Research Intern

Toro Health Pathways Postbaccalaureate Research Intern – Urologic Oncology Research

Toro Health Pathways (THP) is a nine-month postbaccalaureate internship program created through a collaboration between the Cedars-Sinai Cancer Research Center for Health Equity (CRTEC) and California State University, Dominguez Hills (CSUDH). The program provides recent CSUDH graduates with an immersive research experience in cancer and related health sciences, preparing participants for graduate education and research careers.

Position Overview

The Urologic Oncology Research Intern will join a multidisciplinary research team focused on advancing prostate cancer research through epidemiologic and translational science. This internship provides hands-on exposure to molecular characterization of prostate cancer, literature evaluation, translational research methods, and collaborative scientific investigation.

Interns will work alongside experienced physician-scientists and research professionals while developing practical skills in cancer research, scientific communication, and data interpretation.

Key Responsibilities

• Participate in orientation to the research environment and ongoing prostate cancer research projects.
• Collaborate with the research team to understand project goals, research workflows, and data requirements.
• Conduct comprehensive literature reviews using systematic search methodologies.
• Critically evaluate scientific literature related to prostate cancer, molecular subtypes, biomarkers, and treatment outcomes.
• Observe transcriptomic data analysis and biomarker evaluation activities.
• Assist with research activities involving data organization, interpretation, and synthesis of molecular research findings.
• Participate in weekly research team meetings and regular progress discussions with mentors.
• Develop and present a scientific poster highlighting research findings during the Toro Health Pathways Poster Session.

Learning Objectives

Throughout the internship, participants will:

• Gain an understanding of translational research approaches in prostate cancer.
• Learn how molecular profiling and biomarkers contribute to clinical decision-making.
• Develop skills in research planning, literature review, data analysis, and scientific interpretation.
• Strengthen scientific writing and presentation skills.
• Experience multidisciplinary collaboration connecting laboratory research with clinical outcomes.
• Build professional networks with researchers, mentors, and fellow Toro Health Pathways participants.
• Participate in educational seminars, lecture series, and networking events.
• Develop foundational programming skills using R and Python for research applications.

Training & Professional Development

Interns will receive training in:

• Systematic literature review methodologies
• Scientific database searching techniques
• Critical evaluation of urologic oncology literature
• Prostate cancer transcriptomics and molecular biomarkers
• Principles of translational cancer research
• Basic cancer epidemiology
• Data organization and interpretation
• Scientific writing and presentation development
• Research communication and collaboration
• R and Python programming fundamentals for research

Participants will also have opportunities to shadow research team members conducting transcriptomic analyses and explore how molecular findings are integrated with clinical outcomes.

Internship Timeline

Over the nine-month program, interns will:

• Complete research orientation and establish individualized learning objectives.
• Receive structured training in research methodology and scientific literature evaluation.
• Participate in supervised research activities and collaborative team meetings.
• Engage in ongoing mentorship and weekly progress discussions.
• Contribute to literature synthesis and research projects.
• Develop and present a scientific poster at the Toro Health Pathways Poster Session.

Systems & Research Tools

Interns may receive training and access (as appropriate) to:

• Microsoft 365
• REDCap
• Deep6
• CS-IRB

Ideal Candidate

• Recent graduate of California State University, Dominguez Hills with a degree in a health-related discipline.
• Strong interest in cancer research, translational science, medicine, or graduate education.
• Excellent analytical, written, and communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary research team.
• Eagerness to learn research methodologies, scientific analysis, and computational tools.

Expected Outcomes

• Gained meaningful experience in translational cancer research.
• Developed foundational skills in molecular oncology research methods.
• Strengthened scientific writing and presentation abilities.
• Contributed to literature synthesis and ongoing research initiatives.
• Presented a scientific poster showcasing their work.
• Built professional relationships that support future academic and research careers.

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.).