Research Intern
Research Intern – Toro Health Pathways / Cedars-Sinai Postbac Fellowship
Department: Biomedical Sciences
Location: Cedars-Sinai Cancer Center
Overview:
The Toro Health Pathways/Cedars-Sinai Postbac Fellowship is a for-credit, 9-month immersive internship designed for recent graduates of CSU Dominguez Hills with degrees in health-related fields. Hosted by Cedars-Sinai Cancer Center, the program offers hands-on research experience in cancer biology, specifically focused on microbiome-based therapeutic approaches to hormone-driven cancers.
About the Lab & Research Focus:
This research team combines synthetic biology, microbiology, and cancer research to develop engineered gut bacteria that degrade androgens and help suppress tumor growth. The Department of Biomedical Sciences is a collaborative environment advancing research in immunology, genomics, neuroscience, cell biology, metabolism, bioinformatics, diagnostics, and therapeutics.
Internship Goals & Learning Objectives:
Interns will:
Engage in cutting-edge cancer research with a focus on microbiome therapeutics
Learn core lab skills such as animal handling, molecular cloning, and bacterial culture
Participate in research meetings, data analysis, and experimental design
Gain exposure to mouse modeling, gut microbiota isolation, and molecular biology techniques
Build professional connections through lab activities and campus events
Key Responsibilities:
Manage mouse colonies and assist with experimental cancer models
Collect tissue and stool samples
Culture gut microbiota and isolate bacterial colonies
Learn and apply molecular cloning techniques for enzyme development
Maintain accurate lab records and assist in troubleshooting experiments
Training & Timeline:
Month 1: Orientation, goal-setting, animal handling certification, lab safety, and introductory techniques
Months 2–6: Ongoing supervision, weekly check-ins, training in animal work, microbiota techniques, and cloning methods
Months 7–9: Independent lab work, advanced molecular techniques, data interpretation, and creation of a final poster or presentation
Additional Notes:
Research is conducted under IRB-approved protocols and involves animal models
Comprehensive training will be provided in all relevant research and safety procedures
Interns will receive ongoing mentorship from experienced research staff
Eligibility – Required:
Must be 18 years or older with a HS diploma or GED
Must reside in the Greater Los Angeles area during the internship
Must be receiving academic credit throughout the internship