Description
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.
Our compensation philosophy
We offer competitive total compensation that includes pay, benefits, and other recognition programs for our employees. The base pay range shown above takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including knowledge/skills; relevant experience and training; education/certifications/licensure; and other business and organizational factors. This base pay range does not include our comprehensive benefits package and any incentive payments that may be applicable to this role. Pay Transparency Non Discrimination Provision (PDF) (opens in new window)
Diversity and Inclusion at Cedars-Sinai
We are caretakers and innovators committed to the pursuit of equitable healthcare. But health equity is not possible without representation. Our commitment to diversity goes beyond demographics or checking boxes. Our people must reflect the diverse identities, experiences and geographies of the communities and patients we serve – because that’s what our patients, colleagues and communities deserve. Quality Care and Research—For All, By All (opens in new window).
Cedars-Sinai is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.
Cedars-Sinai does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of the race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, ancestry, physical or mental disability, legally protected medical condition (cancer-related or genetic characteristics or any genetic information), marital status, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, age (40 or older), military and/or veteran status or any other basis protected by federal or state law. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please contact us by email at Applicant_Accommodation@cshs.org and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Requests for accommodation will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Please note that only inquiries concerning a request for reasonable accommodation will be responded to from this email address.
Cedars-Sinai will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories, in accordance with the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring.
At Cedars-Sinai, we are dedicated to the safety, health and wellbeing of our patients and employees. This includes protecting our patients from communicable diseases, such as influenza (flu) and COVID-19. For this reason, we require that all new employees receive a flu vaccine based on the seasonal availability of flu vaccine (typically during September through April each year) as a condition of employment, and annually thereafter as a condition of continued employment, subject to medical exemption or religious accommodation. For the same reason, you may also be required to receive other vaccines such as COVID-19 as a condition of employment. Cedars-Sinai reserves the right to make modifications to its required list of vaccines as required by law and/or policy. Cedars-Sinai’s AA Policy Statement (PDF) (opens in new window)