Cancer Biology Pathway

Modern training for basic cancer biologists requires diverse skills and knowledge in a wide range of disciplines. This Molecular Oncology Training Program, funded by a T32 award from the NCI since 2006, supports trainees with a PhD or those obtaining a PhD. The program includes faculty members in many different departments who have substantial research funding and experience in mentoring students and fellows, and who are focused on understanding the molecular basis of solid tumor and hematopoietic malignancy development and progression.

Predoctoral  applications are open through August 20, 2023, for applicants eligible to start the program on or after September 1, 2023. See below for application instructions.

Postdoctoral Molecular Oncology and MDS applications are now closed.

Please note that the Cancer Biology Pathway / Molecular Oncology T32 Program is separate from the Cancer Biology PhD Program, which may be found at: dbbs.wustl.edu/divprograms/cancerbiology.

MDS Postdoc Track

We are excited to offer an Edward P. Evans Postdoctoral Position for Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS) research. Interested postdocs should complete the Cancer Biology Pathway application, indicate their interest, and describe their MDS research project. Please note: the MDS position covers $26,800 in stipend support for one year. Any support beyond that amount must be supplemented by the mentor, department, or through another award.

Eligibility

All Molecular Oncology Training Program trainees must:

  • Be working with a mentor who is a current Siteman Cancer Center member
  • Have the ability to participate in the program for 2 years, typically on or after September 1
  • May not be simultaneously supported by an NIH or other federal grant during the program

Predoctoral Molecular Oncology Training Program trainees must be:

  • A PhD student working on a cancer biology project (MD/PhD students are not eligible for this pathway);
  • Entering their 2nd and 3rd years of graduate training;

Postdoctoral Molecular Oncology Training Program trainees must be:

  • Within two years of receiving their PhD at the time of application (MD or equivalent are not eligible to apply)
  • A US citizen or permanent resident

MDS Postdoctoral trainees:

  • May be on a temporary US visa
  • Should propose an MDS-related research project
  • Must hold a PhD, MD, or MD/PhD degree
  • Are not required to have a mentor who is a current Siteman Cancer Center member
  • May propose to participate in the program for one year or two years
  • Are allowed to have supplemental funding while appointed to the program

Application

Predoctoral  applications are open through August 20, 2023, for applicants eligible to start the program on or after September 1, 2023.

Postdoctoral Molecular Oncology and MDS applications are now closed.

Requirements:

  1. Online Application: https://wucrtc.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_7OLecDY3jrcCIOa
  2. REDCap Survey: https://redcap.link/b095rhhh
  3. CV or Resume emailed to [email protected]
  4. One paragraph description of your interest in the Cancer Biology Pathway or MDS Program emailed to [email protected]
  5. One page description of dissertation goals (predocs) or current work in the lab (postdocs) emailed to [email protected]
    • For MDS postdocs, format similar to a NIH Aims page
  6. Recommendation letter from the faculty sponsor/primary mentor
    • Letters may be emailed directly from mentors to [email protected]
    • MDS Postdoc Applicants: The recommendation letter from your post-doctoral mentor must also acknowledge that the MDS award is only partially funded and state where the remainder of the stipend support will be paid from.
  7. Additional recommendation letters
    • Letters may be emailed directly from referees to [email protected]
    • Predocs: 2 other faculty members who served as laboratory rotation mentors
    • Postdocs: 1 letter from your PhD mentor and 1 letter from either another faculty member at Washington University or from the University where you earned your PhD
    • MDS Postdocs: 1 letter from either another faculty member at Washington University or from the University where you earned your PhD.

Program Requirements

  • Participate in clinical shadowing each fall during the program (unless the MDS postdoc has a MD degree).
  • Complete and annually update an Individual Development Plan (IDP) with guidance from your mentor(s)
  • Comply with the NIH Responsible Conduct of Research Policy (complete 8 hours of in person ethics training, if not already complete during your current career stage)
  • Complete L41-5288 Special Topics in Molecular Genetics and L41-5196 Special Emphasis Pathway in Cancer Biology. These courses are offered in alternate spring semesters (details below on this page).
  • Participate in one of the following journal clubs each fall during the program:
    • Experimental Hematopoiesis (required for MDS trainees)
    • Cancer Biology
    • Hematology & Oncology
    • Student-Run Cell Biology
    • Cytoskeleton Discussion Group
    • Cell Biology of Extracellular Matrix
    • Molecular Mechanism of Aging
    • RNA Biology
    • Chromatin, Epigenetics, Nuclear Organization
    • Structural Biology
    • Human Genetics
    • Cancer Informatics
    • Other journal clubs with the approval of Dr. Lee Ratner