Intern/Industrial Trainee for Cancer Research Malaysia

Our internship programme is a great way for undergraduate and graduate students to gain a unique insight into the cancer research and charity sector. The program spans a 10-week duration, with potential exceptions based on specific departmental requirements. During this period, interns will be exposed to a diverse range of responsibilities tailored to the distinct needs of various research departments. The job scope includes but is not limited to 1) conducting literature review, 2) involve in both dry and laboratory task, 3) expose to data analysis and 4) other tasks assigned by their superior.

Throughout the internship, our program aims to provide the participants with an immersive experience that goes beyond conventional learning. Interns/trainees will have the opportunity to:

1. Enhance their scientific knowledge
2. Gain professional experience
3. Obtain hands-on research experience
4. Interact with faculty, postdoctoral fellows, and graduate students
5. Attend group meeting sessions to learn about in-progress projects
6. Present their research at a special session at the end of the training

If you’re a motivated individual with a CGPA (or equivalent) of 3.5 and ready to make a difference, we want you! You may choose three (3) of the research units below for application purpose:

A) Cancer Prevention & Population Science

Conducts research in the Asian population to determine a person’s risk of cancer and to find ways to reduce the risk. We now know that both inherited genetic factors and lifetime exposure to risk factors (such as tobacco, alcohol, diet, obesity and exercise, our microbiome, our hormones, environmental pollutants and infections) combine to put a person at risk of cancer. We aim to develop a better understanding of these genetic, lifestyle and environmental risk factors in the Asian population and to develop interventions to enable prevention and early detection of cancer.

B) Genomics & Bioinformatics

Develops comprehensive molecular genetic analyses of cancers common in Asia. Our primary goal is to identify the population-specific molecular, genetic, immunological and micro-environmental features in cancers in Asian populations, using new sequencing technologies and histopathological knowledge. Armed with this knowledge, we aim to discover new therapeutic and diagnostic targets and biomarkers, and to evaluate and uncover known and unknown carcinogens by mutational signature analyses for cancer prevention.

C) Translational Cancer Biology

Investigates the critical genetic, molecular and cellular changes underlying cancer development, focusing on cancers that disproportionately affect Asians [such as oral and nasopharyngeal cancers]. As de novo drug development is a lengthy and costly process, we aim to identify drugs that have been developed for other diseases or other types of cancers which have the potential to be repurposed for head and neck cancers. Using cancer genomics, cell biology and cancer drug response, we aim to identify new therapeutic approaches to oral and nasopharyngeal cancer. 

D) Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy

Develops systemic immunotherapeutic approaches to improve patient outcome. Our goal is to identify ways by which the immune system can be modulated for cancer treatment and develop effective immunotherapy for cancers especially cancers that are common in the Asian region.

E) Clinical Trials

Translates internal scientific discoveries to the clinic through clinical trials to enable personalized cancer treatment and early adoption of innovative therapies in Malaysia. Our focus is initiating investigational oncology studies with clinical and biological endpoints, in partnership with clinicians, research institutions, hospitals and commercial sponsors like pharmaceutical companies. 

F) Core Laboratory

Brings together skills in biospecimen collections and genetic technologies to provide the platform for translational cancer research and adoption of precision medicine in Malaysia.

G) Genetic Counselling

Conducts research in methods to improve access to genetic counselling and testing to the population. We examine the communication and psychosocial needs of the diverse Asian communities in Malaysia, focusing on the needs of patients and their family members in relation to genetic testing for hereditary cancers. 

H) Community Outreach

Collaboratively develops intervention programmes to promote early detection and improve access to breast cancer care for women seeking treatment at Ministry of Health hospitals.

I) Digital Health

Develops and evaluates innovative strategies that facilitates the early detection of cancer, focusing on cancers common in the Asian population. Digital health includes mobile health, wearable devices, telehealth and telemedicine. These technologies can empower consumers to make better informed decisions about their own health, and provide new options for facilitating prevention, early diagnosis and management of cancer outside of traditional care settings.

Applications are reviewed four (4) times a year (31 January, 30 April, 31 July, and 31 October ). Successful candidates will be notified within one (1) month from the date of the application submission deadline.