Research Intern - Cancer Biology
- Requisition #: 188100-202603200824
- Department: Cancer Biology
- Location: Houston, TX
- Posted Date: 3/20/2026
A Research Intern position is available in the Department of Cancer Biology with Dr. Shabnam Shalapour.
The Shalapour Lab is a growing and supportive research group at MD Anderson that values scientific curiosity, strong mentorship, and long-term development. We strive to create an engaging environment where trainees can build skills, contribute meaningfully to exciting projects, and deepen their involvement in research over time.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
Research Focus
Our lab studies how diet, metabolism, alcohol exposure, and aging shape immune responses and tumor development in gastrointestinal cancers, with a focus on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).
We integrate:
• Tumor immunology and inflammation
• Metabolic regulation of immune function
• Multi-omics approaches in mouse models and human samples
Our goal is to uncover mechanisms that inform cancer prevention and immunotherapy strategies.
Training Environment & Expectations
This is a focused and collaborative research environment where trainees are expected to engage consistently and take ownership of their work over time.
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
Additional exposure to advanced techniques (e.g., genomics, single-cell approaches) may be available for trainees who demonstrate sustained engagement and strong performance.
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 associated with a home institution do not qualify
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
Fixed-term appointment for 6 months
Full-time or part-time (Without Compensation)
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. http://www.mdanderson.org/about-us/legal-and-policy/legal-statements/eeo-affirmative-action.html
The Shalapour Lab is a growing and supportive research group at MD Anderson that values scientific curiosity, strong mentorship, and long-term development. We strive to create an engaging environment where trainees can build skills, contribute meaningfully to exciting projects, and deepen their involvement in research over time.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
Research Focus
Our lab studies how diet, metabolism, alcohol exposure, and aging shape immune responses and tumor development in gastrointestinal cancers, with a focus on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).
We integrate:
• Tumor immunology and inflammation
• Metabolic regulation of immune function
• Multi-omics approaches in mouse models and human samples
Our goal is to uncover mechanisms that inform cancer prevention and immunotherapy strategies.
Training Environment & Expectations
This is a focused and collaborative research environment where trainees are expected to engage consistently and take ownership of their work over time.
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
Additional exposure to advanced techniques (e.g., genomics, single-cell approaches) may be available for trainees who demonstrate sustained engagement and strong performance.
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 associated with a home institution do not qualify
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
Fixed-term appointment for 6 months
Full-time or part-time (Without Compensation)
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. http://www.mdanderson.org/about-us/legal-and-policy/legal-statements/eeo-affirmative-action.html
