Research Intern - Systems Biology

The laboratory focuses on cancer epigenomics, with particular emphasis on enzyme-tethering chromatin profiling technologies such as CUT&RUN, CUT&Tag, CUTAC and related methods for tissue-based molecular profiling. A major area of interest is the application of these approaches to formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissues and other clinically relevant biospecimens, with integration of pathology-guided tissue assessment and downstream molecular analysis.

This Research Intern position is a short-term, primarily wet-lab training appointment designed to provide practical experience in cancer research through direct participation in epigenomic profiling experiments. The intern will work closely with the PI, laboratory manager and research team to support established FFPE tissue profiling workflows across a large volume of specimens. This position is especially well-suited for candidates with prior hands-on research experience in molecular biology, epigenomics, or chromatin assays. Prior exposure to CUT&RUN, CUT&Tag, CUTAC, or related enzyme-tethering profiling methods is strongly preferred. Experience or interest in pathology, tissue handling, histology, or molecular profiling of clinical specimens is an advantage.

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

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

The Research Intern will gain firsthand practical experience in epigenomic profiling for cancer research, particularly in the context of FFPE and other tissue specimens. Under close supervision, the intern will learn how established enzyme-tethering profiling workflows are implemented in a research laboratory, including sample handling, tissue-based experimental preparation, antibody-guided chromatin profiling steps, experimental quality control, and rigorous protocol documentation.

A central learning objective is to develop an applied understanding of how pathology information and tissue morphology inform molecular profiling strategy. The intern will gain exposure to how specimen quality, tissue context, and pathology-guided assessment influence experimental prioritization, assay feasibility, and interpretation of epigenomic data. This training is intended to strengthen the intern's ability to connect histologic features with molecular profiling workflows in translational cancer research.

The intern will also develop practical skills in reproducible laboratory workflow execution, including sample organization, batch processing, recordkeeping, and close coordination with the laboratory manager to support high-throughput tissue profiling activities. In addition, the intern will have the opportunity to learn how experimental data are processed and interpreted downstream, and to interact with computational members of the group to better understand the relationship between laboratory execution, data quality, and biological insight.

Expected learning outcomes include increased proficiency in tissue-based epigenomic laboratory methods, stronger understanding of pathology-informed molecular profiling, improved laboratory organization and reproducibility skills, and broader exposure to cancer research career paths at the interface of experimental and computational biology.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Applicants must hold a bachelor's or master's degree in a relevant field, and the degree must have been obtained within one year of the appointment start date. Applicants must also have previous research experience in a laboratory setting relevant to biomedical, molecular, or cancer research.

Because this is a short-term wet-lab position in terms of epigenomic profiling projects, only candidates with prior hands-on experience in molecular biology, chromatin biology, epigenetics, genomics, or related experimental research, especially those with direct exposure to CUT&RUN, CUT&Tag, CUTAC, or related enzyme-tethering chromatin profiling assays, are considered. Experience with FFPE tissue, histology, pathology-associated workflows, tissue processing, or nucleic acid library preparation is desirable.

Candidates should be detail-oriented, able to follow established protocols precisely, and prepared to work collaboratively in a structured wet-lab research environment.

ADDITIONAL APPLICATION INFORMATION

Email the following to Dr. Ye Zheng at View email address on click.appcast.io.

• a cover letter describing detailed past experience with the enzymetethering epigenomic profiling experiments, such as CUT&RUN, CUT&Tag, and CUTAC.

• a curriculum vitae

• emails and phone numbers of a list of three references that can best describe your experimental and research skills

POSITION INFORMATION

This position (full-time or part-time) provides a stipend between $28,000 - $37,440.

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.