T32 Cancer Biology Postdoctoral Training Program

This is why there is a compelling need for an enhanced, mentored research training program that will bridge the gap between training in rigorous scientific investigation, following the scientific method, and compassionate clinical care for the patient.

Overview of Program

Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University has received a T32 training grant from the National Cancer Institute to help develop the next generation of researchers and leaders in cancer biology. Eligible postdoctoral trainees (PhD basic scientists and/or MD clinical residents/fellows) will take advantage of Winship's outstanding resources—including our high-caliber investigators and close collaboration between cancer biologists and clinicians—to provide a unique, individualized and multifaceted training experience. The program will support postdoctoral trainees in making transformative discoveries that improve the quality of care for patients by acquiring the knowledge and skills they need to address the most important biological questions and clinically significant problems.

The Winship T32 Training Program in Cancer Biology’s objective is to equip postdoctoral trainees (PhD and/or MD) so they can initiate an impactful, independent research program that will translate novel insights in cancer biology into improvements in clinical care. The program will accomplish its objective by providing trainees with the infrastructure, resources, training, experience and mentorship they need to acquire the depth of knowledge and critical skills in cancer biology research, combined with practical exposure and understanding of clinical concepts.

The training program aims to train the next generation of cancer scientific leaders by providing:

1. Organized research training;
2. Comprehensive formal and informal didactics;
3. Clinical exposure through tumor boards and clinics;
4. Career development activities; and
5. Plan for transition to independence.

Selected scholars must be able to commit to full-time laboratory-based research training (40 hours per week as defined by the NIH) for 12-24 months. We expect that scholars will receive salary support and benefits up to $57,300 per year, $4500 in tuition and fees, $1000 for travel, $2500 for childcare costs, and $12,200 in trainee related expenses to support training program initiatives and specific needs for research, which can include supplies, reagents, poster preparation, etc.

The program will combine key didactic, research, and career development components to train independent and productive independent researchers. Scholars will participate in four training components: (1) core competencies, (2) advanced coursework, (3) career development, and (4) mentored research. The mentored research training plan will be supervised by independently funded faculty who will guide the scholar in the development and conduct of his/her research project. All trainees will be required to form a mentoring committee with at least one clinical mentor from the executive committee or research mentors who can provide scientific insight from a clinical perspective.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants will need to meet the following requirements:

• Hold a PhD and/or a MD
• Be a US citizen or permanent resident and otherwise meet all other NIH eligibility criteria
• Not be participating in another postdoctoral training program
• Express a strong interest in training in cancer biology research and a commitment to an academic research career as an independent investigator
• Commit to full-time research training (40 hours per week as defined by the NIH) for 12-24 months. For MD clinical residents/fellows, candidates with prior research training, including a PhD or MS, will be given preferential consideration.

Additional selection criteria along with terms and conditions are outlined in the request for applications.

Excellence through Diversity

To support excellence and diversity among pilot grant applicants and awardees, proposals are encouraged from groups identified as nationally underrepresented in the sciences including women, members of underrepresented racial and ethnic groups, individuals with disabilities, and individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Application Process

The application process for the next cycle is open. Applications are due July 28, 2023.

Potential trainees should submit the following:

• NIH Biosketch (5-page limit, including a personal statement of up to 500 words describing their research interests and commitment to an academic career in cancer biology research)
• Description of proposed research (up to 500 words)
• Mentor(s) biosketch, including current funding support (5-page limit)
• Mentor letter of support (2-page limit)

Applications should be emailed as a single pdf document to Doreen Theune via email no later than 11:59 pm on Friday, July 28, 2023.

Questions about the program should be directed to Program Director David Yu, MD, PhD via email.