Research Intern - Radiation Oncology - Research

The Radiation Oncology Research Intern participates in a structured educational and research training program designed to provide foundational knowledge and hands-on experience in clinical and translational radiation oncology research. Under the supervision of a Radiation Oncology faculty mentor and research team, the intern will learn the principles of research design, literature review, data collection, research methodologies, data analysis, and scholarly dissemination of research findings. The internship emphasizes professional development through participation in research meetings, seminars, workshops, and department-specific educational activities.

This role is responsible for designing, performing, and optimizing complex translational assays and experiments to advance core oncology research priorities, as well as analyzing and synthesizing large-scale preclinical and clinical trial correlative data. Responsibilities include leading the drafting, peer-review submission, and revision of high-impact research manuscripts, and preparing detailed research summaries, progress reports, and literature reviews. The individual will work closely within the cross-functional TRACTION engine, interfacing between lab scientists, computational biologists, and clinical research teams to meet project milestones. Additional duties include assisting in generating preliminary data, figures, and technical writing for grant applications (NIH/NCI, foundation awards, industry collaborations) and institutional protocols. The role also involves presenting scientific findings at internal team meetings, departmental seminars, and national and international oncology conferences. Furthermore, the individual will provide informal guidance and protocol training to junior lab personnel, graduate students, and technicians while maintaining meticulous laboratory records and safety compliance.

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

LEARNING OBJECTIVES
By the conclusion of the program, the trainee is expected to:

Demonstrate knowledge of the radiation oncology research process from project conception through dissemination of findings.
Contribute to research activities under faculty supervision.
Prepare components of a research presentation, poster, abstract, or manuscript.
Communicate scientific findings effectively to research teams and academic audiences.
Develop foundational skills necessary for future educational, clinical, or research careers in medicine, radiation oncology, and related health sciences.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
Eligibility criteria
Applicant must hold a bachelor's or master's degree
Degree must have been obtained recently (within one year)
Applicant must have previous research experience
Applicants who hold a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree (e.g., M.D., D.V.M., M.B.B.S.) are not eligible
Applicants should not be enrolled in a degree granting program as a student
Applicants in a clinical position, postdoctoral fellowship, or faculty position do not qualify
Research Interns cannot change titles to another trainee title upon completion;Exception applies if the trainee enrolls in a degree-seeking program.

ADDITIONAL APPLICATION INFORMATION
The internship is a temporary educational training experience designed to provide structured learning opportunities and research exposure within the Department of Radiation Oncology. Program length and weekly time commitment are determined by the research project and mentor availability.

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.