Description
The Research Intern will participate in active biomedical research projects while receiving hands-on training in foundational laboratory and scientific research techniques. This role is intended to foster scientific curiosity, critical thinking, and professional growth through direct participation in laboratory activities and mentorship.
The internship provides exposure to neuroscience and translational research methodologies while supporting skill development in experimental design, data interpretation, and scientific communication.
A multidisciplinary research laboratory within the Department of Biomedical Sciences at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center is seeking a Research Intern to support ongoing studies focused on neuroscience, metabolism, aging, and obesity. The lab investigates how neural circuits and peripheral tissues regulate energy balance, thermoregulation, and metabolic health.
Current research areas include:
- Hypothalamic neural circuit function
- Sympathetic regulation of adipose tissue
- Neurotrophic signaling pathways
- Mechanisms underlying aging-related metabolic decline
- Translational studies integrating animal models and human tissue analyses
The laboratory utilizes a broad range of experimental approaches, including:
- In vivo mouse models
- Viral and genetic manipulation techniques
- Metabolic phenotyping
- Histology and imaging
- Transcriptomics and spatial biology approaches
- Molecular and cellular biology techniques
This internship is designed to provide a structured educational experience within a collaborative academic medical center environment.
Learning ObjectivesDuring the internship, the selected candidate will have the opportunity to:
- Develop an understanding of how neural circuits regulate physiological processes such as metabolism and thermoregulation
- Gain exposure to experimental approaches used in biomedical research
- Learn principles of data interpretation and scientific inquiry
- Strengthen analytical and problem-solving skills through participation in laboratory meetings and discussions
- Build scientific communication skills through literature review and presentation opportunities
The intern will receive supervised training in a variety of laboratory techniques and research activities, which may include:
Laboratory & Experimental Techniques- Basic laboratory skills, including pipetting, sample preparation, and laboratory documentation
- Mouse metabolic phenotyping and behavioral assays
- Genotyping procedures
- Tissue collection and processing
- RNA extraction techniques
- Cryosectioning of brain tissue
- Immunohistochemistry
- Microscopy techniques
- Quantitative image analysis
- Introduction to molecular biology methods
- Data analysis and visualization
- Participation in scientific discussions and literature review
- Exposure to collaborative research practices in an academic medical center setting
The intern will work closely with experienced laboratory members and receive direct mentorship throughout the internship experience.
Internship Structure- All internship activities are conducted on-site at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center.
- This is not a remote or hybrid internship opportunity.
- Interns will work under direct supervision in a structured research 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 or visitor appointment.
• INTERNS: Those participating for academic credit must receive academic credit for the duration of the internship.
• VISITORS: Must be receiving funding from an eligible sponsoring institution (employer, educator, funder, etc.).
Preferred Education & Experience
BS in Biological Sciences
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)