Research Intern (Academic Credit) - Department of Neurosurgery - Per Diem (On-site)

Description

About Us:

We are a leading research institution committed to advancing scientific knowledge and innovation. Our team is dedicated to conducting ground breaking research and providing meaningful learning opportunities for aspiring scientists. Join us and contribute to our mission while gaining invaluable experience in a dynamic and collaborative environment.

Overview of Department & Mentor

The Department of Neurosurgery at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center (CSMC) is a nationally recognized center of excellence in neurosurgical care and translational brain tumor research. The department encompasses active research programs in glioblastoma (GBM), brain metastases, and neurodegenerations, with direct access to state-of-the-art core facilities including flow cytometry, confocal imaging, and in vivo animal modeling suites.

The Direct Supervisor, Oksana Chepurna, PhD, is a Project Scientist in the Department of Neurosurgery at CSMC. Dr. Chepurna independently leads two research programs:

• Alternating magnetic field immunotherapy for GBM, examining non-thermal tumor suppression and immune microenvironment remodeling in syngeneic mouse models.
• Epigenetic reprogramming of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) via nanocarrier delivery of the SUV39H1 inhibitor etoposide (ETP), targeting the H3K9me3/SUV39H1 axis to shift immunosuppressive TAMs toward an anti-tumor M1 phenotype.

Role Activities & Timeline

September-October 2026 - Onboarding & Foundational Training (Months 1-2):

• Laboratory safety and IACUC protocol orientation. Training aseptic cell culture techniques. Introduction to AMF solenoid coil system operation and safety procedures. Observation and assisted participation in BMDM isolation and polarization assays. Introduction to multiparameter flow cytometry panel design.

November-December 2026 - Experimental Participation (Months 3-4):

• Assisted execution of in vitro AMF exposure experiments. Flow cytometry sample preparation and acquisition: CD86, CD206, iNOS, IFN, FoxP3 marker panels. Introduction to GraphPad Prism for statistical analysis. Assisted BMDM polarization assays with ETP-PGA nanoconjugates.

January-March 2027 - Independent Experimental Contribution (Months 5-7):

• Semi-independent execution of BMDM polarization experiments. Assisted support for in vivo CT2A intracranial tumor model experiments (tumor implantation, treatment, harvest, tissue processing). Flow cytometry data analysis and figure preparation. Active participation in weekly lab meetings and progress presentations.

April-June 2027 - Advanced Projects & Manuscript Contribution (Months 8-10):

• Contribution to ongoing in vivo AMF immunotherapy experiments in CT2A and GL261 models. Assistance with immune profiling endpoints (flow cytometry, histology). Writing contribution to methods and results sections of manuscript or grant reports under supervision of Dr. Chepurna. Participation in departmental seminars and journal clubs.

July-August 2027 - Data Synthesis & Completion (Months 11-12):

• Compilation, presentation, and documentation of all experimental results. Final contribution to manuscript figures or grant progress report. Exit presentation to the lab group and meeting with supervisor. Appointment end date: August 31, 2027.

Systems Access: N/A

Role Summary & Objectives

The Research Intern will join the Chepurna Laboratory and contribute to two active translational GBM research programs under the direct supervision of Dr. Oksana Chepurna, PhD. This appointment offers a rigorous hands-on training opportunity at the intersection of cancer immunology, nanomedicine, and in vivo mouse modeling.

Primary Objectives:

• AMF Immunotherapy Program: Support ongoing in vitro and in vivo experiments examining the immunomodulatory effects of alternating magnetic field exposure in CT2A and GL261 syngeneic GBM models. The scholar will learn tumor cell culture, mouse intracranial tumor implantation protocols, AMF treatment procedures, and multiparameter flow cytometry for immune profiling.
• Nanocarrier Program: Assist with bone marrow-derived macrophage (BMDM) polarization assays using GL261-conditioned medium and ETP-PGA nanoconjugates. The scholar will gain experience in nanoparticle handling, macrophage culture, flow cytometry panel design and acquisition, and data analysis using GraphPad Prism.

This role provides educational value through structured mentorship, weekly lab meetings, journal club participation, and progressive skill development in translational neuro-oncology research methods.

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.

Preferred Education & Experience:

Currently enrolled in or recently graduated from a Bachelor's or Master's program in Biology, Biochemistry, Immunology, Biomedical Sciences, or a related field.