can you get a phd in oncology

Stanford Cancer Institute

Search stanford cancer institute.

Cancer Biology PhD Program

Established in 1978, the interdisciplinary Cancer Biology PhD Program is designed to provide graduate and medical students with the education and training they need to make significant contributions to the field of cancer biology. The program is led by Laura Attardi, PhD, and Julien Sage, PhD, and currently has over 60 participating faculty members representing a variety of specialties.

Coursework during the first year equips students with a broad understanding of the molecular, genetic, cellular biological and pathobiological aspects of cancer. By the beginning of the second year, students have chosen a research advisor and begun work on their dissertation projects. An annual program conference provides students with an opportunity to present their research findings, receive feedback and forge collaborations with faculty and fellow students. 

The Cancer Biology program also sponsors a postdoctoral scholar track in which accepted MD and PhD scholars pursue research under the guidance of a faculty mentor. 

Program Directors

Laura Attardi

Catharine and howard avery professor of the school of medicine and professor of genetics.

Julien Sage

Elaine and john chambers professor of pediatric cancer and professor of genetics.

• Patient Care
• Clinical Trials
• Health Equity
• Shared Resources

Stanford Medicine

Health care.

©2024 Stanford Medicine

• Nebraska Medicine
• Current Faculty & Staff
• Current Students

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:

• Skip to Content
• Catalog Home
• Cancer Biology, PhD

The graduate program in cancer biology offers a course of study and research leading to the PhD degree. Although a master’s degree is offered under special circumstances, students are not admitted for a master’s degree.

The Cancer Biology Graduate Program was established at the McArdle Laboratory for Cancer Research in 1940 as the first graduate program in the United States to offer a degree in basic cancer research. The program now includes more than 50 faculty trainers from multiple departments including Oncology, Medicine, Human Oncology, Cell and Regenerative Biology, Medical Microbiology and Immunology, and others. This interdepartmental structure offers students remarkably diverse training opportunities that span the entire breadth of cancer biology research from haploid or diploid genetics, viral and chemical carcinogenesis, eukaryotic cell and molecular biology, virology, molecular toxicology, and whole-animal carcinogenesis. Through the graduate curriculum, students are introduced to the body of knowledge that has been derived directly from experiments on the induction, properties, and therapy of cancer, and receive the necessary background to conduct independent research.

Curriculum requirements are designed to be flexible, providing a maximal opportunity for specialization within this multidisciplinary field. Students learn through core and elective courses; by participation in seminars, conferences, and journal clubs related to their specific areas of expertise; and most important, from their research advisors. Students who join the program select research advisors after conducting a minimum of three month-long rotations in different laboratories during the first semester. After choosing an advisor, students will also create an advisory committee of five faculty members who will provide guidance throughout the process of earning the PhD degree. The average time to complete the PhD is 5.5 years. The program prepares students for careers in teaching and research in academia, government, and industry.

Please consult the table below for key information about this degree program’s admissions requirements. The program may have more detailed admissions requirements, which can be found below the table or on the program’s website.

Graduate admissions is a two-step process between academic programs and the Graduate School. Applicants must meet the minimum requirements of the Graduate School as well as the program(s). Once you have researched the graduate program(s) you are interested in, apply online .

Students seeking admission to the program must complete a bachelor's degree in biology, biochemistry, chemistry, molecular biology, or a related area from an accredited college or university and should have a grade point average of at least 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale). The background of the applicant should include basic courses in these areas as well as several advanced courses in chemistry, microbiology, biochemistry, genetics, physiology, and molecular biology. Prior laboratory research experience is highly desirable.

Applicants must submit a completed online application, personal statement (reasons for graduate study), unofficial college transcripts, updated CV/resume (highlighting laboratory experience), and three letters of recommendation.

Graduate School Resources

Resources to help you afford graduate study might include assistantships, fellowships, traineeships, and financial aid.  Further funding information is available from the Graduate School. Be sure to check with your program for individual policies and restrictions related to funding.

Program Resources

The program is committed to ensuring continuing financial support for all cancer biology PhD students in good standing. Financial support includes a competitive stipend and tuition remission. All graduate students are also eligible for comprehensive health insurance. PhD students are supported from a variety of different sources including research assistantships from faculty research grants, fellowships, and NIH training grants. There is no teaching requirement for cancer biology students; however, many opportunities exist on campus for those who wish to gain teaching experience.

Students are admitted into the Cancer Biology Program as a Research Assistant (RA) unless they have received a fellowship or training grant. Find more information here .

Minimum Graduate School Requirements

Major requirements.

Review the Graduate School minimum academic progress and degree requirements , in addition to the program requirements listed below.

Mode of Instruction

Mode of instruction definitions.

Accelerated: Accelerated programs are offered at a fast pace that condenses the time to completion. Students typically take enough credits aimed at completing the program in a year or two.

Evening/Weekend: ​Courses meet on the UW–Madison campus only in evenings and/or on weekends to accommodate typical business schedules.  Students have the advantages of face-to-face courses with the flexibility to keep work and other life commitments.

Face-to-Face: Courses typically meet during weekdays on the UW-Madison Campus.

Hybrid: These programs combine face-to-face and online learning formats.  Contact the program for more specific information.

Online: These programs are offered 100% online.  Some programs may require an on-campus orientation or residency experience, but the courses will be facilitated in an online format.

 Curricular Requirements

Required courses.

The curriculum for Cancer Biology is designed to introduce you to research related to the induction, properties, and therapy of cancer and to ensure that you have the necessary background in one or more areas of related, fun­damental science to enable you to do original research.  Courses are drawn from the Department of Oncology as well as vari­ous related departments, including Bacteriology, Biochemistry, Biomolecular Chemistry, Chemistry, Genetics, Human Oncology, Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, and Pharmacology. 

The Graduate School at UW-Madison requires PhD students to complete a minimum of 51 credits in order to obtain a PhD Degree. These credits are fulfilled via core curriculum courses, 990 research, and electives. Courses numbered below 300, audit, and pass/fail do not satisfy the minimum requirement. It is suggested that you take approximately 2 courses per semester with the remaining credits being 990 research. All courses must be completed by the end of your second year, before completing the Preliminary Exam.

Beginning in your second year, you will be required to give an annual, formal presentation in the Cancer Biology Student/Postdoc Seminar Series. You will register for ONCOLOGY 901 Seminar  during the semester in which you present. Your seminars will be recorded and you will receive feedback from the seminar course instructor to help improve your public speaking and presentation skills.   Attendance at this seminar series is required . 

In addition, you are expected to attend the Cancer Biology Seminar throughout your graduate career (no registration required). The Cancer Biology Seminar, which features local and outside faculty speakers, is held on Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. in 1345 HSLC. The schedule is posted on the McArdle website .

Students will enroll in up to 12 credits per semester as pre-dissertators (only 2 credits during the summer term).

Students must select electives in consultation with their advisor. These courses should be numbered 500 and above. The list below provides some examples of commonly taken courses.

Suggested Electives

Graduate school policies.

The  Graduate School’s Academic Policies and Procedures  provide essential information regarding general university policies. Program authority to set degree policies beyond the minimum required by the Graduate School lies with the degree program faculty. Policies set by the academic degree program can be found below.

Major-Specific Policies

Prior coursework, graduate credits earned at other institutions.

With program approval, students may transfer no more than 9 credits of graduate coursework from other institutions. Coursework earned ten or more years prior to admission to a doctoral degree is not allowed to satisfy requirements.

Undergraduate Credits Earned at other Institutions or UW-Madison

With program approval, students may transfer no more than 7 credits numbered 300 or above from a UW–Madison undergraduate degree, or the equivalent from other institutions.

Credits Earned as a Professional Student at UW-Madison (Law, Medicine, Pharmacy, and Veterinary careers)

Refer to the Graduate School: Transfer Credits for Prior Coursework policy.

Credits Earned as a University Special Student at UW-Madison

With program approval, students may transfer no more than 15 credits of coursework numbered 300 or above taken as a UW–Madison Special student. Coursework earned ten or more years prior to admission to a doctoral degree is not allowed to satisfy requirements.

A semester GPA below 3.0 or an incomplete grade (I) will result in the student being placed on academic probation. If a semester GPA of 3.0 is not attained or the Incomplete grade is not cleared during the subsequent semester of full- time enrollment, the student may be dismissed from the program or allowed to continue for 1 additional semester based on advisor appeal to the Graduate School.

Advisor / Committee

All students are required to have an advisor. Students must create a certification committee (advisor plus four additional faculty members) by the end of their first year. After passing their preliminary examination, students are required to conduct a progress report meeting with their certification committee each year. Failure to do so may result in a hold being placed on the student’s registration.

Credits Per Term Allowed

Time Limits

All doctoral students must pass their preliminary examination by the end of their second year (August 31). Under special circumstances, a one-semester extension may be granted when justified in writing by the student and advisor.

Refer to the Graduate School: Time Limits policy.

Grievances and Appeals

These resources may be helpful in addressing your concerns:

• Bias or Hate Reporting  
• Graduate Assistantship Policies and Procedures
• Office of the Provost for Faculty and Staff Affairs
• Employee Assistance (for personal counseling and workplace consultation around communication and conflict involving graduate assistants and other employees, post-doctoral students, faculty and staff)
• Employee Disability Resource Office (for qualified employees or applicants with disabilities to have equal employment opportunities)
• Graduate School (for informal advice at any level of review and for official appeals of program/departmental or school/college grievance decisions)
• Office of Compliance (for class harassment and discrimination, including sexual harassment and sexual violence)
• Office Student Assistance and Support (OSAS)  (for all students to seek grievance assistance and support)
• Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards (for conflicts involving students)
• Ombuds Office for Faculty and Staff (for employed graduate students and post-docs, as well as faculty and staff)
• Title IX (for concerns about discrimination)

Grievance Policy for Graduate Programs in the School of Medicine and Public Health

Any student in a School of Medicine and Public Health graduate program who feels that they have been treated unfairly in regards to educational decisions and/or outcomes or issues specific to the graduate program, including academic standing, progress to degree, professional activities, appropriate advising, and a program’s community standards by a faculty member, staff member, postdoc, or student has the right to complain about the treatment and to receive a prompt hearing of the grievance following these grievance procedures. Any student who discusses, inquiries about, or participates in the grievance procedure may do so openly and shall not be subject to intimidation, discipline, or retaliation because of such activity. Each program’s grievance advisor is listed on the “Research” tab of the SMPH intranet .

This policy does not apply to employment-related issues for Graduate Assistants in TA, PA and/or RA appointments.  Graduate Assistants will utilize the Graduate Assistantship Policies and Procedures (GAPP) grievance process to resolve employment-related issues.

This policy does not apply to instances when a graduate student wishes to report research misconduct.  For such reports refer to the UW-Madison Policy for Reporting Research Misconduct for Graduate Students and Postdoctoral Research Associates .

Requirements for Programs

The School of Medicine and Public Health Office of Basic Research, Biotechnology and Graduate Studies requires that each graduate program designate a grievance advisor, who should be a tenured faculty member, and will request the name of the grievance advisor annually.  The program director will serve as the alternate grievance advisor in the event that the grievance advisor is named in the grievance.  The program must notify students of the grievance advisor, including posting the grievance advisor’s name on the program’s Guide page and handbook.

The grievance advisor or program director may be approached for possible grievances of all types.  They will spearhead the grievance response process described below for issues specific to the graduate program, including but not limited to academic standing, progress to degree, professional activities, appropriate advising, and a program’s community standards.  They will ensure students are advised on reporting procedures for other types of possible grievances and are supported throughout the reporting process.  Resources on identifying and reporting other issues have been compiled by the Graduate School.

• The student is advised to initiate a written record containing dates, times, persons, and description of activities, and to update this record while completing the procedures described below.
• If the student is comfortable doing so, efforts should be made to resolve complaints informally between individuals before pursuing a formal grievance.
• Should a satisfactory resolution not be achieved, the student should contact the program’s grievance advisor or program director to discuss the complaint. The student may approach the grievance advisor or program director alone or with a UW-Madison faculty or staff member. The grievance advisor or program director should keep a record of contacts with regards to possible grievances.  The first attempt is to help the student informally address the complaint prior to pursuing a formal grievance. The student is also encouraged to talk with their faculty advisor regarding concerns or difficulties.
• If the issue is not resolved to the student’s satisfaction, the student may submit a formal grievance to the grievance advisor or program director in writing, within 60 calendar days from the date the grievant first became aware of, or should have become aware of with the exercise of reasonable diligence, the cause of the grievance.  To the fullest extent possible, a grievance shall contain a clear and concise statement of the grievance and indicate the issue(s) involved, the relief sought, the date(s) the incident or violation took place, and any specific policy involved.
• The grievance advisor or program director will convene a faculty committee composed of at least three members to manage the grievance.  Any faculty member involved in the grievance or who feels that they cannot be impartial may not participate in the committee.  Committee composition should reflect diverse viewpoints within the program.
• The faculty committee, through the grievance advisor or program director, will obtain a written response from the person or persons toward whom the grievance is directed. The grievance advisor or program director will inform this person that their response will be shared with the student filing the grievance.
• The grievance advisor or program director will share the response with the student filing the grievance.
• The faculty committee will make a decision regarding the grievance. The committee’s review shall be fair, impartial, and timely.  The grievance advisor or program director will report on the action taken by the committee in writing to both the student and the person toward whom the grievance was directed.
• The grievant will be notified in writing, within 5 business days of the written appeal, acknowledging receipt of the formal appeal and establishing a timeline for the review to be completed.
• The senior associate dean or their designee may request additional materials and/or arrange meetings with the grievant and/or others.  If meetings occur, the senior associate dean or their designee will meet with both the grievant and the person or persons toward whom the grievance is directed.
• The senior associate dean or their designee will assemble an ad hoc committee of faculty from outside of the student’s graduate program and ask them to prepare a written recommendation on whether to uphold or reverse the decision of the program on the student’s initial grievance.  The committee may request additional materials and/or arrange meetings with the grievant and/or others.  If meetings occur, the committee will meet with both the grievant and the person or persons toward whom the grievance is directed.
• The senior associate dean or their designee will make a final decision within 20 business days of receipt of the committee’s recommendation.
• The SMPH Office of Basic Research, Biotechnology, and Graduate Studies must store documentation of the grievance for seven years. Grievances that set a precedent may be stored indefinitely.
• The student may file an appeal of the School of Medicine and Public Health decision with the Graduate School.  See the Grievances and Appeals section of the Graduate School’s Academic Policies and Procedures .

Steps in the grievance procedures must be initiated and completed within the designated time periods except when modified by mutual consent. If the student fails to initiate the next step in the grievance procedure within the designated time period, the grievance will be considered resolved by the decision at the last completed step.

• Professional Development

Take advantage of the Graduate School's  professional development resources to build skills, thrive academically, and launch your career. 

• Learning Outcomes
• Articulates research problems, potentials, and limits with respect to their research and how it relates to the field of cancer biology.
• Formulates novel ideas, concepts/hypotheses, designs experiments to test the hypotheses, and shows proficiency in the necessary techniques to carry out their dissertation research.
• Creates and carries out scholarly research that asks a novel and important biological question and makes a substantive contribution to the field of cancer research.
• Demonstrates the breadth of their knowledge through thoughtful and creative design of their research and their ability to answer questions from varied audiences.
• Advances contributions in cancer biology to society through publication, presentations at national and international meetings, and various outreach activities.
• Communicates complex ideas in a clear and understandable manner both in their oral and written presentations.
• Fosters ethical and professional conduct in all aspects related to their development as a scientist.

For the most current list of faculty and descriptions of their research interests, visit the  program website .

• Requirements

Contact Information

Cancer Biology Program, McArdle Laboratory for Cancer Research School of Medicine and Public Health [email protected] cancerbiology.wisc.edu

Hilary Berry, Graduate Program Manager [email protected] 608-262-4682 6435 Wisconsin Institutes for Medical Research

Eric Johannsen, Director of Graduate Studies [email protected]

Grievance Advisor, Lisa Arendt, Associate Professor [email protected]

Grievance Advisor, Shigeki Miyamoto, Professor [email protected]

Graduate Program Handbook View Here

Graduate School grad.wisc.edu

• /​api/​
• /​pdf/​
• Explore Graduate Opportunities
• Explore UW-​Madison's Undergraduate Opportunities
• Accounting and Information Systems
• African American Studies
• African Cultural Studies
• Agricultural and Applied Economics
• Agricultural and Life Sciences -​ College-​Wide
• Animal and Dairy Sciences
• Anthropology
• Art History
• Asian Languages and Cultures
• Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences
• Bacteriology
• Biochemistry
• Biological Systems Engineering
• Biomedical Engineering
• Biostatistics and Medical Informatics
• Business -​ School-​Wide
• Cell and Regenerative Biology
• Chemical and Biological Engineering
• Chicana/​o and Latina/​o Studies
• Civil and Environmental Engineering
• Civil Society &​ Community Studies
• Classical and Ancient Near Eastern Studies
• Communication Arts
• Communication Sciences and Disorders
• Community and Environmental Sociology
• Computer Sciences
• Counseling Psychology
• Curriculum and Instruction
• Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis
• Educational Policy Studies
• Educational Psychology
• Electrical and Computer Engineering
• Engineering -​ College-​Wide
• Food Science
• Forest and Wildlife Ecology
• French and Italian
• Gaylord Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies
• Gender and Women's Studies
• German, Nordic, and Slavic
• Graduate -​ School-​Wide
• Human Ecology -​ School-​Wide
• Industrial and Systems Engineering
• Information School
• Institute for Clinical and Translational Research
• Institute for Regional and International Studies
• Integrative Biology
• Journalism and Mass Communication
• Kinesiology
• La Follette School of Public Affairs
• Language Institute
• Language Sciences
• Law -​ School-​Wide
• Life Sciences Communication
• Management and Human Resources
• Materials Science and Engineering
• Mathematics
• Mead Witter School of Music
• Mechanical Engineering
• Medical Physics
• Medicine and Public Health -​ School-​Wide
• Nuclear Engineering and Engineering Physics
• Nursing -​ School-​Wide
• Nutritional Sciences
• Cancer Biology, MS
• Operations and Information Management
• Pharmacy -​ School-​Wide
• Planning and Landscape Architecture
• Plant and Agroecosystem Sciences
• Plant Pathology
• Political Science
• Population Health Sciences
• Real Estate and Urban Land Economics
• Rehabilitation Psychology and Special Education
• Religious Studies
• Risk and Insurance
• Sandra Rosenbaum School of Social Work
• Soil and Environmental Sciences
• Spanish and Portuguese
• Veterinary Medicine -​ School-​Wide
• Nondegree/​Visiting Student Guide
• Pharmacy Guide
• School of Medicine and Public Health Guide
• Undergraduate Guide
• Veterinary Guide

• MD | PhD Program
• Master's Programs
• PhD Programs
• Postdoctoral Fellows
• Residency & Fellowship
• Non-Degree Programs
• Visiting Students
• Campus Life at U-M
• Health & Wellness
• Building Your Community
• Accessibility & Disability
• Departments
• Centers & Institutes
• Interdisciplinary Programs
• Facts & Figures
• Medical School Leadership
• News & Stories
• Requirements
• Interview Day
• Admissions Chats
• AAMC Michigan's 35 Answers
• AAMC Michigan's 10 Financial Aid Answers
• Admitted Students
• Overview & Highlights
• Patient Interaction
• Chief Concern
• Years 3 & 4
• Learning Informatics
• Training Sites
• Leadership Program
• Global Health & Disparities
• Healthcare Innovation
• Health Policy
• Medical Humanities
• Patient Safety & Quality Improvement
• Scientific Discovery
• Doctoring Course
• Evidence-Based Medicine
• Interprofessional Education
• DEIAJ Curriculum
• Language Opportunities
• Curriculum Diagrams
• Grading & Assessments
• Guideline Budget
• IRS Tax Returns
• Loans & Eligibility
• Scholarships & Grants
• Documents & Forms
• Tuition Refund Policies
• Consumer Information
• Extra Help for Current Students
• Contact the Office of Financial Aid
• Profiles & Demographics
• Culinary Connections
• Students with Disabilities
• Health & Wellbeing
• Arts & Humanities
• Diversity & Health Equity
• Dual Degrees
• More Possibilities
• Commencement
• Available PhD Programs
• Academic & Social Events
• MSTP Fellows
• Application Process
• Application Requirements
• MD | PhD Curriculum
• Undergrad Summer Program
• Contact the MD | PhD Program
• Bioinformatics
• Biological Chemistry

Cancer Biology

• Cell & Developmental Biology
• Cellular & Molecular Biology
• Genetics and Genomics
• Health Infrastructures & Learning Systems
• Microbiology & Immunology
• Molecular, Cellular & Developmental Biology
• Molecular & Cellular Pathology
• Molecular & Integrative Physiology
• Neuroscience
• Pharmacology
• Recruitment Events
• Interview Weekends
• Certificates & Dual Degrees
• Quantitative & Computational Biology Emphasis
• Training Grants
• Facilities & Resources
• Stipend & Benefits
• Professional Development
• Finding a Position
• Funding Your Postdoc
• Hiring Process
• Postdoc Preview
• International Postdocs
• ACGME Fellowships
• Non-Accredited Fellowships
• Postdoctoral Physician Scientist Training
• Salary & Benefits
• Prerequisites
• Visiting Residents & Fellows
• Application Overview & Requirements
• Tuition & Fees
• Timeline & Curriculum
• Information Sessions
• Program Details
• Undergrad Summer Research
• First Days Survival Guide
• Health Services
• Mental Health
• Health, Spirituality & Religion Program
• For Partners & Families
• Things to Do in Ann Arbor
• Getting Around
• Guiding Tools
• Graduate Medical Education
• Office of Continuing Medical Education
• Office of Faculty Affairs & Faculty Development
• Office of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies
• Physician Scientist Education & Training
• Office of Medical Student Education
• Points of Blue

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.

We transform lives through bold discovery, compassionate care and innovative education.

• Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
• Find a Doctor
• Conditions & Treatments
• Patient & Visitor Guide
• Patient Portal
• Clinical Trials
• Research Labs
• Research Centers
• Cores and Resources
• Programs & Admissions
• Our Community
• Departments, Centers & Offices
• About the Medical School

Global Footer Secondary Navigation

Cancer Biology Graduate Program at Emory University

"The Cancer Biology Graduate program provides outstanding PhD training in three areas that correspond to the three scientific focus groups of the Winship Cancer Institute."

"The Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University (Winship) serves as a hub for many of the research activities within the Cancer Biology Graduate program."

"The Graduate program in Cancer Biology (CB) has a diverse membership from over 15 different departments across the Emory campus, both basic science and clinical."

"The major goal of the Cancer Biology Graduate program is to provide outstanding PhD training opportunities for future leaders in the different aspects of cancer research in preparation for a diversity of career paths in research, teaching and medicine from academia to industry."

• Slide 1: "The Cancer Biology Graduate program provides outstanding PhD training in three areas that correspond to the three scientific focus groups of the Winship Cancer Institute."
• Slide 2: "The Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University (Winship) serves as a hub for many of the research activities within the Cancer Biology Graduate program."
• Slide 3: "The Graduate program in Cancer Biology (CB) has a diverse membership from over 15 different departments across the Emory campus, both basic science and clinical."
• Slide 4: "The major goal of the Cancer Biology Graduate program is to provide outstanding PhD training opportunities for future leaders in the different aspects of cancer research in preparation for a diversity of career paths in research, teaching and medicine from academia to industry."

About the Program

Emory University's Cancer Biology Graduate Program (CB) is a small, interdisciplinary graduate program that provides outstanding training opportunities in every aspect of cancer research. Students in the CB program have access to state-of-the-art facilities and equipment, including state-of-the-art core facilities.

The CB program is designed to provide students with comprehensive training in the biological and molecular basis of cancer, including the study of human cancers using both model systems and clinical materials.

The fields of research covered by the CB program include molecular and cellular biology, genetics and epigenetics, cancer immunology, signal transduction, genetic engineering, nanotechnologies, and many other disciplines used to understand the development, progression, and treatment of cancer.

The program aims to provide advanced training for scientists who will work in academic, industrial, or government research. These students have a chance to train with some of the best minds in cancer research and treatment—preparing them for careers as bench scientists and leaders.

Research in this area concentrates on Cancer Cell Metabolism, Stress and Survival, Invasion and Metastasis, and Genetic and Epigenetic alterations. You will study the biological mechanisms by which cancer cells establish themselves and form a neoplastic tissue.

Cancer Prevention and Control

Research in this area includes Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers, and Chemoprevention; Health Behavior Research; Symptom Management and Control; and Health Outcomes and Quality of Care. The aims of this program are to reduce cancer risk, incidence, morbidity, and mortality, and to improve the quality of life of cancer patients and survivors.

Cancer Immunology

Research in this area takes place at the intersection of cancer biology and immunology. This work involves the study of how tumors evade the immune system, and how the immune system can be modulated to  recognize and eradicate tumor cells.

Discovery and Developmental Therapeutics

Research in this area focuses on exploiting the knowledge acquired from the study of cancer formation to develop novel therapeutics. Faculty members in this program interrogate various molecular targets to discover new agents and new therapeutic combinations, and test those drugs in animal models, with the ultimate goal of establishing clinical trials.

Cancer Biology graduates are highly sought after by employers in various industries, cancer research laboratories, biomedical research firms, and government agencies. They work as researchers, laboratory managers, and technical specialists in the industry and pursue independent research careers at universities or medical schools.

Life at Emory & Atlanta

Life at Emory University is one of the most exciting and intellectually stimulating experiences you could ask for.

A diverse, inclusive community welcomes students and faculty from all over the world. You'll find plenty of opportunities to get involved in campus life—and many resources available that will help you thrive as an Emory student.

The university has consistently ranked among the top 20 institutions nationally for NIH research support and was named one of the "New Ivies" by Newsweek—a tribute to both its academic excellence, as well as dedication to teaching.

Our faculty members are some of the most distinguished scholars in their fields and work closely with undergraduate students on research projects, independent study courses, or senior thesis projects.

Located just 6 miles northeast of downtown Atlanta, Emory's 704-acre campus is in a beautifully wooded area that offers students a peaceful environment to study but also provides easy access to Atlanta's bustling cultural scene.

Latest News Stories