Research Intern, Gulati Lab

Cedars-Sinai Medical Center • Los Angeles, CA

2d

About The Position

This internship provides a structured, hands-on educational experience in systems neuroscience, rodent behavioral analysis, and foundational neurophysiology and histological techniques. The role is designed to introduce the intern to the full experimental workflow used in the lab, while fostering collaborative research and developing strong technical and analytical skills. Key Responsibilities: Receive comprehensive training in rodent handling, behavioral task shaping and training, and neurophysiological recording procedures. Learn post-euthanasia perfusion methods and brain tissue processing, including slicing, mounting, and imaging, to assess stroke injury and verify neural probe placement. Apply machine learning-based methods for automated kinematic analysis of rodent reaching behavior, including pose estimation and extraction of movement features. Learn introductory spike sorting workflows for processing extracellular neurophysiological data and linking neural activity to behavior. Conduct quantitative analyses of motor behavior in the context of stroke recovery. Perform spike sorting to extract and evaluate neural firing patterns. Utilize imaging methods to measure stroke volume and confirm probe placement. Support ongoing experimental studies with both wet lab and computational skills.

Requirements

• Currently enrolled in or a recent graduate of an undergraduate or graduate program in Neuroscience, Biology, Psychology, Computer Science, or a related field.
• Strong interest in systems neuroscience and animal research.
• Basic familiarity with programming concepts, preferably in Python.
• Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a collaborative team.
• Willingness to work with rodents and follow all animal care and use protocols.
• 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.).

Nice To Haves

• Prior experience with animal handling or in a wet lab environment.
• Experience with data analysis, machine learning, or computational modeling.
• Familiarity with neurophysiology or behavioral analysis techniques.

Responsibilities

• Receive comprehensive training in rodent handling, behavioral task shaping and training, and neurophysiological recording procedures.
• Learn post-euthanasia perfusion methods and brain tissue processing, including slicing, mounting, and imaging, to assess stroke injury and verify neural probe placement.
• Apply machine learning-based methods for automated kinematic analysis of rodent reaching behavior, including pose estimation and extraction of movement features.
• Learn introductory spike sorting workflows for processing extracellular neurophysiological data and linking neural activity to behavior.
• Conduct quantitative analyses of motor behavior in the context of stroke recovery.
• Perform spike sorting to extract and evaluate neural firing patterns.
• Utilize imaging methods to measure stroke volume and confirm probe placement.
• Support ongoing experimental studies with both wet lab and computational skills.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Intern
• Education Level: High school or GED
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees