Position or Project Description
We are seeking students to assist with a project that focuses on understanding the transcriptional regulation and epigenetic mechanisms in prostate cancer development and progression. The primary role will be working under the guidance of current laboratory personnel to learn and perform various molecular biology research tasks including using CRISPR/cas9 for gene knockout, cell culture, Western blot, PCR, molecular cloning, and. We expect students to devote at least 10 hours per week during the school year with the potential for the position to evolve into a full-time position for the summer. This position is open to sophomores/juniors in a biomedical sciences degree program with interest in moving onto MD or PhD training, or to students in Medical School interested in obtaining research experience to enhance their competitiveness for future training opportunities. No prior research experience is required.
Position Details
Location
East Bank
Timeframe
All year
Expected hours/week
16-20
Target Academic Level
Sophomore
Junior
Position Type
Directed Research
Paid
UROP
Openings
1
Closing Date
5-28-2026
Research Group Details
Principal Investigator
Scott Dehm, Ph.D.
Research Area Description
"The Dehm Lab investigates the molecular mechanisms that drive prostate cancer progression, with a central focus on the Androgen Receptor (AR) and the development of castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC).
Our research uses advanced molecular, genetic, and genomic approaches to study how cancer cells overcome hormone therapy. Key areas of study include:
Androgen Receptor Gene Alterations: Examining how structural changes, amplifications, and alternative splicing of the AR gene lead to the expression of truncated AR variants (AR-Vs), which are active even in the absence of male hormones.
Mechanisms of Therapeutic Resistance: Identifying and characterizing the genetic and cellular pathways—such as extrachromosomal DNA (ecDNA) and lineage plasticity—that allow prostate cancer cells to evade current treatments and become lethal."
Our research uses advanced molecular, genetic, and genomic approaches to study how cancer cells overcome hormone therapy. Key areas of study include:
Androgen Receptor Gene Alterations: Examining how structural changes, amplifications, and alternative splicing of the AR gene lead to the expression of truncated AR variants (AR-Vs), which are active even in the absence of male hormones.
Mechanisms of Therapeutic Resistance: Identifying and characterizing the genetic and cellular pathways—such as extrachromosomal DNA (ecDNA) and lineage plasticity—that allow prostate cancer cells to evade current treatments and become lethal."
Experts@Minnesota Profile
College
MED - Medical School
Department
Ophthalmology and Visual Neurosciences