College Student- Cancer Biology
- Requisition #: 188100-202603311605
- Department: Cancer Biology
- Location: Houston, TX
- Posted Date: 3/20/2026
Students will be trained by Dr. Shabnam Shalapour with explicit guidance to learn experimental techniques "from the ground up". This is a skill-building position in which you will learn both practical laboratory skills as well as the rationale and thought process that goes into scientific experiments. Ideal candidates are looking to gain experimental skills and training for application in future graduate school or medical school.
Technical skills:
1. Understanding how to design experiments to answer scientific questions.
2. Understanding how hypotheses are formed based on scientific knowledge.
3. Exposure to cancer immunology and metabolism.
4. Learning how to troubleshoot experiments and think about how to improve techniques.
5. Learning how to keep your lab work organized (lab notebook, sample tracking, etc).
6. Experience working with mice in a research setting.
7. Exposure to collaborative science by working with members of research staff and postdocs.
8. Communicating your science (lab meetings, informal presentations, etc).
Experimental Techniques: Students will be trained in basic molecular, cell biology, and immunology techniques.
Molecular Biology
1. PCR genotyping of mouse samples
2. RNA extraction and RT-PCR
3. Western blotting
4. Controls and titration of assays
Cellular & Immunology
1. Flow cytometry: immune cell staining and analysis
2. Mammalian cell culture
3. Basic immunology assays
Histology
1. Harvesting of tissue
2. Embedding, cutting, staining
3. Identifying histological features of liver and tumors
OTHER
1. Data collection: understanding how to keep organized and accurate records of your experiments
2. Basic data analysis and presentation.
3. Reproducibility, positive and negative controls, and experimental design.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
Trainees will:
Work closely with postdoctoral fellows and research staff.
Contribute to ongoing projects using mouse models.
Develop technical, organizational, and analytical skills.
Participate in structured, hands-on training.
Technical Exposure:
Students will gain experience in.
PCR genotyping and experimental record keeping
Flow cytometry
Histology and tissue processing
Cell culture
Western blot and RT-PCR
Previous research experience is welcomed but not required, but Willingness to work with mouse models is essential.
All duties and responsibilities are carried out in compliance with institutional policies, ethical research standards, and applicable federal and state regulations.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
Applicant must be currently enrolled in an undergraduate degree program
Applicant must be at least 18 years of age by the appointment start date
The appointment is not part of a clinical training program
ADDITIONAL APPLICATION INFORMATION
Students are appointed by semester:
Fall: 9/1-12/31
Spring: 1/1-5/31
Summer: 6/1-8/31
https://faculty.mdanderson.org/profiles/shabnam_shalapour.html
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. http://www.mdanderson.org/about-us/legal-and-policy/legal-statements/eeo-affirmative-action.html
Technical skills:
1. Understanding how to design experiments to answer scientific questions.
2. Understanding how hypotheses are formed based on scientific knowledge.
3. Exposure to cancer immunology and metabolism.
4. Learning how to troubleshoot experiments and think about how to improve techniques.
5. Learning how to keep your lab work organized (lab notebook, sample tracking, etc).
6. Experience working with mice in a research setting.
7. Exposure to collaborative science by working with members of research staff and postdocs.
8. Communicating your science (lab meetings, informal presentations, etc).
Experimental Techniques: Students will be trained in basic molecular, cell biology, and immunology techniques.
Molecular Biology
1. PCR genotyping of mouse samples
2. RNA extraction and RT-PCR
3. Western blotting
4. Controls and titration of assays
Cellular & Immunology
1. Flow cytometry: immune cell staining and analysis
2. Mammalian cell culture
3. Basic immunology assays
Histology
1. Harvesting of tissue
2. Embedding, cutting, staining
3. Identifying histological features of liver and tumors
OTHER
1. Data collection: understanding how to keep organized and accurate records of your experiments
2. Basic data analysis and presentation.
3. Reproducibility, positive and negative controls, and experimental design.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
Trainees will:
Work closely with postdoctoral fellows and research staff.
Contribute to ongoing projects using mouse models.
Develop technical, organizational, and analytical skills.
Participate in structured, hands-on training.
Technical Exposure:
Students will gain experience in.
PCR genotyping and experimental record keeping
Flow cytometry
Histology and tissue processing
Cell culture
Western blot and RT-PCR
Previous research experience is welcomed but not required, but Willingness to work with mouse models is essential.
All duties and responsibilities are carried out in compliance with institutional policies, ethical research standards, and applicable federal and state regulations.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
Applicant must be currently enrolled in an undergraduate degree program
Applicant must be at least 18 years of age by the appointment start date
The appointment is not part of a clinical training program
ADDITIONAL APPLICATION INFORMATION
Students are appointed by semester:
Fall: 9/1-12/31
Spring: 1/1-5/31
Summer: 6/1-8/31
https://faculty.mdanderson.org/profiles/shabnam_shalapour.html
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. http://www.mdanderson.org/about-us/legal-and-policy/legal-statements/eeo-affirmative-action.html
