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.

During 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:

• 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.

• 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