Research Intern (Academic Credit) - Guzman Lab - Department of Neurology - Per Diem (On-site)

About Us:

We are a leading research institution committed to advancing scientific knowledge and innovation. Our team is dedicated to conducting ground breaking research and providing meaningful learning opportunities for aspiring scientists. Join us and contribute to our mission while gaining invaluable experience in a dynamic and collaborative environment.

The Research Internship program provides students and trainees an opportunity to develop basic research skills. Interns in this program are provided the opportunity to experience and observe many different aspects of basic, translational and/or clinical research. This program offers interns a unique experience, which is intended to provide a wealth of knowledge about the numerous options for a career in healthcare research. Typically lasting not more than a twelve-month period, this internship will expose participants to a diverse spectrum of clinical and non-clinical based research investigations. Under direct supervision from the assigned Postdoctoral Scientist, senior-level Research Associate and/or Principal Investigator, the intern will be provided with basic research instruction, will be oriented to the Institutional Review Board and other Human Subjects courses, and will be introduced to new and innovative research practices and techniques.

Overview of Department & Mentor

The Neuropathology Core Laboratory and Alzheimer's Disease Brain Bank within the Department of Neurology provide a unique environment for translational human neuroscience research. The program integrates human brain banking and rigorous neuropathologic characterization with histology, immunohistochemistry, spatial transcriptomics, digital pathology, quantitative image analysis, and molecular data analysis. Samuel Guzman, MD, is a board-certified neuropathologist and Scientific Director of the Neuropathology Core Laboratory and Director of the Alzheimer's Disease Brain Bank. His research uses human brain tissue to investigate Alzheimer's disease and related neurodegenerative disorders, ALS, tauopathies, epilepsy, neuro-inflammatory disease, and other neurologic conditions.

Role Activities & Timeline

Weeks 1–4:

Orientation and foundational training in research compliance, laboratory safety, human brain anatomy, brain banking, tissue preservation, and principles of neuropathologic diagnosis and translational research.

Months 2–3:

Supervised exposure to approved brain bank and neuropathology workflows, including neuroanatomic sampling, tissue processing, histology, immunohistochemistry, digital slide review, and organization of de-identified research material.

Months 3–6:

Participation in a supervised experimental neuropathology project. Activities may include immunohistochemistry, quantitative image analysis, literature review, data organization, and introduction to spatial transcriptomics datasets and their relationship to tissue morphology.

Months 6–9:

Develop skills in image and data analysis and learn to integrate neuropathology with spatial transcriptomics and other molecular findings. Participate in research discussions, interpretation of results, and development of research questions.

Months 9–12:

Complete a mentored research or neuropathology case-based project and prepare a scientific presentation describing the question, methods, results, and significance. Opportunities to contribute to abstracts, posters, or manuscripts may be available when appropriate to the trainee's contribution.

Systems Access: N/A

Role Summary & Objectives

This internship is designed for students interested in medicine, neuroscience, pathology, or biomedical research who want direct exposure to human brain research and experimental neuropathology. The trainee will learn how carefully characterized postmortem human brain tissue can be used to move from clinical and neuropathologic observations to mechanistic research questions. Under supervision, the intern will gain experience with brain bank workflows, neuroanatomy, neuropathologic assessment, histology and immunohistochemistry, digital pathology, quantitative image analysis, spatial transcriptomics, and research data analysis. Trainees will learn to integrate morphologic, molecular, spatial, and clinical information to study selective neuronal vulnerability and mechanisms of neurologic disease. The primary objective is educational: to develop practical research skills, scientific reasoning, and an understanding of how human tissue research can contribute to biomarkers, disease mechanisms, and future therapeutic investigation.

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 or visitor appointment.
• INTERNS: Those participating for academic credit must receive academic credit for the duration of the internship.