Research Intern
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Toro Health Pathways (THP) is a nine-month postbaccalaureate internship program developed through a collaboration between the Cedars-Sinai Cancer Research Center for Health Equity (CRTEC) and California State University, Dominguez Hills (CSUDH). The program provides recent CSUDH graduates with an immersive research experience in cancer and related health sciences, preparing participants for graduate education and research careers.
The Department of Medicine at Cedars-Sinai is nationally recognized for excellence across a broad range of medical disciplines and is home to world-class physician-scientists advancing innovative research and patient care.
Internship Overview
This internship provides the opportunity to join a translational research team focused on understanding the role of cellular senescence in cancer, aging, and metabolic disease. Participants will gain exposure to cutting-edge research investigating how senescent cells influence tumor development, treatment response, and age-related disease while developing foundational laboratory and scientific research skills.
Throughout the internship, fellows will work alongside an interdisciplinary research team in a collaborative laboratory environment while receiving structured mentorship and professional development.
What You'll Do
During this nine-month experience, interns will:
- Develop an understanding of cellular senescence biology and the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP).
- Participate in basic and translational research focused on cancer biology, aging, and metabolic disease.
- Observe and assist with laboratory experiments under supervision.
- Participate in research discussions, journal clubs, and laboratory meetings.
- Conduct scientific literature reviews related to cellular senescence, tumor biology, and senotherapeutic strategies.
- Assist with data collection, organization, interpretation, and presentation.
- Build scientific communication skills through research summaries, presentations, and data visualization.
- Present a scientific poster at the Toro Health Pathways Poster Session at the conclusion of the internship.
- Network with faculty investigators, research staff, and fellow participants across the Toro Health Pathways community.
- Attend seminars featuring leading researchers and professional development events.
Training & Learning Opportunities
Participants will receive structured training in:
- Cellular senescence biology and the SASP
- Cancer biology, aging, and metabolic disease
- Introduction to senolytic and senotherapeutic strategies
- Basic cell and molecular biology techniques
- Laboratory best practices and responsible conduct of research
- Introduction to in vivo research methodologies and animal research practices
- Scientific literature review and critical analysis
- Scientific data organization and interpretation
- Scientific presentation and poster development
Internship Timeline
Months 1–2 (August–September 2026)
- Program orientation and onboarding
- Establish individual learning objectives
- Introduction to laboratory research environment
- Foundational training in cellular senescence and cancer biology
- Laboratory methods and research skills training
- Introduction to ongoing research projects and team responsibilities
Months 2–3 (September–October 2026)
- Guided participation in laboratory activities
- Scientific literature evaluation
- Participation in research team meetings
- Observation and supervised laboratory techniques
Months 2–9 (September 2026–April 2027)
- Ongoing supervised research participation
- Weekly mentorship and progress meetings
- Weekly laboratory meetings and scientific discussions
- Data analysis and literature synthesis
- Professional development activities
Months 8–9 (March–April 2027)
- Development of a scientific research poster
- Presentation at the Toro Health Pathways Poster Session
Systems & Research Platforms
Participants may receive training and access, as appropriate, to:
- Microsoft 365
- REDCap
- CS-IRB/IACUC systems
- Deep6
Program Goals
The Toro Health Pathways program is designed to expand access to immersive cancer research experiences for recent graduates pursuing careers in biomedical research and healthcare. Fellows gain meaningful exposure to academic research while applying classroom knowledge in a collaborative, real-world laboratory environment.
By the end of the internship, participants will have:
- Developed a foundational understanding of cellular senescence research.
- Gained experience working within a translational cancer research laboratory.
- Strengthened scientific communication and critical thinking skills.
- Contributed to literature review, laboratory activities, and data interpretation.
- Built professional relationships with researchers and mentors.
- Completed and presented a scientific poster highlighting their research experience.
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