Research Intern – Urologic Oncology (Toro Health Pathways Program)

About the Program

Toro Health Pathways (THP) is a nine-month postbaccalaureate internship program created 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, hands-on research experience in cancer and related health sciences, helping prepare participants for graduate education and research careers.

Position Summary

The Research Intern will join a urologic oncology research team focused on advancing the understanding of prostate cancer through epidemiologic and translational research. Working alongside experienced investigators and research professionals, the intern will gain exposure to molecular characterization of prostate cancer, transcriptomic research, biomarker evaluation, scientific literature review, and collaborative cancer research.

This position is designed for individuals interested in cancer biology, translational medicine, epidemiology, and academic research who are seeking meaningful research experience prior to graduate or professional school.

Key Responsibilities

• Participate in research team orientation and onboarding activities.
• Collaborate with the research team to understand study objectives, research workflows, and project requirements.
• Conduct comprehensive literature reviews using systematic search methodologies.
• Critically evaluate scientific literature related to prostate cancer, molecular subtypes, transcriptomics, and biomarkers.
• Observe and support research activities involving transcriptomic data analysis and biomarker evaluation.
• Assist with data organization, interpretation of molecular findings, and research documentation.
• Attend weekly one-on-one mentorship meetings and research team meetings.
• Contribute literature updates and research progress during team discussions.
• Develop and present a scientific research poster at the Toro Health Pathways Poster Session.

Learning Objectives

Throughout the internship, participants will:

• Gain experience in translational and epidemiologic cancer research.
• Develop an understanding of molecular profiling approaches in prostate cancer.
• Learn how molecular findings inform clinical decision-making and treatment strategies.
• Build skills in research planning, literature review, data interpretation, and scientific communication.
• Experience multidisciplinary collaboration between laboratory and clinical researchers.
• Strengthen scientific writing and presentation skills.
• Build professional networks through mentorship, seminars, and peer engagement.
• Develop introductory programming skills using R and Python.

Training & Professional Development

Interns will receive structured training in:

• Systematic literature search methodology
• Scientific database searching
• Critical appraisal of oncology literature
• Prostate cancer molecular biology and transcriptomics
• Biomarker development and evaluation
• Cancer epidemiology principles
• Research data organization and interpretation
• Scientific writing and communication
• Research ethics and collaborative research practices

Additional opportunities include:

• Shadowing research team members during transcriptomic data analysis.
• Participating in discussions connecting molecular findings with clinical outcomes.
• Contributing to literature synthesis supporting ongoing research projects.
• Presenting research findings through a scientific poster.

Internship Timeline

Months 1–2

• Orientation to the research environment
• Introduction to ongoing prostate cancer research projects
• Literature search and critical appraisal training
• Research planning and team integration

Months 2–7

• Observation of transcriptomic data analysis
• Biomarker evaluation activities
• Guided data organization and interpretation
• Weekly mentorship and research team meetings

Months 8–9

• Scientific poster development
• Presentation preparation
• Poster presentation at the Toro Health Pathways Poster Session

Systems & Research Tools

Interns will gain experience using:

• Microsoft 365
• REDCap
• Deep6
• CS-IRB

Ideal Candidate

Successful candidates will demonstrate:

• Recent bachelor's degree in a health-related or life sciences discipline (program eligibility requirements apply)
• Interest in cancer research, translational medicine, or epidemiology
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities
• Ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary research team
• Curiosity, attention to detail, and willingness to learn new research methodologies
• Interest in developing computational skills, including R and Python

What You'll Gain

• Immersive experience in an academic cancer research environment
• One-on-one mentorship from experienced cancer researchers
• Exposure to translational oncology and molecular research
• Training in research methodologies and scientific communication
• Professional networking opportunities with researchers and peers
• Experience presenting research findings in a scientific setting
• Strong preparation for graduate, medical, or research-focused careers