LHSI Intern: Molecular & Cellular Laboratory Intern

Program Summary:    

This internship is offered as a part of the Life-Health Sciences Internship Program (LHSI). This program connects 125 IU Indianapolis undergraduates per year with internships on campus with faculty and staff in a variety of health and science related campus areas/programs. All LHSI internships start in August 2026 and end in April 2027 and are paid $14/hour for up to 10 hours per week. Work-study is accepted but not required.  

Supervisor: Dr. Jason Spaeth 

Department/Office: Medicine Pediatrics 

Overview of the internship site: The Spaeth Lab investigates how gene regulation shapes pancreas development and the function of insulin-producing cells linked to diabetes. The Spaeth Lab studies how gene regulation controls pancreas development and the function of insulin producing beta cells, with the goal of understanding the biological mechanisms that contribute to disease, including diabetes. Trainees in the lab focus on transcriptional coregulators, proteins/complexes that help turn genes on and off, and examine how they interact with other regulatory factors during pancreas formation and in mature beta cells (insulin-producing cells). The lab uses a range of experimental systems, including mouse models, cell culture, biochemical assays, human donor samples, and high resolution microscopy to study pancreatic cells at the molecular and cellular level. Lab members work in a collaborative research environment and gain hands on experience with modern experimental techniques while contributing to research relevant to human health and disease. 

Website for more information: https://jspaeth4.wixsite.com/spaethlab/lab-members 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: Interns will assist with laboratory research focused on pancreatic biology and diabetes. Responsibilities include genotyping mouse colonies, performing PCR experiments, conducting immunofluorescence studies, and assisting with microscopy and image acquisition. Interns will also participate in basic image analysis, data organization, and interpretation, while gaining hands-on experience with standard laboratory techniques and research workflows. Training and supervision will be provided 

Work Environment and Dress Code: The work is performed primarily in a lab setting with dress code: Closed-toe shoes, long pants, and lab-appropriate attire are required. Lab coats and other PPE will be provided and must be worn as required. 

Project-specific qualifications: Applicants should have a strong interest in biology and the mechanisms of human disease and be motivated to learn laboratory research techniques. Prior laboratory experience is helpful but not required; all necessary training will be provided. Successful interns should demonstrate attention to detail, reliability, and the ability to follow written protocols accurately. Curiosity, willingness to ask questions, and professionalism in a research environment are essential. Students must be comfortable with, or prepared to learn, mouse handling and experimentation and working with animal models and biological samples 

Hours per week: 7-9; Normally during normal work hours; however, depending on experimental demands, there are chances this could occur after normal business hours. No weekends or holidays predicted to be worked. 

By the end of the LHSI program, you will: 

Carefully consider, explore, and articulate your career goals, including an analysis of how you arrived at that path and what steps you need to take next. (Community Contributor, Communicator) 

Understand your role and strengths on a professional team and analyze who you would like to become as a professional. (Communicator) 

Gain and strengthen skills relevant to next steps after graduation, such as communication, collaboration, teamwork, analysis/synthesis/evaluation, independence, confronting/challenging failure, problem-solving and perseverance, and constructive criticism. (Problem Solver, Communicator) 

Convey ideas and knowledge effectively through an ePortfolio and presentation of your internship work. (Problem Solver, Communicator) 

Set and meet your own additional learning goals identified with your supervisor. 

LHSI Qualifications    

must be graduating May 2028 or after (usually a current freshman or sophomore in Spring 2026)   

Current full time IU Indianapolis undergraduate in 2026-27 

minimum overall GPA of 2.0   

All majors welcome 

To apply: 

LHSI accepts 125 interns per year. All available sites are listed in Handshake and will start with the position title “LHSI Intern.” Complete the application for LHSI at go.iu.edu/lhsi and list 3-4 internship sites on that application. You will meet with at least 2 of these if selected for interviews.