Research Intern - Systems Biology

About the role

The laboratory focuses on cancer epigenomics, with particular emphasis on enzyme-tethering chromatin profiling technologies such as CUT&RUN, CUT&Tag, CUTAC and related methods for tissue-based molecular profiling. A major area of interest is the application of these approaches to formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissues and other clinically relevant biospecimens, with integration of pathology-guided tissue assessment and downstream molecular analysis.

Responsibilities

• Work closely with the PI, laboratory manager and research team to support established FFPE tissue profiling workflows across a large volume of specimens.
• Gain firsthand practical experience in epigenomic profiling for cancer research, particularly in the context of FFPE and other tissue specimens.
• Under close supervision, learn how established enzyme-tethering profiling workflows are implemented in a research laboratory, including sample handling, tissue-based experimental preparation, antibody-guided chromatin profiling steps, experimental quality control, and rigorous protocol documentation.
• Develop an applied understanding of how pathology information and tissue morphology inform molecular profiling strategy.
• Gain exposure to how specimen quality, tissue context, and pathology-guided assessment influence experimental prioritization, assay feasibility, and interpretation of epigenomic data.
• Develop practical skills in reproducible laboratory workflow execution, including sample organization, batch processing, recordkeeping, and close coordination with the laboratory manager to support high-throughput tissue profiling activities.
• Learn how experimental data are processed and interpreted downstream, and interact with computational members of the group to better understand the relationship between laboratory execution, data quality, and biological insight.

Qualifications

• Hold a bachelor's or master's degree in a relevant field, with the degree obtained within one year of the appointment start date.
• Have previous research experience in a laboratory setting relevant to biomedical, molecular, or cancer research.
• Have prior hands-on experience in molecular biology, epigenomics, or chromatin assays.
• Prior exposure to CUT&RUN, CUT&Tag, CUTAC, or related enzyme-tethering chromatin profiling assays is strongly preferred.
• Experience or interest in pathology, tissue handling, histology, or molecular profiling of clinical specimens is an advantage.

Benefits

Full-time or part-time position providing a stipend between $28,000 - $37,440.

Schedule

Short-term, primarily wet-lab training appointment.

Pay

Full-time or part-time position providing a stipend between $28,000 - $37,440.

Additional Application Information

Email the following to Dr. Ye Zheng at yzheng8@mdanderson.org:

• a cover letter describing detailed past experience with the enzymetethering epigenomic profiling experiments, such as CUT&RUN, CUT&Tag, and CUTAC.
• a curriculum vitae
• emails and phone numbers of a list of three references that can best describe your experimental and research skills

Position Information

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.