Research Intern, Per Diem

The Research Intern will participate in an immersive, mentored research experience focused on breast cancer survivorship and health equity. This role is designed as an educational opportunity that fosters collaboration, skill development, and exposure to qualitative and community-based research methodologies.

The intern will apply their academic background to understanding healthcare disparities, with a particular emphasis on transitions from oncology to primary care among underserved breast cancer survivors in California.

Key Objectives

• Develop foundational knowledge of qualitative research methods used to study healthcare disparities.
• Conduct a scoping review of evidence-based community engagement strategies related to breast cancer survivorship.
• Perform an environmental scan of California-based breast cancer survivorship programs.
• Gain experience in qualitative data analysis using thematic analysis techniques and qualitative software tools.

Training, Skills & Learning Opportunities

The intern will receive structured mentorship and training in the following areas:

• Participation in a grant-funded study focused on primary care transitions for breast cancer survivors in underserved communities
• Qualitative research design and methodology
• Survey and interview guide development
• Thematic analysis and codebook development
• Use of qualitative analysis software (e.g., Atlas.ti)
• REDCap data management and secure research data handling
• Community engagement strategies in cancer survivorship research

Expected scholarly outputs include:

• A scoping review manuscript on community engagement strategies
• An environmental scan report of California breast cancer survivorship programs

Role Activities & Timeline

Duration: 12 months
Anticipated Timeline: January 2026 – January 2027

Month 1: Orientation & Onboarding

• Establish individualized learning and research objectives
• Introduction to breast cancer survivorship and health disparities research
• Review of IRB protocols and completion of required CITI training

Months 2–4: Foundation & Training

• Training in REDCap for secure data management
• Begin scoping review and environmental scan of survivorship programs

Months 5–8: Data Collection

• Continue scoping review and environmental scan activities

Months 9–11: Analysis & Synthesis

• Training in transcription and qualitative thematic analysis
• Participate in codebook development and team coding discussions
• Complete scoping review manuscript

Month 12: Completion & Dissemination

• Finalize environmental scan report
• Participate in community forum or engagement activities
• Prepare and present findings to the research team

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.).