Research Intern (Academic Credit) - Biomedical Sciences - Riera Lab

Overview of Department & Mentor
Dr. Celine Riera is an Associate Professor in the Center for Neural Science and Medicine within the Department of Biomedical Sciences at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. Her research program is focused on understanding the neuronal and neuroendocrine mechanisms that regulate energy homeostasis, thermoregulation, and metabolic health, particularly in the context of aging and obesity.

The Riera laboratory integrates systems neuroscience, metabolism, and physiology to investigate how specific hypothalamic circuits and peripheral tissues, such as adipose tissue, interact to control whole-body energy balance. Ongoing projects include studying the role of sympathetic innervation of adipose tissue, neurotrophic signaling (e.g., NGF), and hypothalamic neuronal populations (including AVP and CCK-expressing neurons) in regulating metabolism and age-related physiological decline.

The lab employs a highly interdisciplinary approach combining in vivo mouse models, viral and genetic manipulations, metabolic phenotyping, imaging, transcriptomics (including single-nucleus RNA sequencing and spatial approaches), and human tissue analyses. Dr. Riera serves as the primary mentor and is actively involved in trainee development, providing guidance in experimental design, scientific communication, and career development within academia and biomedical research.

Role Summary & Objectives
The intern will serve as a trainee within an active biomedical research laboratory, contributing to ongoing projects while gaining exposure to experimental science. The primary goal of this role is to provide a rigorous and supportive educational experience that introduces the intern to fundamental concepts in neuroscience, metabolism, and translational research.
Goals and Objectives:
-Develop a foundational understanding of how neural circuits regulate physiological processes such as energy balance and thermoregulation

-Gain hands-on experience with experimental techniques used in modern biomedical research
-Learn how to interpret scientific data and understand the broader research questions being addressed
-Build critical thinking and problem-solving skills through active participation in research discussions
Skills and Techniques the Intern Will Learn:
-Basic laboratory skills (pipetting, sample preparation, record keeping)
-Immunohistochemistry and microscopy techniques
-Exposure to molecular biology methods (e.g., RNA/protein analysis)
-Introduction to data analysis and visualization
-Scientific communication, including presenting data and discussing literature
This role is designed to foster intellectual growth, scientific curiosity, and professional development, while also providing meaningful exposure to collaborative, team-based research in an academic medical center environment.

Role Activities & Timeline
The intern will receive hands-on training in a range of experimental techniques commonly used in neuroscience and metabolic research. Training will include mouse metabolic phenotyping, behavioral assays, and genotyping, providing exposure to in vivo approaches used to study physiological regulation. The intern will also be trained in tissue collection and processing, including RNA extraction and cryosectioning of brain tissue.
In addition, the intern will learn histological and imaging techniques such as immunohistochemistry, microscopy, and quantitative image analysis. Emphasis will be placed on proper experimental technique, data integrity, and reproducibility.
All activities will be conducted on-site at Cedars-Sinai under direct supervision. The intern will receive close mentorship from Dr. Riera and experienced laboratory members to ensure appropriate training, adherence to institutional guidelines, and a safe and supportive learning environment.
 

Qualifications

Required Education & Experience

• Must be 18 years of age or older.
• Must have a HS Diploma or GED.
• Must reside in the greater Los Angeles area or surrounding cities while conducting all activities related to the intern appointment.
• INTERNS: Those participating for academic credit must receive academic credit for the duration of the internship.