Research Intern - GI Medical Oncology - Research

This research internship position is designed for candidates seeking research experience in gastrointestinal cancers within the Department of GI Medical Oncology at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. The position will provide experience and mentorship to prepare the intern for graduate, medical, or biomedical research careers. Under the mentorship of faculty investigators and fellows, the intern will participate in projects focused on circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) and minimal residual disease (MRD). In addition, the intern will contribute to programmatic operations, including clinical data extraction, generating and analyzing reports, and pre-screening patients for MRD clinical trials.

Key responsibilities include:

Review MRD clinical trials, compile and categorize trial information, and assist with writing and submitting abstract for conference poster presentation.

Review and analyze patient electronic health records to identify, extract, and summarize key elements of colorectal cancer treatment and monitoring, and learn and utilize REDCap for large-scale clinical data collection, analysis, and reports.

Compile and rank MRD clinical trial eligibility, learn and utilize Foundry to create and utilize reports that identify potential trial patients, and place referrals with department trial navigator and track outcomes.

Participate in weekly programmatic meetings by providing KPI updates and contributing to operational and research discussions.

All duties and responsibilities are carried out in compliance with institutional policies, ethical research standards, and applicable federal and state regulations.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES
This research internship is designed to provide research experience in gastrointestinal cancers, with an emphasis on colorectal cancer. Through mentored projects and analytical and programmatic operational work, the intern will develop technical, analytical, and scientific skills relevant to graduate or medical training.

Training Activities and Expected Learning Outcomes

1. Conference Abstract Preparation and Submission-Under mentorship of a fellow, the intern will be able to conduct online literature searches, compile and manage research data, perform basic data analysis and interpretation, synthesize findings into a scientific abstract, and prepare and submit a poster presentation to a regional or national scientific conference, demonstrating proficiency in research methodology, scientific communication, critical thinking, and professional scholarship in preparation for a future career in medicine.

2. Colorectal patient treatment and monitoring review, extraction, and database population-The intern will be able to systematically review and analyze patient electronic health records (EHRs) to identify, extract, and summarize key clinical data related to colorectal cancer treatment, surveillance, and outcomes; develop proficiency in REDCap for large-scale clinical data collection, management, and reporting; and utilize collected data to support clinical research analyses and scholarly dissemination. Through these activities, the intern will gain hands-on experience navigating electronic health records, become familiar with clinical documentation and charting practices, strengthen their understanding of medical terminology commonly used in oncology and surgical care, and develop skills in interpreting real-world patient data. This experience will enhance the intern's understanding of clinical workflows and research methodology while preparing them for future medical education and a career in healthcare.

3. Clinical trial patient screening and referral-The intern will be able to identify, compile, and rank patient eligibility for minimal residual disease (MRD)-related clinical trials by reviewing clinical data, treatment histories, biomarker results, and protocol-specific inclusion and exclusion criteria. The intern will gain experience in utilizing Foundry to create, refine, and apply patient identification reports that support clinical trial screening and recruitment efforts. Additionally, the intern will gain experience coordinating clinical research workflows by placing referrals to the department's clinical trial navigator, tracking referral outcomes, and monitoring patient enrollment progress.

Collectively, these experiences will provide the intern with a strong foundation to apply to medical school by developing both technical research competencies and essential professional skills. Through reviewing electronic health records, analyzing clinical data, evaluating clinical trial eligibility, utilizing platforms such as REDCap and Foundry, and contributing to abstracts and scientific presentations, the intern will gain valuable experience with medical terminology, clinical documentation, evidence-based medicine, and healthcare workflows. At the same time, the internship will strengthen critical thinking, problem-solving, attention to detail, organization, time management, and data interpretation skills. Collaboration with physicians, researchers, and clinical trial staff will enhance communication, teamwork, and professionalism, while presenting research findings will build confidence in scientific writing and public speaking. Exposure to real-world patient data and research operations will also foster ethical responsibility, adaptability, and an appreciation for patient-centered care. Together, these experiences will prepare the intern to excel in medical school and serve as a strong foundation for a future career as a physician and clinical researcher.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
1. College graduate with a degree in science or related field and cumulative GPA of at least 3.5.
2. Undergraduate coursework and/or research experience in science or related field.
3. Strong communication, critical thinking, organization, teamwork, professionalism, adaptability, and self-motivation to effectively contribute to research projects and collaborate in academic environments.
4. Not currently enrolled in degree granting program as a student with future intent to enroll in a graduate, medical, or biomedical research program.

POSITION INFORMATION
Offsite work arrangements are subject to approval and may be modified or revoked at any time based on business needs, performance considerations, or regulatory requirements.

This position may be responsible for maintaining the security and integrity of critical infrastructure, as defined in Section 113.001(2) of the Texas Business and Commerce Code and therefore may require routine reviews and screening. The ability to satisfy and maintain all requirements necessary to ensure the continued security and integrity of such infrastructure is a condition of hire and continued employment.

It is the policy of The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center to provide equal employment opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other basis protected by institutional policy or by federal, state or local laws unless such distinction is required by law.