Research Intern - Cell Therapy Institute
- Requisition #: 711300 -202606021402
- Department: Cell Therapy Institute
- Location: Houston, TX
- Posted Date: 6/2/2026
Cell therapy is rapidly expanding, with a growing number of innovative programs emerging across both academic institutions and industry. The development of successful cell therapy products is inherently complex, requiring close integration of multidisciplinary expertise toward a shared goal. Our program has demonstrated sustained leadership in the field through the development of pioneering therapies, including virus-specific CTLs and a groundbreaking CAR NK platform. Today, we are recognized as global leaders in the clinical development and application of CAR-NK therapies for cancer treatment.
The research intern will gain hands-on experience in analyzing experimental data related to NK cell function, including cytotoxicity assays such as real-time imaging platforms and (Cr51) release assays. The intern will be exposed to a broad range of immunotherapy research techniques and will develop foundational knowledge in flow cytometry, specimen processing, and data interpretation. In addition, the intern will critically review scientific literature related to immunotherapy and cell therapy research, participate in scientific discussions, and contribute meaningfully during laboratory meetings and collaborative sessions. The experience will also provide training in scientific communication and writing, including data presentation and manuscript-style reporting. The intern will attend weekly laboratory and journal club meetings, actively engage in question-and-answer discussions, and interact with scientists, clinicians, and researchers across multidisciplinary teams within the Cell Therapy Institute.
All duties and responsibilities are carried out in compliance with institutional policies, ethical research standards, and applicable federal and state regulations.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
• Gain foundational knowledge of cell therapy research, translational science, and clinical development
• Understand the process of developing cellular therapies, including preclinical research, manufacturing, regulatory considerations, and clinical application
• Describe a cell therapy research project, including scientific rationale, study design, methodology, and clinical or translational endpoints
• Develop basic skills in data analysis, scientific writing, literature review, and interpretation of experimental results
• Gain exposure to multidisciplinary collaboration across research, clinical, and manufacturing teams within the Cell Therapy Institute
• Present research findings through a poster, oral presentation, or written report
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
Required:
• Bachelor's or master's degree (recently obtained, typically within one year)
• Prior research experience
• Strong organizational, analytical, and communication skills
Preferred:
• Interest in oncology, clinical research, or academic medicine
• Experience with data analysis or scientific writing
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
The research intern will gain hands-on experience in analyzing experimental data related to NK cell function, including cytotoxicity assays such as real-time imaging platforms and (Cr51) release assays. The intern will be exposed to a broad range of immunotherapy research techniques and will develop foundational knowledge in flow cytometry, specimen processing, and data interpretation. In addition, the intern will critically review scientific literature related to immunotherapy and cell therapy research, participate in scientific discussions, and contribute meaningfully during laboratory meetings and collaborative sessions. The experience will also provide training in scientific communication and writing, including data presentation and manuscript-style reporting. The intern will attend weekly laboratory and journal club meetings, actively engage in question-and-answer discussions, and interact with scientists, clinicians, and researchers across multidisciplinary teams within the Cell Therapy Institute.
All duties and responsibilities are carried out in compliance with institutional policies, ethical research standards, and applicable federal and state regulations.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
• Gain foundational knowledge of cell therapy research, translational science, and clinical development
• Understand the process of developing cellular therapies, including preclinical research, manufacturing, regulatory considerations, and clinical application
• Describe a cell therapy research project, including scientific rationale, study design, methodology, and clinical or translational endpoints
• Develop basic skills in data analysis, scientific writing, literature review, and interpretation of experimental results
• Gain exposure to multidisciplinary collaboration across research, clinical, and manufacturing teams within the Cell Therapy Institute
• Present research findings through a poster, oral presentation, or written report
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
Required:
• Bachelor's or master's degree (recently obtained, typically within one year)
• Prior research experience
• Strong organizational, analytical, and communication skills
Preferred:
• Interest in oncology, clinical research, or academic medicine
• Experience with data analysis or scientific writing
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
