best cancer biology phd programs

Oncology and Cancer Biology Graduate Programs in America

1-23 of 23 results

Stanford University School of Medicine

Stanford, CA •

Stanford University •

Graduate School

• • Rating 5 out of 5   3 reviews

Doctoral Student: I begin in the Fall of 2023--Based on my interview, and pre-classes I have taken this program is amazing. It is very student-centered. ... Read 3 reviews

Stanford University ,

Graduate School ,

STANFORD, CA ,

3 Niche users give it an average review of 5 stars.

Featured Review: Doctoral Student says I begin in the Fall of 2023--Based on my interview, and pre-classes I have taken this program is amazing. It is very student-centered. .

Read 3 reviews.

Vanderbilt University School of Medicine

Nashville, TN •

Vanderbilt University •

• • Rating 5 out of 5   2 reviews

Graduate Student: Vanderbilt University School of Nursing. Loved my experience! Great teachers, easy to access, clear cut goals in class, great clinical experiences. ... Read 2 reviews

Vanderbilt University ,

NASHVILLE, TN ,

2 Niche users give it an average review of 5 stars.

Featured Review: Graduate Student says Vanderbilt University School of Nursing. Loved my experience! Great teachers, easy to access, clear cut goals in class, great clinical experiences. .

Read 2 reviews.

Biological Sciences Division - University of Chicago

Chicago, IL •

University of Chicago •

• • Rating 4 out of 5   1 review

Master's Student: So far so good. Nothing out of the ordinary. Professors are knowledgeable. I would say to ensure that you know your interests and work closely with the advisors to pick suitable classes. ... Read 1 review

University of Chicago ,

CHICAGO, IL ,

1 Niche users give it an average review of 4 stars.

Featured Review: Master's Student says So far so good. Nothing out of the ordinary. Professors are knowledgeable. I would say to ensure that you know your interests and work closely with the advisors to pick suitable classes. .

Read 1 reviews.

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Keck School of Medicine

Los Angeles, CA •

University of Southern California •

• • Rating 5 out of 5   7 reviews

Current Master's student: The Keck School of Medicine's Translational Genomics Program is a rigorous and comprehensive program that provides students with a strong foundation in genomics research and its applications. The program offers excellent resources and facilities for students, including state-of-the-art laboratories and access to cutting-edge technology. The faculty are knowledgeable and supportive, and the curriculum is well-structured and challenging. there are some areas where the program could be improved. One concern is the safety of the area surrounding the campus, which can be a bit dangerous. It would be beneficial for the program to improve security measures in order to ensure the safety of students and faculty. In addition, the program currently does not offer on-campus job opportunities, which can be challenging for international students who are not eligible to work off-campus. ... Read 7 reviews

University of Southern California ,

LOS ANGELES, CA ,

7 Niche users give it an average review of 5 stars.

Featured Review: Current Master's student says The Keck School of Medicine's Translational Genomics Program is a rigorous and comprehensive program that provides students with a strong foundation in genomics research and its applications. The... In addition, the program currently does not offer on-campus job opportunities, which can be challenging for international students who are not eligible to work off-campus. .

Read 7 reviews.

University of Michigan Medical School

Ann Arbor, MI •

University of Michigan - Ann Arbor •

Current Doctoral student: University of Michigan Medical School offers an exceptional medical education experience. What is unique about Michigan medical school is the innovative focus they have on their curriculum and culture of continuous improvement. The pre-clinical curriculum is only 12 months, which allows students to start their core clinical rotations in their second year. This affords students the opportunity to gain and improve upon clinical skills early, have more time to do research and cultivate career interests, and builds a foundation of knowledge that makes the students some of the best clinically trained in the country. Not only is the student body full of people with diverse, impressive accomplishments and experiences, but the culture is one where students genuinely value and support each other. ... Read 2 reviews

University of Michigan - Ann Arbor ,

ANN ARBOR, MI ,

Featured Review: Current Doctoral student says University of Michigan Medical School offers an exceptional medical education experience. What is unique about Michigan medical school is the innovative focus they have on their curriculum and... .

Georgetown University School of Medicine

Nw Washington, DC •

Georgetown University •

• • Rating 4.75 out of 5   4 reviews

Doctoral Student: Compressed pre-clinical work. Administration has been working on finding better and better educators, as well as hiring more learning specialists for the student body. Could have more focus on Step 1 and Step 2 preparation. ... Read 4 reviews

Georgetown University ,

NW WASHINGTON, DC ,

4 Niche users give it an average review of 4.8 stars.

Featured Review: Doctoral Student says Compressed pre-clinical work. Administration has been working on finding better and better educators, as well as hiring more learning specialists for the student body. Could have more focus on Step 1... .

Read 4 reviews.

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Wake Forest School of Medicine

Winston-salem, NC •

Wake Forest University •

• • Rating 4.82 out of 5   11 reviews

Master's Student: I am an incoming graduate student, excited to begin my masters in clinical research management! This program is just a few years old, and I am grateful to be a part of some of the first few cohorts to benefit from this specialized learning to gear one to lean and succeed in the clinical research industry. ... Read 11 reviews

Wake Forest University ,

WINSTON-SALEM, NC ,

11 Niche users give it an average review of 4.8 stars.

Featured Review: Master's Student says I am an incoming graduate student, excited to begin my masters in clinical research management! This program is just a few years old, and I am grateful to be a part of some of the first few cohorts... .

Read 11 reviews.

University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health

Madison, WI •

University of Wisconsin •

Doctoral Student: The best part of being in the Endocrinology and Reproductive Physiology program in UW-Madison’s School of Medicine and Public Health is the community. I love the diversity of endocrinology training my program has, as well as the tight-knit, family-style bonding we do over science. In my cohort alone, we are studying bovine ovarian cycles and luminal breast cancers all the way to diabetes and SSRI effects on bone density. SMPH does a great job of housing unique programs like my own, facilitating collaborations between labs, and providing great goals and standards for all students to learn and achieve together. Although expected with having a large campus and being in diverse fields, the worst part of my academic experience is being spread across campus from my friends. With our busy research schedules, these distances across campus stop us from studying together for classes as often as we should. ... Read 2 reviews

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University of Wisconsin ,

MADISON, WI ,

Featured Review: Doctoral Student says The best part of being in the Endocrinology and Reproductive Physiology program in UW-Madison’s School of Medicine and Public Health is the community. I love the diversity of endocrinology training... .

Miller School of Medicine

Miami, FL •

University of Miami •

• • Rating 4.67 out of 5   9 reviews

Doctoral Student: It is a vigorous program that trains us to provide the best healthcare to our patients. The training they are making us do reflects the environment we are going to be working in ... Read 9 reviews

University of Miami ,

MIAMI, FL ,

9 Niche users give it an average review of 4.7 stars.

Featured Review: Doctoral Student says It is a vigorous program that trains us to provide the best healthcare to our patients. The training they are making us do reflects the environment we are going to be working in .

Read 9 reviews.

Morsani College of Medicine

Tampa, FL •

University of South Florida •

• • Rating 4.8 out of 5   5 reviews

Doctoral Student: I am currently in my second year of the three year DPT program in the School of Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation Sciences and my overall experience throughout the program thus far has been great. The faculty and staff have been very welcoming and invested in providing each and every one of my classmates the best opportunities and experiences to learn, grow, and develop as future clinicians. USF also has countless relationships, partnerships, and affiliations throughout the greater Tampa bay area, which is nice because you get to have frequent opportunities to go into the real world and network with potential future employers. ... Read 5 reviews

University of South Florida ,

TAMPA, FL ,

5 Niche users give it an average review of 4.8 stars.

Featured Review: Doctoral Student says I am currently in my second year of the three year DPT program in the School of Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation Sciences and my overall experience throughout the program thus far has been great.... .

Read 5 reviews.

University of Utah - College of Medicine

Salt Lake City, UT •

University of Utah •

• • Rating 5 out of 5   5 reviews

Doctoral Student: I have been completely overwhelmed by the opportunities in my program. The curriculum is incredibly crafted, with professors who care about our success and who have made an immense effort to make the courses worthwhile. We have access to mental health support, academic support, and mentorship from day 1. ... Read 5 reviews

University of Utah ,

SALT LAKE CITY, UT ,

5 Niche users give it an average review of 5 stars.

Featured Review: Doctoral Student says I have been completely overwhelmed by the opportunities in my program. The curriculum is incredibly crafted, with professors who care about our success and who have made an immense effort to make the... .

University of Arizona - College of Medicine

Tucson, AZ •

University of Arizona •

• • Rating 5 out of 5   1 review

Doctoral Student: University of Arizona College of Medicine is a fantastic program, and one that is going to create the next generation of physician leaders and healers. ... Read 1 review

University of Arizona ,

TUCSON, AZ ,

1 Niche users give it an average review of 5 stars.

Featured Review: Doctoral Student says University of Arizona College of Medicine is a fantastic program, and one that is going to create the next generation of physician leaders and healers. .

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Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences

Buffalo, NY •

University at Buffalo, SUNY •

• • Rating 4.33 out of 5   3 reviews

Doctoral Student: The curriculum is challenging but also rewarding. The only comment that I would give would be to focus more on content for the board exams. ... Read 3 reviews

University at Buffalo, SUNY ,

BUFFALO, NY ,

3 Niche users give it an average review of 4.3 stars.

Featured Review: Doctoral Student says The curriculum is challenging but also rewarding. The only comment that I would give would be to focus more on content for the board exams. .

Drexel University College of Medicine

Philadelphia, PA •

Drexel University •

• • Rating 4.44 out of 5   9 reviews

Doctoral Student: Drexel's flipped classroom curriculum creates a lot of space for medical students to pursue extracurricular opportunities. Because I can watch lectures on my own schedule, I have been able to invest time in research, volunteering, and several school organizations. Additionally, the curriculum itself is set up in a way that makes me feel confident to succeed in bigger-picture aspects of this educational path, like passing Step 1 and being prepared for third-year clerkships. ... Read 9 reviews

Drexel University ,

PHILADELPHIA, PA ,

9 Niche users give it an average review of 4.4 stars.

Featured Review: Doctoral Student says Drexel's flipped classroom curriculum creates a lot of space for medical students to pursue extracurricular opportunities. Because I can watch lectures on my own schedule, I have been able to invest... .

College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

Denver, CO •

University of Colorado Denver •

University of Colorado Denver ,

DENVER, CO ,

Misher College of Arts and Sciences

Saint Joseph's University - School of Health Professions •

Saint Joseph's University - School of Health Professions ,

School of Medicine - Wayne State University

Detroit, MI •

Wayne State University •

Doctoral Student: Wayne State University School of Medicine has a collection of central tenants, one of the most impactful, personally, has been the drive to focus our academic curriculum to better serve a low-income, racially-segregated, urban environment such as Detroit. As a student at WSUSOM, there isn't a lesson that goes by that doesn't acknowledge how, as the future generation of medical professionals, (we) have the potential to bring forth a new age of equality in healthcare as a whole. For example, during my class orientation, the majority of time was utilized to address present, and systemic, disparities in healthcare services between the city of Detroit and its geographical neighbors (areas often populated by wealthy suburban families). That was the first day, during orientation, and the lesson has already set in. Beyond WSUSOM focus on social and policy change in the medical field, our academic curriculum is bolstered by incredible clinical partnerships with the hospitals in metro-Detroit! ... Read 3 reviews

Wayne State University ,

DETROIT, MI ,

Featured Review: Doctoral Student says Wayne State University School of Medicine has a collection of central tenants, one of the most impactful, personally, has been the drive to focus our academic curriculum to better serve a low-income,... .

College of Medicine and Life Sciences - University of Toledo

Toledo, OH •

University of Toledo •

Alum: The best parts were how the professors worked with you to ensure success. The worst part was the limited resources financially. ... Read 3 reviews

University of Toledo ,

TOLEDO, OH ,

Featured Review: Alum says The best parts were how the professors worked with you to ensure success. The worst part was the limited resources financially. .

College of Agriculture, Urban Sustainability and Environmental Sciences - University of the District of Columbia

Washington, DC •

University of the District of Columbia •

University of the District of Columbia ,

WASHINGTON, DC ,

McGovern Medical School

Houston, TX •

University of Texas - Health Science Center at Houston •

Niche User: The cardiac perfusion program is only 1 year long! The program does not require you to live on campus ! It’s not very expensive either ! ... Read 3 reviews

University of Texas - Health Science Center at Houston ,

HOUSTON, TX ,

Featured Review: Niche User says The cardiac perfusion program is only 1 year long! The program does not require you to live on campus ! It’s not very expensive either ! .

School of Medicine - Oregon Health & Science University

Portland, OR •

Oregon Health & Science University •

• • Rating 4.5 out of 5   2 reviews

Master's Student: One great thing about OHSU is the clinical experience available. Since the college is connected with the hospital, i know across different programs students take classes or work at the hospital. ... Read 2 reviews

Oregon Health & Science University ,

PORTLAND, OR ,

2 Niche users give it an average review of 4.5 stars.

Featured Review: Master's Student says One great thing about OHSU is the clinical experience available. Since the college is connected with the hospital, i know across different programs students take classes or work at the hospital. .

College of Allied Health Professions - University of Nebraska Medical Center

Omaha, NE •

University of Nebraska Medical Center •

University of Nebraska Medical Center ,

OMAHA, NE ,

Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences - University of Texas - Southwestern Medical Center

Dallas, TX •

University of Texas - Southwestern Medical Center •

University of Texas - Southwestern Medical Center ,

DALLAS, TX ,

Showing results 1 through 23 of 23

Best Global Universities for Oncology

The world’s best universities for oncology examine the causes, prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cancer. Chemotherapy, radiation and gene therapy are some of the key treatment methods that these schools research. The field includes specialties such as gynecologic oncology, neuro-oncology, surgical oncology, radiological oncology, oral oncology and dermatological oncology. These are the world's top universities for oncology, based on their research performance in the field. Read the methodology »

To unlock more data and access tools to help you get into your dream school, sign up for the  U.S. News College Compass !

Here are the best global universities for oncology

Harvard university, johns hopkins university, cornell university, university of california san francisco, university of toronto, yale university, university of california los angeles, universite paris saclay, vanderbilt university, university of pennsylvania.

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• # 1 in Best Universities for Oncology
• # 1 in Best Global Universities

Founded in 1636, Harvard University is the oldest higher education institution in the U.S. The bulk of Harvard's... Read More

• # 2 in Best Universities for Oncology
• # 10 in Best Global Universities

Johns Hopkins University is a private institution that was founded in 1876. The school has campuses located in and... Read More

• # 3 in Best Universities for Oncology
• # 21 in Best Global Universities

Cornell University is a private institution that was founded in 1865. The Ivy League school is located in Ithaca, New... Read More

• # 4 in Best Universities for Oncology
• # 16 in Best Global Universities  (tie)

The University of California—San Francisco is a public institution that was founded in 1864. The health sciences-focused... Read More

• # 5 in Best Universities for Oncology
• # 18 in Best Global Universities

The University of Toronto is a public institution that was founded in 1827. Around 80 percent of its students study at... Read More

• # 6 in Best Universities for Oncology
• # 11 in Best Global Universities

Yale University was founded in 1701, making it one of the oldest institutions of higher education in the U.S. The... Read More

• # 7 in Best Universities for Oncology
• # 14 in Best Global Universities

The University of California—Los Angeles, commonly referred to as UCLA, is a public institution that was founded in... Read More

• # 8 in Best Universities for Oncology
• # 60 in Best Global Universities
• # 9 in Best Universities for Oncology
• # 78 in Best Global Universities

• # 10 in Best Universities for Oncology
• # 15 in Best Global Universities

The University of Pennsylvania, also known as Penn, was founded in 1740. The private, Ivy League institution is located... Read More

Prospective Students

Please visit the Biosciences PhD Admissions page for detailed information on the admissions process and requirements.

Application Deadline: Tuesday, December 5, 2023, at 11:59:59 pm (PST).  Late applications will not be accepted. 

Any questions or concerns about the application process should be addressed to: [email protected] 

The Cancer Biology Home Program is one of  fourteen Biosciences PhD programs  at the School of Medicine. We welcome applications from students with a variety of scientific backgrounds and believe that diversity of previous experiences enriches our multidisciplinary environment.

The Cancer Biology Program   recognizes that the Supreme Court issued a ruling in June 2023 about the consideration of certain types of demographic information as part of an admission review. All applications submitted during upcoming application cycles will be reviewed in conformance with that decision. 

The Cancer Biology Program   welcomes graduate applications from individuals with a broad range of life experiences, perspectives, and backgrounds who would contribute to our community of scholars. The review process is holistic and individualized, considering each applicant’s academic record and accomplishments, letters of recommendation, prior research experience, and admissions essays to understand how an applicant’s life experiences have shaped their past and potential contributions to their field and how they might enrich the learning community at Stanford.

Qualified applicants will have completed a bachelor's degree in biological sciences or related fields; applicants with majors in physics, chemistry or mathematics may be admitted on condition that they complete background training in biology during the first two years of study. Students who wish to pursue a combined M.D./Ph.D. degree will be considered for admission into the Cancer Biology Program after they have been admitted to the M.D. program in the School of Medicine. We invite all interested students, and especially those from backgrounds underrepresented in academia, to apply. 

The Stanford Cancer Biology PhD program is inviting talented individuals from underrepresented in academia or sciences to participate in a one-day, graduate application workshop. Join us for a day of *virtual* workshops led by current graduate students. Receive advice on submitting a competitive application to graduate programs and learn how to develop your own career as a scientist. Applicants will be paired with a graduate student in the Cancer Biology program to go through application workshops and intensive editing sessions. Additionally, applicants may have the opportunity to partake in casual practice interviews with Cancer Biology faculty members.

Please note that participation in this preview program is not a requirement for prospective Stanford Cancer Biology applicants, nor is it a guarantee of being accepted into the PhD program. All applicants are welcome. We are especially looking for students from historically excluded backgrounds who are passionate about studying cancer biology. Applicants should be U.S. citizens or permanent residents planning to apply for graduate study for the upcoming cycle. Undocumented and DACA-mented students are welcome to apply.

IMPORTANT DATES

• DEADLINE TO APPLY - OCTOBER 22, 2023 (SUNDAY)
• WORKSHOP WEEKEND - NOVEMBER 12, 2023 (SUNDAY)

TENTATIVE SCHEDULE (PACIFIC TIME)

10:00AM - 10:30AM — Opening meeting

10:30AM - 11:30AM — Workshop 1 - Personal Statement/SOP

11:30AM - 1:00PM — Break for Lunch/Coffee, chat with people on Zoom) 

1:00PM - 2:00PM — Workshop 2 - Other materials, reference lists, letters of recommendation, etc.

2:00PM - 3:00PM — Break (get off Zoom)

3:00PM - 4:00PM — Workshop 3 - Preparing for faculty interviews

4:00PM - 4:45PM — Closing remarks, Q&A with current students

Q:  Is participation in the Preview Weekend Program required as part of the official Stanford Biosciences PhD application?

Q: Does participating in the Preview Weekend give me an advantage with my application to Stanford Biosciences PhD?

A: While we will help you edit your application package, there is no inherent advantage to the official application.

Q: Is there a fee to participate in the Preview Weekend Program?

A: No. It’s free.

If you have any additional questions, please email — [email protected]

PhD Program

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Knight-Hennessy Scholars

The Knight-Hennessy Scholars program awards full funding to Stanford graduate students from all disciplines, including Cancer Biology, with additional opportunities for leadership training and collaboration across fields.

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Cell and Molecular Biology: Cancer Biology, PhD

Related programs.

• Cell and Molecular Biology: Cell Biology, Physiology, and Metabolism, PhD
• Cell and Molecular Biology: Developmental, Stem Cell, and Regenerative Biology, PhD
• Cell and Molecular Biology: Gene Therapy and Vaccines, PhD
• Cell and Molecular Biology: Genetics and Epigenetics, PhD
• Cell and Molecular Biology: Microbiology, Virology, and Parasitology, PhD

Cell and Molecular Biology

The Cell and Molecular Biology Graduate Group (CAMB) is an interdisciplinary graduate program, providing rigorous training in modern cell and molecular biology, preparing students for leadership careers in biomedical research. Within this integrated program are six discipline areas:  Cancer Biology ;  Cell Biology, Physiology, and Metabolism ;  Developmental, Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology ;  Gene Therapy and Vaccines ;  Genetics and Epigenetics ; and  Microbiology, Virology and Parasitology . Program faculty include more than 300 scientists representing 35 departments from the Perelman School of Medicine, the Schools of Arts and Sciences, Dental Medicine, and Veterinary Medicine, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, the Wistar Institute and Fox Chase Cancer Center. The research efforts of these scientists are diverse in their focus, experimental system, methodology, and represent the leading edge of basic and translational biomedical science.

Students from colleges and universities around the nation and the world are enrolled in the program, selecting one discipline area based on their scientific interests, yet have access to the full breadth of curricular and research opportunities provided by this large and diverse program. Our students participate in core courses in cell and molecular biology, specialized coursework in one or more discipline areas, and original hypothesis-driven thesis research. Upon completion of the PhD, they pursue successful research careers at top academic institutions, in the biotech and pharmaceutical industries, and in other biomedicine-related career paths.

For more information:  http://www.med.upenn.edu/camb/

Cancer Biology

The Program in Cancer Biology provides students focused training in a number of areas of cancer biology ranging from basic mechanisms to translational applications. Program faculty conduct research in DNA repair, epigenetics, metabolic pathways, the tumor microenvironment, cancer cell autonomous processes, cancer genetics and cancer immunology. Students take core molecular and cell biology courses, biostatistics course and elective courses in cancer biology and undertake three laboratory rotations of their choosing. Students have the opportunity to take grant writing courses, present in research-in-progress seminars, engage in networking opportunities, mentor undergraduates and high school students in Philadelphia as well as participate in outreach opportunities.

For more information: https://www.med.upenn.edu/camb/cb.html

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The degree and major requirements displayed are intended as a guide for students entering in the Fall of 2023 and later. Students should consult with their academic program regarding final certifications and requirements for graduation.

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Training the next generation of cancer researchers

Program Overview

The Cancer Biology program spans many disciplines, including cell biology, genetics, biochemistry, microbiology, pharmacology, pathology, epidemiology, bioinformatics, and immunology, to name a few. It represents a unique set of training and educational activities that, taken collectively, expose the student to the full breadth of cancer biology while allowing immersion in a specific dissertation topic of the student’s choice.

Faculty in the Program are interested in a number of topic areas, including: Cancer genetics; Cancer epigenetics; Tumor immunology; Cell biology; Epidemiology; Pathology; Tumor metabolism; Bioinformatics; Cancer drug discovery.

Projects range from fundamental studies of basic biological processes to translational research aiming to move basic findings into the clinic.

Apply through our PIBS application

Students in the Cancer Biology program are required to take core courses in Cancer Biology and Bioinformatics. PIBS core courses should be taken to fill gaps in knowledge or together with other electives, to strengthen a student’s knowledge base in an area of interest. Students are also required to participate in the Cancer Biology Seminar Series for the duration of their time in the program. The Cancer Biology Seminar Series course provides not only continued exposure to the breadth of cancer research but also experience in honing seminar presentation skills.

Preliminary Examination

The preliminary exam consists of two checkpoints. The first is a didactic exam that evaluates students’ understanding of the fundamentals of cancer biology. This exam will take place in May at the end of the first year in order to advance to PhD candidacy. The second checkpoint takes place in the winter semester of the second year and is comprised of two steps, the writing of a written research proposal (NIH format) and the oral presentation of the proposal to the preliminary exam committee.

Teaching Requirement

There are no formal requirements for teaching in the Cancer Biology program. However, opportunities exist for senior students to serve as teaching assistants for one term of the introductory cancer biology class. In addition, students with an interest in teaching are encouraged to pursue the U-M Graduate Teaching Certificate as a way to prepare themselves for careers that will involve college-level teaching.

Students help organize the annual Cancer Biology retreat, including selecting the keynote speaker. This fun and informal setting gives students, postdocs, and faculty the opportunity to present their research, generate collaborations, and receive feedback. Trainees and faculty give oral presentations and all members of our cancer research community are invited to deliver poster presentations. The retreat is a great opportunity for first year PIBS and MSTP students to explore the research and meet students and faculty in the Cancer Biology program.

Research Seminar/Journal Club

The Cancer Biology Graduate Program sponsors a weekly seminar program that runs through the academic year. Students are encouraged to nominate and host external cancer researchers whose work they find exciting and cutting edge. Senior students participate by giving oral presentations on their research progress and second year students give journal clubs highlighting the research of invited speakers.

Social Events

During the summer, students get together for a picnic and canoe trip that includes the summer undergraduate research students. At the beginning of the academic year, the program director hosts an orientation dinner for all to welcome the new students. There is an annual year-end holiday party along with monthly happy hours for students to relax in an informal setting.

Extracurricular

Students are involved in a variety of activities outside of lab. Many students give back to the community through educational and community outreach programs. Cancer Biology students have fun by attending sporting events, participating in outdoor activities, club sports, and arts/crafts events, and enjoying food/drink and museums – all which Ann Arbor offers.

The impact of cancer on all our lives emphasizes the need to continue training individuals to pursue research into its cure and prevention. The ongoing investment of the National Cancer Institute and non-governmental funding organizations including the American Cancer Society, The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, and others, means that research at universities and research institutes will remain a high priority, thereby providing jobs for cancer researchers with doctoral degrees. The complexity of cancer leads to the unfortunate realization that it will take many years to unlock all of its mysteries, resulting in a long-term need for persons trained in the field.

Besides the tremendous investment in basic cancer research at universities and non-profit organizations, the development of new therapeutic modalities for cancer represents a large percentage of pharmaceutical company expenditures. According to IMS Health, the global oncology market was growing at 6.8% overall in 2011, double that number in the pharmaceutical sector. In 2013, the worth of the market was approximately $75 billion just in the US. Given this huge investment in cancer research, the job market for individuals with doctoral degrees in cancer biology is very large and growing.

Learn more about the Department of Cancer Biology.

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Integrated Biomedical Sciences (IBS)

Cancer biology phd program.

The GW Cancer Biology PhD program is designed to equip the next generation of researchers with the knowledge, research training and leadership skills necessary to foster progress in the prevention, detection and treatment of cancer. The PhD program provides research training in areas reflecting GW faculty expertise, which includes the study of cancer signaling and checkpoint inhibitors, cancer immunology and immunotherapy, and molecular mechanisms of oncogenesis and metastasis, cancer genomics and epigenetics and the tumor microenvironment.

The  GW Cancer Center (GWCC)  brings together cancer research, clinical cancer care, and cancer control/prevention and outreach initiatives at GW, and offers students a range of exciting research programs, seminars and retreats. Researcher labs are located on the 8th floor of the contemporary Science and Engineering Hall, in Ross Hall and other locations. An important focus for the Cancer Center is to address prominent health disparities in breast, cervical, colorectal, pancreatic, liver and prostate cancers faced by communities in the District of Columbia. Students have access to cutting-edge core facilities for flow cytometry, imaging, and computational biology as well as the  Cell Enhancement and Technologies for Immunotherapy (CETI) lab , and state-of-the art  GW Biorepository  resource of biospecimens and clinical data to facilitate research on HIV/AIDS and cancer.

The  GW Cancer Biology Training Program  (supported by NIH T32 CA247756) is a prestigious dual  basic/clinical mentorship  program guided by expert cancer researchers and clinician investigators designed to prepare the next generation of outstanding cancer research scientists. The two-year program for predoctoral students and postdoctoral fellows includes courses and workshops as well as a discovery research project leading to an independent research career. Students apply for this program at the end of their first year, with their mentor and cancer-related research.

The PhD in Cancer Biology begins with the interdisciplinary coursework in molecular, cellular, and systems biology and research rotations offered through  GW’s Integrated Biomedical Sciences curriculum . In the second and third semester students add a comprehensive introduction to the conceptual and experimental underpinnings of cancer biology. Further electives, career development coursework in scientific writing, oral communication, and research ethics and laboratory rotations are provided. Following required laboratory rotations, students complete a. grant-style qualifier and then work with their research advisor and the Graduate Program Directors to complete remaining Cancer Biology degree requirements, including the research dissertation.

Cancer Biology Courses:

CANC 8221: The Basic Science of Oncology CANC 8222: Molecular Oncology and Epigenetics CANC 8998: Advanced Reading and Research Seminar Course CANC 8999: Dissertation Research

Some Suggested Electives:

GENO 6237: Proteomics & Biomarkers CANC 8223: Cancer Immunology BIOC 6240: Next Gen Sequencing HSCI 6263: Biostatistics Clinical Translational Scientific Research (online)

Seminars/Journal Clubs:

The Cancer Biology seminar series held is held Thursday at 4 pm, and the monthly Tumor Board discussions held each Friday morning at 8 am. An annual Cancer Center Retreat is held in May. Faculty and trainees share interest groups (breast, prostate, ovarian cancer) as well as thematic meetings (Cancer Biology, Cancer Immunology, Cancer Engineering), to focus on common research interests.

Examples of Recent Cancer Biology PhD Dissertations:

Sulgi (John) Lee PhD. 2020, “Identification and Characterization of Tumor Specific Antigens in Pediatric Diffuse Midline Gliomas” Mentors: Javad Nazarian, Eric Villain. (Now Application Scientist at Namocell, Washington DC)

Eden Dejene, PhD 2020 “Regulation of Poly(A)-specific ribonuclease Activity by Reversible Lysine Acetylation”. Mentor: Edward Seto, Inducted into Bouchet Society, NCI supplement. (Now Associate Scientist, Abcam, United Kingdom)

Graduate Program Directors:

Norman Lee, PhD Professor of Pharmacology & Physiology GWU; Ross Hall 601 [email protected]

Yanfen Hu, PhD Professor of Anatomy & Cell Biology GWU; Ross Hall 551-B [email protected]

How to apply  to the IBS and Cancer Biology PhD program.

For IBS Application Questions contact  Colleen Kennedy, IBS Program Manager  at  [email protected]

Ph.D. in Molecular Cancer Biology

General info.

• Faculty working with students: 41
• Students: 34
• Part time study available: No
• Application terms: Fall
• Application deadline: November 30

Ann Marie Pendergast Director of Graduate Studies University Program in Molecular Cancer Biology Box 3813 Duke University Medical Center Durham, NC 27710

Phone: (919) 613-8600

Emails: [email protected] ,  [email protected]

Website:  https://pcb.duke.edu/education-training/molecular-cancer-biology-phd-program

Program Description

The molecular cancer biologists at Duke University seek to understand the complex regulatory mechanisms that govern mammalian cell growth and differentiation, discern how these mechanisms are perturbed in malignant cells, and how our knowledge of these regulatory mechanisms might lead to improved anti-cancer therapy. This research covers the boundaries of disciplines such as pharmacology, biochemistry, molecular biology, genetics, genomics and cell biology, and has increased our knowledge of the basic mechanisms underlying growth regulation. To understand how and why these mechanisms fail, and how their failure results in the initiation of cancer requires an understanding of the molecules involved in chemically and cellularly precise terms, so as to decipher their ultimate impact on the growth and development of the organism.

The Program in Molecular Cancer Biology includes faculty from thirteen (13) participating departments. Program scientists are actively engaged in dissecting the regulatory networks that control the processes of growth and development at the cellular and molecular levels, and the defects that lead to oncogenic transformation. The approaches used by the investigators range from classical genetics and genomics to cell and molecular biology and protein biochemistry. An ultimate goal is identifying novel candidates for therapeutic intervention of oncogenesis. Graduate training in this program is greatly enhanced by the interaction between investigators.

Molecular Cancer Biology Program Goals:

• To train students in creative and innovative approaches to dissecting the regulatory networks that control the molecular, cellular and organismic processes required for tumor progression and metastasis. 
• The approaches used include genomics, proteomics, genetics, bioinformatics, state-of-the art omics technologies, cell biology, molecular biology and protein biochemistry.
• A major goal is to identify novel candidates for therapeutic intervention in the treatment of cancer.
• Graduate training in this program is greatly enhanced by the collaborative interactions among investigators across the University and the School of Medicine.
• The curricula are designed to provide a strong foundation in cancer biology while maintaining flexibility to pursue elective courses tailored for the student’s future research interests.
• Molecular Cancer Biology: PhD Admissions and Enrollment Statistics
• Molecular Cancer Biology: PhD Completion Rate Statistics
• Molecular Cancer Biology: PhD Time to Degree Statistics
• Molecular Cancer Biology: PhD Career Outcomes Statistics

Application Information

Application Terms Available:  Fall

Application Deadline:  November 30

Graduate School Application Requirements See the Application Instructions page for important details about each Graduate School requirement.

• Transcripts: Unofficial transcripts required with application submission; official transcripts required upon admission
• Letters of Recommendation: 3 Required
• Statement of Purpose: Required
• Résumé: Required
• GRE Scores – GRE General: Optional This program does not require applicants to provide GRE (Graduate Record Examination) or other graduate entrance exam scores, but does allow you to upload scores if you feel they enhance your application. If you choose to submit test scores, you may enter them on the Test Scores page. If you choose to enter self-reported test scores, official test scores will become a required component of your application.
• English Language Exam: TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test required* for applicants whose first language is not English *test waiver may apply for some applicants
• GPA: Undergraduate GPA calculated on 4.0 scale required

Department-Specific Application Requirements (submitted through online application)

Writing Sample None required

Additional Components Optional Video Essay: How would a Duke PhD training experience help you achieve your academic and professional goals? Max video length 2 minutes; record externally and provide URL in application.

We strongly encourage you to review additional department-specific application guidance from the program to which you are applying: Departmental Application Guidance

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PhD in Cancer Research

Search for solutions to one of medicine's greatest challenges with an innovative Cancer Research PhD from UNMC.

Why earn a PhD in Cancer Research?

Advancement in the detection and treatment of cancer continues to accelerate through ground-breaking research, yet cancer remains one of the most complex and challenging problems of biomedical research.

As a cancer researcher, you'll work to better understand the causes of cancer, and to find new ways to prevent, diagnose, and treat cancer.

We're in an exciting new dawn in biomedical science where we will see many cures previously deemed impossible.

Why earn a PhD in Cancer Research from UNMC?

Cancer research is a key area of research at UNMC, which features the National Cancer Institute-designated Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center. The Cancer Research Doctoral Program, offered through the Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases , is the cornerstone of our National Cancer Institute-supported Cancer Biology Training Program.

The Cancer Research Doctoral Program is one of the seven programs within the Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Biomedical Sciences and includes approximately 100 faculty from the Eppley Institute and other basic and clinical departments within UNMC. You'll work in state-of-the-art laboratories and participate in important cancer research with nationally and internationally renowned scientists.

Cancer researchers at UNMC are engaged in work that addresses the root causes of cancer, as well as the means of enhancing the detection and treatment. This research employs a wide range of animal and cellular model systems, includes both basic and translational research, and focuses heavily on the molecular basis of cancer. As a result, you'll receive broad-based training in all aspects of cancer biology and employ cutting-edge experimental approaches.

Our innovative program trains future scientists to approach cancer research knowledgeably and creatively and to enter careers in which they can make a significant contribution.

Program Snapshot

Education opportunities.

You'll receive advanced training in cancer research. We offer special courses on translational cancer research and grant writing and seminar presentation skills. You'll also have the chance to attend discussions of cancer cases by oncologists and participate in interdisciplinary clinical/basic cancer research groups.

Learn more about IGPBS

The Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases

The Eppley Institute is fighting cancer with some of the brightest minds in science. Faculty and students have access to state-of-the-art research equipment both within the Eppley Institute and in other shared on-campus facilities.

Careers & Outcomes

Program graduates are highly recruited for postdoctoral work in top laboratories at universities, government laboratories and private industry. Many graduates assume research or teaching careers in academia; others take research positions in biotechnology firms, government or pharmaceutical companies or in the health care or medical professions.

Recent Job Titles

• Senior Licensing Specialist
• Assistant Director of a Clinical Molecular Oncology Laboratory
• Director of Bioengineering
• Scientific Director
• Clinical Scientist
• Medical Resident

Recent Postdoctoral Fellowships

• Yale University
• Johns Hopkins University
• The Mayo Clinic
• Harvard University
• MD Anderson Cancer Center

Areas of Research

Causes of cancer.

This area of research includes evaluation of the genetic and environmental factors that contribute to cancer incidence, as well as cancer prevention. Research efforts include functional genomics, DNA damage and repair, nutrition and cancer, environmental risk factors, cancer genetics and animal models of cancer.

Molecular and Cellular Characteristics of Cancer

This research focuses on the differences in molecules and cells that help define cancer. The following avenues are taken in research at the molecular level: gene expression, signal transduction and structural biochemistry.

Diagnostics and Therapeutics

State-of-the-art technology couples with cutting-edge cancer research to identify new ways of diagnosing and treating cancer. Several research innovations are used, including high-throughput screening for novel anti-tumor drugs, analysis of unique clinical cancer resources, identification of new cancer biomarkers and immunotherapy.

Connect with Us

For more information, please contact Dr. Joyce Solheim ( [email protected] ) or Misty Pocwierz-Gaines ( [email protected] ) in the UNMC Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer & Allied Diseases.

Related Programs

Students interested in this program may wish to explore:

Program in Cancer Biology

Mission of the Program in Cancer Biology

To train new leaders in the field of Cancer Biology that will develop new knowledge that will translate into improved detection, diagnosis, prognosis, prevention, or treatment of cancer.

Research Areas of Emphasis

• Cancer Immunity, host tumor interactions, and angiogenesis
• Cancer Precision Medicine—targeted therapies and drug resistance using mouse modeling, human tumor tissues, and systems approaches
• Bioinformatic analyses of tumor heterogeneity including genome, proteome, metabolome, and immunome components during tumor progression
• Basic Cancer Biology—tumor progression, invasion and metastasis

Steering Committee

Ann Richmond, Program Director Rachelle Johnson, Director of Graduate Studies Jin Chen Barbara Fingleton Vito Quaranta Jeffrey Rathmell W. Kimryn Rathmell Julie Rhoades Alissa Weaver Chris Williams

News & Events

Jared Rhodes (Mentor James Goldenring, MD, PhD)

Jared won the best student graduate poster at the 23rd Annual Retreat for Cancer Biology! His research in Goldenring Lab examines fibroblasts and how they have recently been shown to promote the dysplastic transition of metaplastic lineages in the stomach. Specifically, conditioned media (CM) from gastric metaplasia and cancer-derived fibroblasts accelerated dysplastic progression in metaplastic gastroids. It remains unclear which factors secreted from fibroblasts cause this progression. Therefore, he performed scRNA-sequencing on normal, metaplasia, and cancer-derived fibroblasts. This revealed expression differences of many secreted factor encoding genes. Metaplastic gastroids were cultured in 30 and 50 kDa filtered CM from cancer-derived fibroblasts to narrow down candidate factors. 30 kDa filtrate CM enhanced dysplastic progression of metaplastic gastroids compared to 50 kDa filtrate. Therefore, they looked specifically for genes encoding 30 kDa or fewer proteins and found high SPON2 expression only in metaplasia and cancer-derived fibroblasts. SPON2 is a 30 kDa secreted protein shown to promote the proliferation and migration of gastric cancer cells. Therefore, they hypothesize that fibroblasts secrete SPON2 to induce dysplasia. The presence of SPON2 in CM was confirmed with mass spectrometry, detecting SPON2 only in metaplasia and cancer-derived fibroblast CM. Furthermore, STAT3 inhibition was evaluated because SPON2 has been shown to promote downstream signaling through STAT3. A STAT3 inhibitor suppressed the effect of cancer-derived fibroblast CM in the dysplastic progression of metaplastic gastroids. These are the first studies investigating fibroblast-derived SPON2 in the induction of precancerous gastric dysplasia. Understanding factors that contribute to gastric dysplasia represents an important area of research, as gastric cancer remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide.

Yunli (Emily) Chu (Mentor Brent Ferrell, PhD)

Emily won the Best Talk award at the 23rd Annual Retreat in Cancer Biology! Emily’s research discusses Cytotoxic chemotherapy, which has been the mainstay of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) treatment. There are no approved immunotherapies for AML due to our limited understanding of how CD8+ T cells respond to AML progression. To investigate CD8+ T cell dynamics in AML, we transplanted leukemic cells bearing the MLL-AF9 translocation into immunocompetent mice. Leukemic mice exhibited a shift in CD8+ T cell phenotype toward activation, characterized by reduced naive cells, increased effector cells, and elevated CD69 expression. Surprisingly, high-dimensional phenotyping using mass cytometry identified an enrichment of PD-1 and LAG-3 expressing T cells. Ex vivo stimulation demonstrated heightened TNF-α and IFN-γ production by leukemia-associated T cells. To test if the cytokine milieu is sufficient to induce the phenotypic changes, we stimulated isolated, naive CD8+ T cells in conditioned media containing serum from healthy or leukemic mice. Interestingly, exposure to the AML cytokine milieu alone failed to induce the phenotypic changes observed in vivo. These findings suggest that other factors, such as receptor-ligand interactions and nutrient competition, may play more prominent roles in shaping T-cell responses in AML. In summary, these studies highlight that AML can profoundly influence the phenotype and function of CD8+ T cells. AML induces a dysfunctional phenotype in CD8+ T cells, though functionally, these cells produced more cytokines. It is possible that the secretion of inflammatory cytokines by CD8+ T cells contributes to AML cell proliferation. Future studies will focus on the mechanisms underlying phenotypic changes and immune escape in AML, seeking ways to disrupt these interactions.

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WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?

Key searches, cancer biology and genomics, about the cancer biology and genomics phd program.

The PhD program in Cancer Biology and Genomics (CBG) focuses on training investigators in strategies to understand the mechanisms of cancer development and progression which includes cell biological and genomic approaches. The ultimate objective is to translate basic findings into diagnostics, treatments and ultimate cures.

The program applies a multidisciplinary approach toward these goals, with the full realization that cancers in different organs represent different diseases. However all cancers relate to uncontrolled cell proliferation with many cancers having a strong genetic predisposition. Consequently, major features of this program include the breadth of medically related interests and training and faculty characterized by wide and varied skills in many cancer-related research areas. To facilitate the application of multidisciplinary approaches to make cancer a disease of the past, close and regular contact between participating faculty of different disciplines and students is a major theme of this PhD program.

Explore more about Cancer Biology and Genomics in this infographic .

Complete the form below for information on our graduate programs. Your journey towards a rewarding academic experience starts here!

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Cu anschutz medical campus.

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Cancer Biology

Graduate program, cancer biology program.

The interdepartmental program leading to the PhD in Cancer Biology combines training in the basic biomedical sciences with opportunities to apply clinical and translational research to studies on human cancer.

Would you like to make a difference by supporting graduate student training?

Please consider donating to the Cancer Biology Graduate Program.

I chose to join the Cancer Biology PhD program at CU Anschutz for a variety of reasons. (1) Its collaborative atmosphere and commitment to high quality mentorship for students whether they intend on pursuing academic or non-academic future roles, (2) the program's genuine concern for student well-being and commitment to inclusivity to create an empowering and diverse learning environment, and (3) the wealth of opportunities to learn about every step of bringing discoveries from bench-to-bedside. In addition to gaining technical scientific knowledge from world-class scientists, I've personally had the pleasure of learning about patient experiences and clinical trial design from Medical Oncologists at UC Health and the process of cancer therapeutic commercialization from Business Development and Licensing professionals at CU Innovations. Such experiences have made me a more well-rounded and patient-centered Cancer Biologist. 

- Phoebe Cao, Cancer Biology PhD Candidate

I joined the Cancer Biology Program because I wanted to explore the fundamental molecular mechanisms by which cancer cells form tumors. CU Anschutz gives me the opportunity to work with brilliant scientists from different fields of cancer biology.

- Abraham Martinez, Cancer Biology PhD Candidate

I joined the Cancer Biology Graduate Program at CU Anschutz to accomplish my goals of improving the standard of care and quality of life for patients through cutting edge research. CU Anschutz has stellar resources, such as the Cancer Center and the hospital which further enhance my translational studies.

- Daniela Ortiz Chavez, Cancer Biology PhD Trainee

I chose to join the Cancer Biology Graduate Program because of the unique position for collaboration, which is essential in cancer research. The senior students and mentors guide new students and provide an excellent research environment. As an international student, the program embraces diversity and makes me feel welcome.

- Li-Wei Kuo, Cancer Biology PhD Candidate

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Joseph hsieh thesis defense, we belong: celebrating diverse role models in science, rotation talks, end of year celebration.

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Program Overview

When you join Stanford Biosciences, you join a collaborative network tackling some of the world’s toughest questions.  The Stanford Biosciences  Home Programs  comprise nine departments and five interdisciplinary programs, which span the School of Medicine and the School of Humanities and Sciences.  These Home Programs are the foundation of our collaborative culture, offering students the opportunity to tailor their graduate education  by working within an entire network of faculty, labs, and approaches to pursue their research.

Each student is admitted to a particular Home Program and initiates training with a core group of faculty, students, and postdoctoral fellows who share scientific interests. Many Home Programs host annual retreats—facilitating the exchange of ideas between Stanford colleagues and fostering team-building—as well as seminar series that invite outside speakers.

In addition to that intimate setting, all Biosciences students have access to faculty in every Home Program for laboratory rotations and potential thesis work.  One of Stanford Biosciences’ biggest strengths is the physical proximity of programs and labs , encouraging face-to-face collaboration and feeding an environment of interdisciplinary innovation. Indeed, the Biosciences PhD Programs combine the supportive atmosphere of a small program with the many opportunities afforded by a large umbrella program—the best of both worlds.

A closer look

The 14 Home Programs in Stanford Biosciences’ collaborative network:

Biochemistry

Department website | Find Faculty

Biomedical Data Science

Cancer Biology

Chemical and Systems Biology

Developmental Biology

Microbiology and Immunology

Molecular and Cellular Physiology

Neurosciences

Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine

Structural Biology

Related programs

Bioengineering.

Program website | Find Faculty

Biomedical Physics

Health Policy

Epidemiology and Clinical Research

Dual-Degree Programs

Providing a select group of medical students with an opportunity to pursue a training program designed to equip them for careers in academic investigative medicine.

Program website

Cancer Biology PhD Graduate Programs

Researching cancer biology phd graduate programs.

Our goal is to prepare highly selected students for productive research careers in genetics. Because of the central role played by genetics in all biological processes and the vastly expanding applications of genetics to virtually every aspect of modern society we believe that it is as important for our students to develop a broad perspective as it is for them to become experts in a specific area. A broad perspective is indispensable for the formulation of long-term career goals as well as for productive collaborations that have become such an integral part of modern research. While developing a broad base through appropriate courses, first-year students participate in eight-week research rotations in faculty laboratories of their choice. These rotations provide the basis for selecting the area of genetics in which the student will become an expert. Seminar courses occurring each semester focus on current topics in genetics and molecular biology and are presented by investigators within and outside of Emory. We also believe that strong presentation and communication skills are critical to becoming a top-notch scientist. As such, GMB students present periodic progress reports on their own research to the assembled Program. In summary, the GMB graduate program strives to educate and train tomorrow's top geneticists today.

The Student Experience

To provide the basis for advanced research, introductory courses covering both prokaryotic and eukaryotic systems are taken in the first year. First-year students obtain practical research training by participating in eight-week rotations in the investigators' laboratories of their choice. These rotations provide the basis for selecting dissertation topics and mentors. After completing the first year, students tailor their curriculum from a large list of specialized courses in genetics and molecular biology, as well as other areas of current biological sciences. All courses emphasize critical thinking, constructive literature evaluation, and presentation skills. Seminar courses occurring each semester focus on current topics in genetics and molecular biology and are presented by investigators within and outside of Emory. Students also present their findings in research-in-progress meetings, which are attended by their peers and the faculty. Student invited speakers, small group teaching experiences, and training in the ethical conduct of research round out the overall list of activities that occur as students conduct research and prepare their dissertation.

Research Opportunities

Research interests of the faculty vary in topic, approach and model organism. This interdepartmental graduate program derives its faculty from eight different departments including those from the departments of Biology, Biochemistry, Cell Biology, Human Genetics, Microbiology & Immunology, Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Pharmacology, and the Winship Cancer Institute. More on Research Opportunities...

Training Opportunities

The graduate program in Genetics and Molecular Biology (GMB) at Emory University offers an exciting broad based training in the fields of genetics and molecular biology and their related disciplines of biochemistry, bioinformatics, cell biology, developmental biology and statistics. Research interests of the faculty vary in topic, approach and model organism. This interdepartmental graduate program derives its faculty from ten different departments including those from the departments of Human Genetics, Biology, Biochemistry, Cell Biology, Microbiology & Immunology, Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Pharmacology, and the Winship Cancer Institute. A wide range of research opportunities in bacterial, viral, human and eukaryotic model system genetics enable students to specialize in their area of interest while obtaining an essential foundation in genetics. Areas of emphasis listed below are supported by state-of-the-art research facilities.

Research programs of the faculty fall into six major areas:

• Regulation of Gene Expression
• Development and Differentiation
• Cancer Genetics and Biology
• Human and Medical Genetics
• Bioinformatics and Comparative Genomics
• Genome Structure, Replication, Recombination And Repair

Wayne State University

School of medicine, cancer biology program cancer biology program, ph.d. program.

Our major basic scientific challenge in cancer biology research is to determine the underlying biological basis for malignancy and the clinical challenge is to apply this basic research to improve treatment of human cancers. To meet these challenges our Graduate Program in Cancer Biology has a scope and approach which transcends traditional department/discipline structures, while still providing knowledge and training in many disciplines including biochemistry, pathology, molecular biology, therapeutics, immunology, pharmacology and chemistry.  Ours therefore is an integrated inter-disciplinary graduate program.  Our program's goal is to develop within each student the approach to scientific thought and pursuit needed for original research as an independent cancer biology investigator.

The Ph.D. program consists of formal course work which provides a comprehensive education in the principles and research of cancer biology, as well as solid training in the core disciplines which serve modern-day cancer research.  Hence, graduates gain a broad understanding of the fundamental principles underlying this diverse field with in-depth knowledge in their dissertation discipline. Active participation in research seminars and original research are two basic elements of this program. The major element is training in the research techniques which comprise a sophisticated underpinning for future advances in cancer biology. Students must complete a publishable research project under a faculty mentor and successfully defend the dissertation research.

The program of each cancer biology student is tailored to their specific interests and research requirements. Previous educational experience is recognized so as to permit the student to progress as rapidly as possible. 

Since the program requires a broad understanding of cancer biology, a core curriculum is required.

Total credits above equal 34 credits

Also, a number of advanced cancer biology courses are provided from which the student will be required to choose 11 credit hours for a total of 45 coursework credits. A number of other courses are available to allow students to specialize with regard to a specific research discipline. 

It is expected that most course work will be completed in the first and second years. A written comprehensive qualifying exam is required by the end of the first year, followed by an oral exam of the proposed dissertation research. The third and subsequent years will be primarily devoted to dissertation research.  Forty-five credits of general research, including 30 credits of dissertation research, will complete the Graduate School requirements.

The Graduate Program in Cancer Biology provides research opportunities in many areas of Cancer Biology including Experimental Therapeutics, Metastasis, Breast Cancer, Carcinogenesis, Molecular Biology of Cancer, Cancer Immunology, as well as selected topics within the traditional departments of Pharmacology, Biochemistry, Immunology and Medicine. Students complete up to three laboratory rotations in the first year (one in each semester) after which he/she will choose a research project and a mentor.  At the end of the first year, the student must submit a Plan of Work. Following its acceptance, a permanent advisory committee is established. The progress of the student toward the goals of this program will be reviewed at frequent intervals and are required annually and the student advised accordingly.

Independent pursuit of research leading to results of publishable caliber is the prime evidence demonstrating the completion of the requirements remaining after a student has completed the prescribed coursework and been admitted to Ph.D. candidacy.  We offer a variety of research experiences in the broad field of Cancer Biology.  Although some students will be committed to a specific research area before they enter the program, others will want an opportunity to investigate projects in some detail before making a commitment. Research rotations provide an in-depth exposure to research prior to selecting a dissertation project. Seminars given by the faculty allow the students to become familiar with ongoing research in the program.

Since research is open-ended, the amount of time required for completion of a defensible dissertation cannot be predicted. Although the program is designed to require four to five years to complete, some variation in the length of the program for different students is to be expected.  Four years is a minimum expectation for this program. Realistic goals should be set and the student and dissertation mentor will discuss progress relative to these goals at frequent intervals. The final examination is the defense of the dissertation conducted by the student's Dissertation Committee. The program has no other formal requirements for successful completion of the Ph.D.

Application for the Graduate Program in Cancer Biology at the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute of Wayne State University

To apply to the Graduate Program in Cancer Biology, send a personal statement, a curriculum vitae, a description of research experience, an official undergraduate transcript(s), a copy of GRE scores and three letters of reference to the following address. International applications are required to also send TOEFL scores. Dr. Anil Wali c/o Lanette Rowland Graduate Programs in Cancer Biology 329 Lande Building Wayne State University, School of Medicine 550 E Canfield Detroit MI 48201 Phone (313)577-1065 Fax (313)577- 4112 [email protected]

Download and complete the following pdf form: Download pdf Application Form Here

Also, complete the on-line application here

University of Colorado Denver | Anschutz Denver | Anschutz Medical Campus

2024-2025 academic catalog, cancer biology (phd).

The Cancer Biology Training Program at the University of Colorado Denver | Anschutz Medical Campus is an interdepartmental program leading to the PhD in Cancer Biology. The Cancer Biology Program combines training in the basic biomedical sciences with opportunities to apply clinical and translational research to studies on human cancer.

Our highly accomplished training faculty includes over 50 basic and clinical scientists from 13 departments and divisions. Our curriculum is rigorous, yet flexible, and provides opportunities for advanced study in cellular and molecular oncology, as well as the translational medical sciences. Our research community includes a NIH/NCI designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, which brings together scientists with diverse research approaches to focus on the problem of cancer. The training program in cancer biology is supported by a NIH/NCI T32 training grant that provides funding for pre and post-doctoral trainees.

To learn more about the PhD in Cancer Biology , please click here to view the information within the School of Medicine portion of the academic catalog.

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CU Anschutz Catalog

A PDF of the entire Anschutz catalog.

The Cell, Molecular and Cancer Biology PhD program is an interdisciplinary graduate program that involves faculty researchers from multiple departments on the Indiana University School of Medicine—Bloomington campus. The emphasis of the program is on the fundamental molecular and cellular mechanisms that lead to the proliferative growth associated with cancer. The primary objective of this graduate program is to train independent research investigators who can make contributions to their field of knowledge while working in academic/government institutions or industry laboratories.

Students explore a multitude of other career possibilities while working toward their degree. Alumni from the Cell, Molecular and Cancer Biology graduate program have successful careers in biomedical research, both in university and industrial biotech settings.

The application deadline for admission to the Cell, Molecular and Cancer Biology Program at IU School of Medicine—Bloomington is December 1.

Faculty Research

Campus Life

The Bloomington campus is one of the most beautifully landscaped and wooded campuses in America, marked by graceful limestone buildings. Cited as one of the most beautiful campuses in the United States by Thomas A. Gaines in his book “The Campus as a Work of Art.”

Bloomington Campus LIfe

PCOM and the Wistar Institute are launching a cancer biology graduate program

P hiladelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine and the Wistar Institute , a National Cancer Institute-designated research hub, are launching a cancer biology Ph.D. program to train more scientists in cancer research and drug development.

The graduate program expects to enroll two students in its inaugural class this fall. Tuition will be fully funded for students accepted into the program. Administrators hope to expand enrollment in future years.

The program will be jointly run by PCOM and Wistar, and students will graduate with a Ph.D. in cancer biology from PCOM . It will replace a cancer biology graduate degree that Wistar has previously offered with St. Joseph’s University, which finalized its merger with the Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences in January. Students currently in the St. Joseph’s program will complete their studies, but the program will not enroll new students.

Students will study how cancer develops and grows, with the goal of discovering ways to prevent it.

The program will also focus on the drug-development process, to prepare students for careers in academia or in the pharmaceutical industry.

“Our hope is that by harnessing the collective expertise of PCOM’s esteemed faculty and the renowned researchers at Wistar, we can accelerate discoveries, develop innovative therapies, and, ultimately, bring hope to those affected by cancer,” Gregory McDonald, dean of the School of Health Sciences at PCOM, said in a statement.

Wistar, one of the oldest biomedical research organizations in the country, also partners with academic institutions, including University of Pennsylvania and Community College of Philadelphia , for research and training programs.

©2024 The Philadelphia Inquirer. Visit inquirer.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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Unlocking mRNA’s cancer-fighting potential

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What if training your immune system to attack cancer cells was as easy as training it to fight Covid-19? Many people believe the technology behind some Covid-19 vaccines, messenger RNA, holds great promise for stimulating immune responses to cancer.

But using messenger RNA, or mRNA, to get the immune system to mount a prolonged and aggressive attack on cancer cells — while leaving healthy cells alone — has been a major challenge.

The MIT spinout Strand Therapeutics is attempting to solve that problem with an advanced class of mRNA molecules that are designed to sense what type of cells they encounter in the body and to express therapeutic proteins only once they have entered diseased cells.

“It’s about finding ways to deal with the signal-to-noise ratio, the signal being expression in the target tissue and the noise being expression in the non-target tissue,” Strand CEO Jacob Becraft PhD ’19 explains. “Our technology amplifies the signal to express more proteins for longer while at the same time effectively eliminating the mRNA’s off-target expression.”

Strand is set to begin its first clinical trial in April, which is testing a self-replicating mRNA molecule’s ability to express immune signals directly from a tumor, triggering the immune system to attack and kill the tumor cells directly. It’s also being tested as a possible improvement for existing treatments to a number of solid tumors.

As they work to commercialize its early innovations, Strand’s team is continuing to add capabilities to what it calls its “programmable medicines,” improving mRNA molecules’ ability to sense their environment and generate potent, targeted responses where they’re needed most.

“Self-replicating mRNA was the first thing that we pioneered when we were at MIT and in the first couple years at Strand,” Becraft says. “Now we’ve also moved into approaches like circular mRNAs, which allow each molecule of mRNA to express more of a protein for longer, potentially for weeks at a time. And the bigger our cell-type specific datasets become, the better we are at differentiating cell types, which makes these molecules so targeted we can have a higher level of safety at higher doses and create stronger treatments.”

Making mRNA smarter

Becraft got his first taste of MIT as an undergraduate at the University of Illinois when he secured a summer internship in the lab of MIT Institute Professor Bob Langer.

“That’s where I learned how lab research could be translated into spinout companies,” Becraft recalls.

The experience left enough of an impression on Becraft that he returned to MIT the next fall to earn his PhD, where he worked in the Synthetic Biology Center under professor of bioengineering and electrical engineering and computer science Ron Weiss. During that time, he collaborated with postdoc Tasuku Kitada to create genetic “switches” that could control protein expression in cells.

Becraft and Kitada realized their research could be the foundation of a company around 2017 and started spending time in the Martin Trust Center for MIT Entrepreneurship. They also received support from MIT Sandbox and eventually worked with the Technology Licensing Office to establish Strand’s early intellectual property.

“We started by asking, where is the highest unmet need that also allows us to prove out the thesis of this technology? And where will this approach have therapeutic relevance that is a quantum leap forward from what anyone else is doing?” Becraft says. “The first place we looked was oncology.”

People have been working on cancer immunotherapy, which turns a patient’s immune system against cancer cells, for decades. Scientists in the field have developed drugs that produce some remarkable results in patients with aggressive, late-stage cancers. But most next-generation cancer immunotherapies are based on recombinant (lab-made) proteins that are difficult to deliver to specific targets in the body and don’t remain active for long enough to consistently create a durable response.

More recently, companies like Moderna, whose founders also include MIT alumni , have pioneered the use of mRNAs to create proteins in cells. But to date, those mRNA molecules have not been able to change behavior based on the type of cells they enter, and don’t last for very long in the body.

“If you’re trying to engage the immune system with a tumor cell, the mRNA needs to be expressing from the tumor cell itself, and it needs to be expressing over a long period of time,” Becraft says. “Those challenges are hard to overcome with the first generation of mRNA technologies.”

Strand has developed what it calls the world’s first mRNA programming language that allows the company to specify the tissues its mRNAs express proteins in.

“We built a database that says, ‘Here are all of the different cells that the mRNA could be delivered to, and here are all of their microRNA signatures,’ and then we use computational tools and machine learning to differentiate the cells,” Becraft explains. “For instance, I need to make sure that the messenger RNA turns off when it's in the liver cell, and I need to make sure that it turns on when it's in a tumor cell or a T-cell.”

Strand also uses techniques like mRNA self-replication to create more durable protein expression and immune responses.

“The first versions of mRNA therapeutics, like the Covid-19 vaccines, just recapitulate how our body’s natural mRNAs work,” Becraft explains. “Natural mRNAs last for a few days, maybe less, and they express a single protein. They have no context-dependent actions. That means wherever the mRNA is delivered, it’s only going to express a molecule for a short period of time. That’s perfect for a vaccine, but it’s much more limiting when you want to create a protein that’s actually engaging in a biological process, like activating an immune response against a tumor that could take many days or weeks.”

Technology with broad potential

Strand’s first clinical trial is targeting solid tumors like melanoma and triple-negative breast cancer. The company is also actively developing mRNA therapies that could be used to treat blood cancers.

“We’ll be expanding into new areas as we continue to de-risk the translation of the science and create new technologies,” Becraft says.

Strand plans to partner with large pharmaceutical companies as well as investors to continue developing drugs. Further down the line, the founders believe future versions of its mRNA therapies could be used to treat a broad range of diseases.

“Our thesis is: amplified expression in specific, programmed target cells for long periods of time,” Becraft says. “That approach can be utilized for [immunotherapies like] CAR T-cell therapy, both in oncology and autoimmune conditions. There are also many diseases that require cell-type specific delivery and expression of proteins in treatment, everything from kidney disease to types of liver disease. We can envision our technology being used for all of that.”

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What To Do With a Biology Degree (Besides Go to Medical School)

Earning a degree in biology is a significant educational accomplishment that paves the way for diverse career possibilities beyond the path to medical school. Your biology degree from an institution like UNH's  College of Life Sciences and Agriculture provides you with a launching pad to explore careers that contribute to scientific advancements and societal wellbeing. The practical experiences and knowledge gained from UNH COLSA's comprehensive biology major program not only prepare you for STEM careers, but also arm you with the versatility to adapt to various professional roles.

Whether it's contributing to environmental policy, managing laboratory teams, or educating the next generation of scientists, your background in biology is both a solid and flexible foundation for a myriad of career paths. Exploring these alternatives can lead to fulfilling professional experiences that align with your interests and skills, while also impacting the world in meaningful ways.

Education and Advanced Degrees

In the field of biology, education extends beyond an undergraduate degree, providing various paths that can lead to specialized careers and higher earning potential.

Pursuing Graduate School

Earning a graduate degree such as a master’s degree or a Ph.D. can significantly enhance your expertise in biology. Opting for an Accelerated Master's program offers a unique advantage, as it allows you to begin graduate coursework while completing your undergraduate degree. This can save time and position you ahead in the competitive job market.

For those interested in advancing their education further, a Ph.D. or doctorate opens doors to research positions and academic careers. Committing to a doctorate involves conducting extensive original research, culminating in a dissertation that contributes new knowledge to the field of biology.

Alternative Certifications and Courses

If you're not looking to pursue full graduate programs, there are alternative certifications and courses that can bolster your qualifications and may also lead to new job opportunities. This can range from a certification in a specialized field, such as bioinformatics or environmental management, to industry-related courses that enhance particular skills.

Such postgraduate education can complement your existing biology degree and enable you to branch into niche roles within the vast biological sciences landscape. Choosing to specialize through these certifications can make you an attractive candidate to employers who value specific skill sets backed by credible education.

Careers in Research and Science

With a biology degree, your career possibilities extend beyond medical school. You're poised to contribute to science through diverse and exciting avenues.

Research Scientist Career Paths

As a research scientist, you can specialize in various fields such as genetics, molecular biology, or microbiology. In academia or research institutes within the Greater Boston area, you might engage in groundbreaking studies, contributing to scientific knowledge and innovation. You could work as a biologist conducting experiments or as a laboratory technician assisting in data collection and analysis.

• Genetics: Focus on hereditary traits and DNA analysis to advance medical treatments or enhance agricultural breeds.
• Molecular Biology: Study the molecular mechanisms of life to develop new pharmaceuticals or understand disease pathways.

Environmental and Ecological Opportunities

Your biology degree equips you to work in environmental science and ecology, analyzing ecosystems to sustain biodiversity and environmental health. You can become an environmental scientist or an ecologist in conservation organizations or governmental agencies.

• Environmental Science: Apply your knowledge to assess environmental impact and develop conservation strategies.
• Ecology: Work in field research to understand the interactions within ecosystems and mitigate human impact on wildlife.

Biotech Industry Positions

The biotechnology industry, notably in the Greater Boston area, offers various roles for biology graduates. Positions in companies focused on health, agriculture, or food science are in demand. Your understanding of cellular and biomolecular processes makes you valuable for roles like biotechnologist or process development scientist.

• Biotechnology: Join companies to help create innovative healthcare solutions through biological research.
• Food Science: Use your biology expertise to improve food safety, enhance nutrition, and develop sustainable food systems.

Health and Medicine Alternatives

With a biology degree, you have a solid foundation to pursue an array of fulfilling careers in health and medicine that don't require medical school. Here are some specific paths you can take in healthcare services and public health education.

Nursing and Healthcare Services

If your interest in health sciences is paired with a desire to work directly with patients, consider careers in nursing and healthcare services:

• Registered Nurse (RN): You can become an RN and provide patient care, educate the public on various health conditions, and offer support through treatment. Prerequisites typically include passing the NCLEX-RN exam.
• Nurse Practitioner (NP): As an NP, you will perform many of the same duties as a physician, such as diagnosing diseases and prescribing medication, often with a master's degree in nursing.
• Neonatal Nursing : Focus on caring for newborns.
• Geriatric Nursing : Specialize in the care of elderly patients.
• Oncology Nursing : Work with cancer patients  

Public Health and Education

Your biology degree is an asset for careers in public health and education, where you can influence community health policies and contribute to educating the public:

• Health Educator: As a health educator, you will develop programs and materials to educate the public on health and nutrition to promote wellness.
• Epidemiologist : Study the patterns of diseases and work to control their spread.
• Public Health Analyst : Evaluate and improve public health programs  

In these roles, your work will actively influence health outcomes and policies, impacting the well-being of communities on a large scale.

Private Sector and Industry

Pursuing a career in the private sector with a biology degree opens a multitude of pathways beyond medical school, particularly within the biotech and pharmaceutical industries. Positions such as biotech consultants, pharmaceutical sales representatives, and regulatory affairs consultants not only are in demand, but they also offer competitive salaries that reflect the specialization and business acumen required in these roles.

Biotech Consultancy

As a biotech consultant, you will offer expert advice to companies on how to develop, commercialize, and navigate the complex landscape of biotech products. Your role is pivotal in bridging the gap between scientific innovation and business strategy. Biotechnology consulting often involves conducting market research, analyzing data, and providing recommendations based on current market trends and the competitive landscape.

Pharmaceutical Sales and Marketing

Your expertise in biology can be your foothold in the pharmaceutical sales and marketing arena. As a pharmaceutical sales representative , your knowledge of biology helps you to understand and effectively communicate the benefits of medical drugs to health care providers. Your salary reflects not only your scientific know-how but also your ability to drive sales and implement successful marketing strategies. Salary benchmarks can often be obtained through industry surveys and financial reports from relevant companies.

Regulatory Affairs

In the realm of regulatory affairs, you ensure that biotech and pharmaceutical companies comply with all of the regulations pertaining to their business. This role requires a keen eye for detail and a comprehensive understanding of legal and quality standards. As a regulatory affairs consultant , you might be involved in reviewing materials such as clinical data and marketing literature to guarantee that they meet regulatory compliance standards. The importance of your work in safeguarding public health and ensuring the legality of products is reflected in the market salary for regulatory affairs professionals.

Teaching and Academia

Pursuing a career in teaching and academia with a biology degree opens numerous opportunities beyond medical school. You can inspire the next generation of scientists by sharing your knowledge and fueling innovation in biology-centric fields.

From Classroom to Laboratory

As a high school biology teacher, you have the chance to introduce students to the wonders of the natural world and foundational concepts that could shape their academic interests. You'll be responsible for developing lesson plans, conducting experiments, and guiding students through the complexities of biological sciences. If you aim to expand into research, positions in education at the university level often combine teaching with the opportunity to run a research laboratory. Here, your dual role entails educating students and pushing the boundaries of scientific inquiry.

Becoming a Biology Professor

Ascending to the role of a biology professor at a university requires advanced education, typically a doctoral degree, and a commitment to both teaching and research. Professors not only teach and mentor students but also contribute to the academic community through scholarly research and publication. Your responsibilities may include:

• Conducting groundbreaking research and securing grants.
• Presenting findings at conferences.
• Serving on academic committees.
• Reviewing peer research.

In this role, you become a pivotal element of the education system, shaping both the minds and the future of the field of biology.

Environmental and Conservation Roles

With a biology degree, you have a powerful tool to enter fields that are crucial for understanding and preserving our natural world. Careers in environmental and conservation roles are diverse, ranging from direct wildlife management to addressing broader ecological concerns through science and research.

Wildlife Conservation and Management

Your passion for zoology can lead you to protect and manage wildlife populations. As a wildlife conservationist, your tasks may involve habitat restoration, population monitoring, and developing conservation plans. These roles often require fieldwork, possibly in remote locations, and can involve collaboration with government agencies or non-profit organizations.

Roles might include:

• Zoologists: You study animal behavior, genetics, and overall health to support conservation efforts.
• Park Rangers: With your biology degree, you can serve as the frontline of wildlife protection, educate visitors, and manage natural resources within parks.

Environmental Science Careers

Addressing the impacts of climate change and pollution falls under the purview of environmental scientists. Your role is to analyze environmental data, develop plans to protect the environment, or work in remediation to clean up polluted areas.

Your career path may involve:

• Climatology: Study climate patterns and their effects on ecosystems.
• Ecology: Focus on how organisms interact with their environment and each other.
• Environmental Policy: Use your expertise to help shape laws and regulations that protect natural resources.

By choosing a career in environmental and conservation roles, you become an integral part of preserving the planet for future generations. Your biology degree is not just a path to medical school; it's your entry point to vital roles that have a lasting impact on the world's ecological health.

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Training the next generation of cancer researchers

Program Overview

The Cancer Biology program spans many disciplines, including cell biology, genetics, biochemistry, microbiology, pharmacology, pathology, epidemiology, bioinformatics, and immunology, to name a few. It represents a unique set of training and educational activities that, taken collectively, expose the student to the full breadth of cancer biology while allowing immersion in a specific dissertation topic of the student’s choice.

Faculty in the Program are interested in a number of topic areas, including: Cancer genetics; Cancer epigenetics; Tumor immunology; Cell biology; Epidemiology; Pathology; Tumor metabolism; Bioinformatics; Cancer drug discovery.

Projects range from fundamental studies of basic biological processes to translational research aiming to move basic findings into the clinic.

Apply through our PIBS application

Students in the Cancer Biology program are required to take core courses in Cancer Biology and Bioinformatics. PIBS core courses should be taken to fill gaps in knowledge or together with other electives, to strengthen a student’s knowledge base in an area of interest. Students are also required to participate in the Cancer Biology Seminar Series for the duration of their time in the program. The Cancer Biology Seminar Series course provides not only continued exposure to the breadth of cancer research but also experience in honing seminar presentation skills.

Preliminary Examination

The preliminary exam consists of two checkpoints. The first is a didactic exam that evaluates students’ understanding of the fundamentals of cancer biology. This exam will take place in May at the end of the first year in order to advance to PhD candidacy. The second checkpoint takes place in the winter semester of the second year and is comprised of two steps, the writing of a written research proposal (NIH format) and the oral presentation of the proposal to the preliminary exam committee.

Teaching Requirement

There are no formal requirements for teaching in the Cancer Biology program. However, opportunities exist for senior students to serve as teaching assistants for one term of the introductory cancer biology class. In addition, students with an interest in teaching are encouraged to pursue the U-M Graduate Teaching Certificate as a way to prepare themselves for careers that will involve college-level teaching.

Students help organize the annual Cancer Biology retreat, including selecting the keynote speaker. This fun and informal setting gives students, postdocs, and faculty the opportunity to present their research, generate collaborations, and receive feedback. Trainees and faculty give oral presentations and all members of our cancer research community are invited to deliver poster presentations. The retreat is a great opportunity for first year PIBS and MSTP students to explore the research and meet students and faculty in the Cancer Biology program.

Research Seminar/Journal Club

The Cancer Biology Graduate Program sponsors a weekly seminar program that runs through the academic year. Students are encouraged to nominate and host external cancer researchers whose work they find exciting and cutting edge. Senior students participate by giving oral presentations on their research progress and second year students give journal clubs highlighting the research of invited speakers.

Social Events

During the summer, students get together for a picnic and canoe trip that includes the summer undergraduate research students. At the beginning of the academic year, the program director hosts an orientation dinner for all to welcome the new students. There is an annual year-end holiday party along with monthly happy hours for students to relax in an informal setting.

Extracurricular

Students are involved in a variety of activities outside of lab. Many students give back to the community through educational and community outreach programs. Cancer Biology students have fun by attending sporting events, participating in outdoor activities, club sports, and arts/crafts events, and enjoying food/drink and museums – all which Ann Arbor offers.

The impact of cancer on all our lives emphasizes the need to continue training individuals to pursue research into its cure and prevention. The ongoing investment of the National Cancer Institute and non-governmental funding organizations including the American Cancer Society, The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, and others, means that research at universities and research institutes will remain a high priority, thereby providing jobs for cancer researchers with doctoral degrees. The complexity of cancer leads to the unfortunate realization that it will take many years to unlock all of its mysteries, resulting in a long-term need for persons trained in the field.

Besides the tremendous investment in basic cancer research at universities and non-profit organizations, the development of new therapeutic modalities for cancer represents a large percentage of pharmaceutical company expenditures. According to IMS Health, the global oncology market was growing at 6.8% overall in 2011, double that number in the pharmaceutical sector. In 2013, the worth of the market was approximately $75 billion just in the US. Given this huge investment in cancer research, the job market for individuals with doctoral degrees in cancer biology is very large and growing.

Learn more about the Department of Cancer Biology.

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