Category: Postdoc Job

Location: Lexington, KY
Application Deadline: 5/26/26

From Bench to Breakthrough: Advancing the Next Generation of Cancer Scientist

Join the University of Kentucky’s Prestigious T32: Interdisciplinary Research Training Program in Cancer Biology Are you ready to push the boundaries of cancer science and make a lasting impact on human health? The University of Kentucky’s Cancer Biology T32 Program (T32 CA165990)—funded by the National Cancer Institute—is a premier interdisciplinary training initiative designed to empower the next generation of cancer researchers.

Led by Drs. Kathleen O’Connor, B. Mark Evers, and Christine Brainson, at the University of Kentucky Markey Cancer Center, this program offers a transformative experience for post-doctoral fellows who are passionate about advancing cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.
This multi-disciplinary program focuses on training post-doctoral fellows in cancer biology so that they can effectively decipher important research questions associated with human cancer. The program integrates the already established and successful programs in Signal Transduction and Mechanisms of Cancer Cell Survival, Cancer Progression and Metastasis, Tumor Microenvironment, and Oxidative Stress and DNA Damage into one cohesive program. Trainees will receive both didactic and non-didactic instruction, including laboratory-based basic science research, exposure to cutting edge clinical applications, and career development opportunities.

A unique feature of this program is the interdisciplinary training opportunity that will emphasize bench to bedside research topics to provide a bridge between the fundamental biology of cancer and clinical cancer. Our goal is to develop a cadre of future scientists who can become leaders in integrative team approaches to better understand the complex issue of cancer as it relates to prevention and treatment strategies.

Why Choose This Program?
This is not just training—It is a launchpad for your career in cancer biology. You will gain:
• Comprehensive, hands-on training: in cutting-edge cancer research techniques
• Access to world-class mentors: across diverse disciplines in cancer research
• Exposure to clinical environments: through shadowing and physician-scientist mentorship
• Career development support: including seminars, symposia, and networking opportunities
• Funding: for travel, health insurance, and tuition support

Research Focus Areas
Trainees dive deep into high-impact topics, including:
• Signal Transduction & Cancer Cell Survival
• Tumor Microenvironment & Metastasis
• Cancer Epigenetics & Stem Cells
• DNA Damage & Repair
• Immunotherapy & Cancer Metabolomics
• Oxidative Stress & Cancer Progression

This program bridges bench-to-bedside research, giving you the tools to translate discoveries into clinical breakthroughs.

Mentorship That Matters
Work alongside leading experts from departments such as Biochemistry, Toxicology and Cancer Biology, Surgery, Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences, and Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics. Additionally, mentees may choose mentors who are not included on the T32 but work on cancer-related topics at the University of Kentucky.

Eligibility & Requirements

All Applicants:
• Must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents
• Must have interest in pursuing a career in cancer-related field
• Must have completed the foundation courses in graduate level: Genetics, Biochemistry, Immunology, Pharmacology, Physiology, Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, and Biostatistics
Number of Positions Currently Available:
• 2- Post-Doctoral Fellows

Program requirements:
• Trainees are expected to complete an ethics course as well as a Cancer Biology and Therapy course, which emphasizes cancer in the context of human disease.
• Trainees will participate in the Markey Cancer Center weekly seminar series as well as participate in a variety of seminars, workshops and symposia at UK over the course of their training.
• Each trainee is required to shadow a clinician and include one physician-scientist on their mentoring committee.

Stipend & Support
Stipends are based on NIH guidelines and include:
• Health insurance
• Tuition coverage
• Travel funding for conferences and training supplies

Ready to Apply?
Submit your application materials to Dr. Katelyn Jones (katelyn.jones13@uky.edu). The position(s) will remain open until the best candidate is recruited; applications will be reviewed according to the order in which they are received. Top candidates may be asked to participate in an interview with the Executive Steering Committee before final decisions are made.
1) Applications should include the following components: A 1–2-page letter detailing your research experience, commitment to cancer research or cancer biology, and a brief proposal.
The applicant should indicate how their thesis research and/or career will benefit from cross-disciplinary training in oncologic research.
2) Curriculum Vitae and academic transcripts
3) Mentor’s letter of support outlining your research plan
4) Contact info for two additional references

The Executive Steering Committee will select the top candidates and interview them before making a final decision.

Questions?
Reach out to Dr. Katelyn Jones for more information kmjo277@uky.edu

FLYER

Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Date: Tuesday, February 10, 2026

Join us to learn about postdoctoral training opportunities in Philadelphia!
The Philadelphia Postdoc Preview event is a collaborative effort to raise awareness about the numerous postdoctoral training opportunities at 8 research institutions across Philadelphia including The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, The Drexel University College of Medicine, Fox Chase Cancer Center – Temple Health, Lewis Katz School of Medicine – Temple Health, Monell Chemical Senses Center, Thomas Jefferson University, University of Pennsylvania Biomedical Postdoctoral Programs, and The Wistar Institute.

The next Philadelphia Postdoc Preview will be held on Tuesday February 10, 2026. During the Preview, participants will learn about:
-The various Postdoctoral training programs at participating research institutions
-What to consider when choosing where to train
-How to apply to a postdoc
-What it is like to live and work in Philadelphia?

The goal of the Preview event is to raise awareness of the robust training opportunities in the Philadelphia area. Whether you are interested in studying basic, translational, or clinical research in human or model systems, Philadelphia has lots of options for those interested in expanding their research expertise, developing professional skills needed in today’s job market, and growing a network of engaged and successful colleagues.

The target audience for the Preview event includes senior Ph.D. students (who have passed their qualifying exam or are post-candidacy by the time of the event), recent Ph.D. graduates, or early-career postdoc scholars in science, technology, engineering, math, and medical fields. Postdoctoral opportunities at participating institutions include basic, translational, and clinical research. Information on clinical residencies and fellowships will NOT be presented.

There is no citizenship requirement to register. We are seeking domestic and international candidates alike!

For more information, go to: https://www.philadelphiapostdoc.com/

Location: Grand Rapids, Michigan
Application Deadline: 2/24/25

Are you a senior graduate student exploring your postdoc options? VAI Postdoc Preview provides selected applicants the opportunity to visit Van Andel Institute to learn about our postdoctoral training opportunities, meet one-on-one with our internationally recognized faculty and explore our extensive scientific resources, including our state-of-the-art Core Technologies and Services. VAI offers two Postdoc Preview events each year—one in the spring and one in the fall. There is no cost to attend. VAI provides transportation, lodging and meals for all selected applicants. We also are pleased to offer family care grants for those caring for children or other family members.

This application is for VAI’s Spring Postdoc Preview event on May 1 through May 3, 2025. Applications are due by February 24, 2025.

Eligibility
Applicants must be current graduate students at U.S. institutions who anticipate beginning a postdoctoral fellowship within the next year. Individuals who identify as members of underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply. Preference will be given to applicants who are eligible for VAI’s NCI T32-funded Cancer Epigenetics Training Program and VAI’s Inspire Fellowship.Prior to starting the online application, please compile a list of VAI faculty members whose research interests you, along with your curriculum vitae.

About postdoctoral training at VAI
VAI labs conduct world-class biomedical research in cancer epigenetics, neurodegeneration, metabolism, cell biology and structural biology — all supported by outstanding Core Technologies and Services. Postdocs are a crucial part of VAI, so they receive highly competitive salaries, which start at $70,000 per year. VAI also offers postdocs comprehensive benefits, including low-cost health insurance for self and family, paid parental leave, and much more.

We offer numerous fully funded postdoctoral positions across our areas of focus. Learn more about postdoctoral training opportunities at VAI here. In addition, we have two internal fellowship programs: a National Cancer Institute T32-funded Cancer Epigenetics Training (CET) program, and the Inspire Fellowship program for postdocs who identify as underrepresented minorities. Please note that attending Postdoc Preview does not guarantee you a fellowship or a postdoc position at VAI; we encourage you to also apply to one or more of our open postdoc positions and fellowship opportunities (see FAQ tab on the VAI Postdoc Preview webpage for more information).

Questions? Please contact Dr. Erica Gobrogge, program director of VAI’s Office of Postdoctoral Affairs, at opa@vai.org.

About Van Andel Institute
Established in Grand Rapids, Michigan, in 1996 by the Van Andel family, VAI is now home to nearly 500 scientists, educators and support staff, who work with national and international collaborators to foster discovery. The Institute’s scientists study the origins of cancer, Parkinson’s and other diseases and translate their findings into breakthrough prevention and treatment strategies. Our educators develop inquiry-based approaches for K–12 education to help students and teachers prepare the next generation of problem-solvers, while our Graduate School offers a rigorous, research-intensive Ph.D. program in molecular and cellular biology.

About Grand Rapids, MI
Van Andel Institute is in downtown Grand Rapids, Michigan in the center of the Medical Mile. A remarkable combination of a cosmopolitan atmosphere and small-town warmth, Grand Rapids is known for its philanthropic and sustainability-driven community. It’s fun affordable and family-friendly. Located on the banks of the Grand River, Grand Rapids offers all the big-city excitement you’d expect from a million-resident metropolis, featuring hundreds of restaurants and nightspots, theaters, museums, sports and concerts. The safe and clean downtown is surrounded by an eclectic mix of walkable neighborhoods and natural areas.

FLYER

Location – Atlanta, Georgia
Deadline Date: January 10, 2025 EXTENDED to midnight on January 31

Postdoc recruitment event at Emory this Spring! Come check out the opportunities in cancer research at the Winship Cancer Institute! See FLYER for details.

Location: Winston-Salem, North Carolina
Application Deadline Date: February 2025

We are excited to share with you information for an exciting a new postbaccalaureate program in the Department of Cancer Biology (https://school.wakehealth.edu/departments/cancer-biology) at the Wake Forest University School of Medicine. The program called Wake PREP2PhD is intended for those who will graduate in Spring 2025, or who recently graduated, and who want to gain valuable research experience in preparation for entry into a PhD program. Wake PREP2PhD is intending to target students who are historically underrepresented in science, including those from an economically disadvantaged background. 4 fellows will be recruited.

Wake PREP2PhD is a 2-year paid program (starting at $38K/year) where you will work full time in the laboratory doing cancer research, while also receiving important scientific and professional development such as scientific communication, application assistance, peer and professional networking, and more. The selected scholars will earn a stipend, be eligible for healthcare coverage, be provided a laptop (if necessary), and be eligible for financial moving assistance, in addition to rigorous scientific training.

Disease areas in the Department of Cancer Biology cover breast, prostate, lung, brain, leukemia, and other cancers with research topics covering genomics, signaling, therapeutic development, immuno-oncology, microbiome, and metabolism, among other topics.

If you are interested or have questions, please contact the Program Administrator, Kelly McNeal, and Program Director, Dr. Steven Kridel directly at kemcneal@wakehealth.edu and skridel@wakehealth.edu, respectively. The program application can be accessed at https://redcap.link/Prep2PhD or using the QR code on the attached flyer:

Wake_PREP2PhD_flyer.pdf