About the Program
The Cancer Biology Graduate Program is designed to train students for a career in basic and applied cancer research, as well as in related careers associated with the application of information through biotechnology, and the dissemination of information to the next generation of scientists and to the lay public.
Students will be exposed to a series of cutting-edge research areas (such as cancer precision medicine and tumor immunotherapy) and technologies (genomics, proteomics, CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome editing, etc.) both in the course work and in the laboratory setting. Training will extend to exercises designed to develop independent thinking, skills in oral and written presentation, analysis of data and information, and dissemination of information through preparation of grants and manuscripts, as well as teaching.
The program combines rigorous course work with laboratory training and exercised designed collectively to provide students with the necessary theoretical and practical skills to launch productive careers. At the conclusion of their training students will be in a position to competitively pursue an increasingly wide rage of available careers, including: academic research, undergraduate teaching, scientific consulting and science writing, basic and applied science in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industry, and scientific administration at National Institute of Health/ National Cancer Institute and private research foundations.
Graduate students in the Cancer Biology program receiving Vanderbilt University financial support or services must devote full-time effort to graduate study. Students cannot accept jobs for pay within or outside the University unless prior approval is given by their advisor, their Director of Graduate Studies, and the Dean for the Office of Biomedical Research Education and Training. Exceptions to this rule include part-time internships and activities that contribute to career development and that do not exceed the time commitment outlined by the National Institutes of Health, service as course associates at Vanderbilt, and occasional and temporary part-time pursuits (e.g. house sitting). Engagement in outside employment without obtaining approval may result in loss of financial aid, including stipend.