About the Opportunity

Summer Research Internships at The Roux Institute

The Roux Institute Summer Research Internship Program is a 10-week full-time internship for graduate and undergraduate learners on-site at the Roux Institute campus of Northeastern University in Portland, ME.

Benefits

• Stipend: $5,000 for Undergraduate Research Interns $7,500 for Masters & PhD Research Interns.
• Gain interdisciplinary research experience and mentoring from Roux Institute Researchers.
• Access professional development seminars on topics including networking, communication, entrepreneurial thinking, and more.
• Network with other Roux Institute researchers and partner organizations
• Explore the Greater Portland area and build community with other researchers in your cohort and entrepreneurs from our Founder Residency programs.

Program Dates

INTERNSHIP DURATION: June 3 – August 16, 2024

APPLICATIONS OPEN: December 15, 2024

APPLICATION DEADLINE: February 15, 2024

About The Roux Institute

The Roux Institute is designed as an engine of innovation, talent-building, and economic growth for Portland, Maine, and northern New England. We are nurturing an environment for high-impact research and innovation in computer and data science, digital engineering, the advanced life sciences and medicine, and other tech fields. Partnership is what sets our education and research model apart. With leading companies at the table from day one, we are creating an agile workforce prepared to thrive in a competitive landscape powered by artificial intelligence as a force for good, and an environment for innovation in the life sciences and other high- growth sectors. Together, we envision an innovation corridor that in the coming years will stretch from Boston to Portland and beyond.

Research Intern - Modeling Insulin Resistance

It is estimated that 1 in 3 American adults are prediabetic and about 50 percent of them will end up becoming type-2 diabetic. Prediabetes is the precursor to type-2 diabetes defined by hyperinsulinemia and hyperglycemia. Insulin resistance is the term employed to define the collective phenomenon of insulin-sensitive tissues where they don't respond to insulin in the bloodstream. This translates to poor signaling and signal attenuation in the insulin receptor signaling network. The insulin receptor signaling network is a tightly controlled signaling network that attempts to restore homeostasis in the face of stimulation and perturbation. The challenge is to figure out if this restoration of homeostasis is the driver of insulin resistance.

The goal of this project is to build a detailed signaling model of the insulin receptor signaling network in the insulin-sensitive tissues, along with a multiscale implementation of the pancreatic islet cells to secrete insulin and/or glucagon, and a central nervous system input to control all tissues. The idea is to help populate a multiscale model for a given individual using their 'omics and to predict the insulin and glucose profiles in response to a standard meal. The model will also attempt to simulate the metabolic syndromes, and various small molecule drugs can be repurposed to try to restore normal glucose and insulin signaling.

We are seeking a research intern who is interested in and curious about modeling cellular biology for the project titled “Multiscale Model for Insulin and Glucose Homeostasis” The ideal candidate should have good coding skills and an interest in contributing to understanding and potentially improving the treatment of prediabetes and type-2 diabetes. As a research intern, you will work closely with our team to develop and implement a multiscale model for insulin and glucose homeostasis.

Responsibilities

• Assisting in the development of a detailed model of the insulin receptor signaling network
• Analyzing data and conducting simulations to predict insulin and glucose profiles in response to different foods
• Contributing to the documentation and dissemination of research findings to a variety of audiences

Qualifications

• Currently pursuing a degree in a relevant field, such as biology, biochemistry, or biomedical engineering
• Strong interest in exploring complex biological systems
• General knowledge of physiology is a plus
• Proficient in coding and data analysis
• Excellent communication and organizational skills
• Ability to collaborate effectively with a multidisciplinary team

Application Materials

• A resume and 1-page cover letter detailing your interest and qualifications for the position.

Position Type

Additional Information

Northeastern University considers factors such as candidate work experience, education and skills when extending an offer.

Northeastern University is an equal opportunity employer, seeking to recruit and support a broadly diverse community of faculty and staff. Northeastern values and celebrates diversity in all its forms and strives to foster an inclusive culture built on respect that affirms inter-group relations and builds cohesion.

All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

To learn more about Northeastern University’s commitment and support of diversity and inclusion, please see www.northeastern.edu/diversity.