Research Intern - Melanoma Medical Oncology - Research

The Research Intern will assist in daily laboratory operations while gaining hands-on experience in basic laboratory procedures, data analysis, and foundational biological concepts. This position is designed as a learning opportunity for current Biology major graduates to bridge classroom knowledge with real-world scientific research. Under the direct supervision of the principal investigator, the intern will develop essential technical skills and contribute to ongoing research projects.

All duties and responsibilities are carried out in compliance with institutional policies, ethical research standards, and applicable federal and state regulations.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

1. Modulating the gut microbiome of mice using patient-derived microbiome

2. Working with germ-free and specific pathogen free (SPF) mouse models

3. Working with mouse models of immunotherapy-susceptible melanoma, lung, and colorectal cancers

4. Flow cytometry-based analysis of mesenteric lymph nodes and tumor draining lymph nodes

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Applicant must hold a bachelor's degree

ADDITIONAL APPLICATION INFORMATION

Dr. Baruch lab's research focuses on pan-cancer mechanisms of immunotherapy resistance and toxicity, with emphasis on chronic inflammation driven by the gut microbiome, nerves, and the gut-brain axis. While acute inflammatory signaling is critical for priming and mounting an immune response against cancer, chronic inflammatory signaling triggers a negative feedback loop, resulting in immune exhaustion that dampens immunotherapy clinical efficacy. Dr.

Baruch uncovered a novel immunotherapy resistance mechanism driven by local chronic inflammation - cancer-induced nerve injury (Baruch EN et al., Nature, 2025). He demonstrated that neurons can independently initiate an inflammatory response following damage inflicted by cancer cells, and that blocking the neuron-derived inflammation improves immunotherapy efficacy in mice. Another central research avenue of the Brauch lab is the gut microbiome.

Dr. Baruch had conducted a first-in-human clinical trial of fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) in patients with metastatic, immunotherapy-refractory melanoma (Baruch EN, Science, 2021), a trial that sparked multiple microbiome modulation clinical trials worldwide. Through support from the NCI K99/R00 Pathway to Independence award, Dr. Baruch is currently studying how adverse microbiome composition may induce a state of insidious chronic inflammation, leading to impaired immunotherapy efficacy.

He aims to develop novel anti-inflammatory interventions that mimic the FMT clinical effect in a safer and more practical manner.

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://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below).