Visiting Graduate Student

Time Commitment: Approximately 8 hours per week, when feasible, with flexibility around medical school commitments
 

About the Opportunity

The Cancer Research Center for Health Equity is seeking a Visiting Graduate Student interested in gaining hands-on experience in behavioral, community-based, and health equity research.

Under close supervision and mentorship, the visiting student will participate in multiple aspects of the research process within an academic medical center. The experience is designed to build foundational research knowledge and progressively strengthen analytical, scientific communication, and independent research skills.

At the beginning of the program, the visiting student and mentor will establish learning goals, a mentoring plan, and a timeline for the experience. Ongoing mentorship and study team meetings will provide opportunities to review progress, receive feedback, and support continued professional development.

What You Will Learn and Contribute

During the program, the visiting student will have opportunities to:

• Develop an understanding of community outreach, community-based research, and community-based participatory research practices.
• Learn how research is conducted within an academic medical center.
• Complete required institutional and project-specific research training, including applicable CITI and HIPAA training.
• Conduct systematic literature searches and critically review scientific literature related to the study area.
• Support the collection and management of research data in community settings.
• Participate in supervised quantitative analyses using statistical software.
• Participate in supervised qualitative data analysis.
• Assist with the analysis and interpretation of study findings.
• Participate in research team meetings and ongoing mentorship sessions.
• Develop scientific writing and presentation skills.
• Synthesize findings from the scientific literature and study data.
• Contribute to the development of a peer-reviewed manuscript and/or scientific poster or presentation under mentor guidance.

Research Participant Interaction

As part of approved clinical research activities, the visiting student may interact with patients specifically in their capacity as research participants. All activities will be conducted under appropriate supervision and in accordance with applicable research protocols, institutional requirements, and required training.

Mentorship and Professional Development

Progress throughout the program will focus on:

• Achievement of established learning and research goals.
• Growth in research knowledge and technical skills.
• Development of literature review, analytical, and scientific communication skills.
• Increasing independence in research activities as appropriate to the student’s experience and training.
• Integration of feedback from mentors and members of the research team.

The visiting student will complete periodic progress reviews with their mentor to assess learning objectives and identify opportunities for continued development.

Program Outcome

By the conclusion of the experience, the visiting student is expected to demonstrate increased knowledge of community-based and behavioral research, greater proficiency in research and analytical methods, and stronger scientific communication skills. Depending on project progress and findings, the student may also contribute to a peer-reviewed publication and/or scientific poster or presentation.

This opportunity is intended to support continued scholarly development and provide meaningful exposure to collaborative research focused on advancing health equity.

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. 
•    VISITORS: Must be receiving funding from an eligible sponsoring institution (employer, educator, funder, etc.).

Preferred Education & Experience

•    BA or BS in public health or related field   
•    Advanced oral and written communication skills in English and Spanish   
•    Proficient knowledge of quantitative and qualitative analyses preferred    
•    Interest in behavioral research, health promotion interventions, or racial and ethnic health disparities