Research Intern - Experimental Radiation Oncology

University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center; Houston (TX); Hybrid; USD 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center is offering a Research Intern position in the Department of Experimental Radiation Oncology. This is a trainee-level position aimed at recent graduates, providing hands-on experience in cancer research and laboratory techniques.

Interns will work under faculty mentors, contribute to cancer research activities, and develop essential skills in data collection, analysis, and scientific communication. Ideal candidates will have a degree in a relevant field and prior research experience.

Qualifications

• Prior research experience is required.
• Interest in oncology and clinical research is preferred.
• Experience with data analysis or scientific writing is beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Assist with laboratory‑based cancer research activities.
• Perform mammalian cell culture techniques.
• Participate in protein extraction and western blot analysis.
• Support data collection and analysis.

Skills

Organizational skills

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's or master's degree (recently obtained)

Job description

A Research Intern position is available in the Department of Experimental Radiation Oncology. The Research Intern is a trainee‑level position designed for recent graduates seeking hands‑on experience in translational cancer research and laboratory‑based oncology studies. The intern will work under the guidance of a faculty mentor and research team to support ongoing studies while developing foundational skills in cancer biology research techniques, including cell culture, protein assays, western blot analysis, and cell characterization methods. This role provides direct exposure to the research process, including experimental design, laboratory data collection, data analysis, interpretation of scientific findings, and scientific literature review. The intern is expected to actively contribute to research activities while participating in structured training and educational programs focused on cancer research methodologies and scientific communication. All duties and responsibilities are carried out in compliance with institutional policies, ethical research standards, and applicable federal and state regulations.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist with laboratory‑based cancer research activities related to experimental radiation oncology
• Perform mammalian cell culture techniques, including cell maintenance, cell counting, and microscopic observation of cells
• Participate in protein extraction, protein assay procedures, and western blot analysis under supervision
• Assist with cell characterization methods, including MTT assays and flow cytometry techniques
• Support data collection, data analysis, and interpretation of experimental findings
• Conduct scientific literature reviews related to cancer biology and translational oncology research
• Attend and participate in laboratory meetings, research discussions, seminars, and educational sessions
• Collaborate with faculty mentors and research staff on assigned laboratory research projects
• Ensure compliance with institutional laboratory safety standards and research policies

Learning Objectives

• Understand the fundamentals of experimental cancer research and translational oncology studies
• Demonstrate basic proficiency in laboratory techniques including cell culture, protein assays, and western blot analysis
• Develop an understanding of cell characterization methods used in cancer biology research
• Gain experience in experimental data collection, analysis, and scientific interpretation
• Improve scientific communication skills through literature evaluation and participation in research discussions
• Develop foundational knowledge of cancer biology with exposure to pancreatic and breast cancer research models

Training Environment

• Supervised by an Experimental Radiation Oncology faculty mentor
• Participation in structured mentoring and laboratory training activities
• Engagement in departmental and institutional research seminars, workshops, and educational programming
• Hands‑on training within an active collaborative cancer research laboratory environment
• Exposure to multidisciplinary translational oncology research projects

Eligibility Requirements

Required:

• 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.

Equal Employment Opportunity

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.