therapy Institute

UT MD Anderson; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 21,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center is offering a research internship in cell therapy. The intern will analyze experimental data related to NK cell function, including real-time imaging and Cr51 release assays, and will gain exposure to flow cytometry and data interpretation.

Weekly lab and journal club meetings, collaboration with scientists and clinicians, and compliance with all institutional policies will guide a structured learning experience in immunotherapy research.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree typically within one year of completion.
• Prior research experience is required or strongly preferred.
• Strong organizational, analytical and communication skills.
• Interest in oncology, clinical research, or academic medicine is a plus.
• Experience with data analysis or scientific writing is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Analyze experimental data related to NK cell function, including cytotoxicity assays.
• Work with real-time imaging platforms and Cr51 release assays.
• Gain exposure to flow cytometry, specimen processing, and data interpretation.
• Attend weekly laboratory and journal club meetings and discuss findings.
• Collaborate with scientists, clinicians and researchers across teams.

Skills

Prior research experience

Strong organizational skills

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Data analysis

Scientific writing

Flow cytometry

Real-time imaging platforms

Cr51 release assays

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree (recently obtained, typically within one year)

Tools

Cr51 release assays

Flow cytometry

Real-time imaging platforms

Job description

Cell therapy is rapidly expanding, with a growing number of innovative programs emerging across both academic institutions and industry. The development of successful cell therapy products is inherently complex, requiring close integration of multidisciplinary expertise toward a shared goal. Our program has demonstrated sustained leadership in the field through the development of pioneering therapies, including virus-specific CTLs and a groundbreaking CAR NK platform. Today, we are recognized as global leaders in the clinical development and application of CAR-NK therapies for cancer treatment.

The research intern will gain hands‑on experience in analyzing experimental data related to NK cell function, including cytotoxicity assays such as real‑time imaging platforms and Chromium-51 (Cr51) release assays. The intern will be exposed to a broad range of immunotherapy research techniques and will develop foundational knowledge in flow cytometry, specimen processing, and data interpretation. The intern will attend weekly laboratory and journal club meetings, actively engage in question‑and‑answer discussions, and interact with scientists, clinicians, and researchers across multidisciplinary teams within the Cell Therapy Institute.

All duties and responsibilities are carried out in compliance with institutional policies, ethical research standards, and applicable federal and state regulations.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

The intern will critically review scientific literature related to immunotherapy and cell therapy research, participate in scientific discussions, and contribute meaningfully during laboratory meetings and collaborative sessions. The experience will also provide training in scientific communication and writing, including data presentation and manuscript‑style reporting.

Eligibility Requirements

• Bachelor's or master's degree (recently obtained, typically within one year)
• Prior research experience
• Strong organizational, analytical, and communication skills

Preferred

• Interest in oncology, clinical research, or academic medicine
• Experience with data analysis or scientific writing

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. http://www.mdanderson.org/about-us/legal-and-policy/legal-statements/eeo-affirmative-action.html