phd funding cancer research

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Opportunities for PhD students and postdoc researchers

We're committed to supporting the next generation of cancer researchers, and our community includes around 550 PhD students and 750 postdoctoral researchers. Our researchers benefit from support including networking groups and events, training, travel grants, and opportunities to begin developing their independent research careers.

Find a PhD or postdoc

Recruitment for PhD studentships and postdoc positions is usually managed independently by the institutes, centres and investigators that we fund around the UK. If you are interested in studying or working with us, we advise you to:

Browse our institutes and centres, and search for positions on their websites

Browse our recently funded awards to find potential supervisors

Search for projects on FindAPhD.com or   FindAPostdoc.com

If you are interested in population research – including behavioural research, epidemiology and cancer prevention – you may be eligible to apply for our Population Research Postdoctoral Fellowship:

Find out more about the Population Research Fellowship

If you already have postdoc experience, you may also be eligible to begin developing your independent research group with our career development fellowships and awards:

Browse our research career development opportunities

Benefits of studying and working with us

As a CRUK-funded student or researcher you will have access to our networking, training and other career development opportunities and benefits, including:

Networking meeting for new PhD students

"Communicating your research" training workshops

Careers day for students nearing the end of their PhD

Annual postdoctoral researchers networking meeting

Annual clinical researchers meeting

Flexible working policies

Disability and accessibility support

We want our research funding to be accessible for everyone. So we’ve developed guidance covering the support we offer grant applicants and grant holders who are disabled or have a long-term health condition.

We welcome researchers from all backgrounds and offer support for anyone needing adjustments in grant applications, interviews and award reporting. 

Entrepreneurial Programmes

Our entrepreneurial programmes will show you how to build a business, connect you to a network of like-minded people and help you find the right advice and support, when you need it.

Black Leaders in Cancer PhD Scholarship Programme

In partnership with Black in Cancer and the Windsor Fellowship, we’re offering a PhD programme for Black undergraduates. By providing funding and comprehensive wraparound support for these students, we can make an immediate and tangible impact on the diversity of our research community. 

Research opportunities for clinical trainees

Clinician scientists provide a valuable bridge between research and clinical practice. We have a number of opportunities to help clinical trainees get a taste of research and develop their careers in cancer research.

Pre-doctoral Research Bursary

Our Research Bursary provides short-term funding to allow clinicians and other health professionals to get involved in research projects early in their career.  

Clinical research training fellowship PhDs

We fund Clinical Research Training Fellowships at each of our translational research Centres. Clinical trainees seeking PhD opportunities should contact Centres directly.

Postdoctoral Research Bursary for Clinical Trainees

This award offers funding for clinical trainees to remain active in research after completion of a PhD.

More career development opportunities

We offer a range of fellowships, bursaries and other support to help outstanding scientists and clinicians develop their independent research careers.

Research career development opportunities

Subscribe to research updates

Stay up to date with research and career development opportunities at CRUK with our monthly  Research Update  email newsletter.

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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:

Select "Patients / Caregivers / Public" or "Researchers / Professionals" to filter your results. To further refine your search, toggle appropriate sections on or off.

Home > Cancer Researchers / Other Health Care Professionals > Research Funding > Funded Research > Research Training and Fellowships

Research Training and Fellowships

• Career Development Awards
• Independent Research Grants

The AACR is committed to the development of the next generation of cancer researchers. Together with our funding partners, we provide research training and fellowship support to postdoctoral and clinical research fellows as they embark on projects under the auspices of a mentor — laying the groundwork for successful and impactful careers in cancer research.

Research Training and Fellowship GRANTs

• AACR Anna D. Barker Basic Cancer Research Fellowship
• AACR-Amgen Fellowships in Clinical/Translational Cancer Research
• AACR-AstraZeneca Cancer Research Fellowships
• AACR-AstraZeneca Clinical Immuno-oncology Research Training Fellowships
• AACR-AstraZeneca Hematology/Oncology Research Training Fellowship
• AACR-AstraZeneca Stimulating Therapeutic Advances through Research Training (START) Grants
• AACR-Bayer Clinical Oncology Research (CORE) Training Fellowships
• AACR-Bayer Stimulating Therapeutic Advances through Research Training (START) Grants
• AACR-Bristol Myers Squibb Fellowships
• AACR-Cancer Research UK Transatlantic Research Fellowships
• AACR-Conquer Cancer Foundation of ASCO Young Investigator Award for Translational Cancer Research
• AACR-Day One Biopharmaceuticals Pediatric Cancer Research Fellowship
• AACR-D-Team Sarcoma Research Fellowship
• AACR-Exelixis Renal Cell Carcinoma Research Fellowship
• AACR Fellowships to Further Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Cancer Research
• AACR Fellowship to Further Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Immuno-oncology Research
• AACR-Genentech Cancer Disparities Research Fellowships
• AACR-Genmab Non-Hodgkin B-cell Lymphoma Research Fellowship
• AACR-Incyte Fellowships
• AACR-John and Elizabeth Leonard Family Foundation Basic Cancer Research Fellowship
• AACR-Johnson & Johnson Lung Cancer Initiative Clinical Oncology Research Training Fellowship
• AACR-Lobular Breast Cancer Alliance Invasive Lobular Carcinoma Research Fellowship
• AACR-Merck Research Fellowships
• AACR-Mirati Cancer Chemical Biology Research Fellowship
• AACR-Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation Medulloblastoma Research Fellowship
• AACR-Pfizer Breast Cancer Research Fellowship
• AACR-QuadW Foundation Fellowship for Clinical/Translational Sarcoma Research
• AACR-Sontag Foundation Brain Cancer Research Fellowship
• AACR-StacheStrong Glioblastoma Research Fellowship
• The Bosarge Family Foundation-Waun Ki Hong Scholar Award for Regenerative Cancer Medicine  
• AACR Clinical Oncology Research (CORE)...
• AACR Basic Cancer Research Fellowships

Stanford Cancer Institute

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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.

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• Cancer Biology, Ph.D.

The graduate program in cancer biology offers a course of study and research leading to the Ph.D. 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 Ph.D. degree. The average time to complete the Ph.D. 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 student 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 application online, 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 ensure continuing financial support for all cancer biology Ph.D. students in good standing. Financial support includes a competitive stipend and tuition remission. All graduate students are also eligible for comprehensive health insurance. Ph.D. 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 may select electives from the list below in consultation with their advisor.

Elective Coursework

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 work from other institutions.

With program approval, students are allowed to count no more than 9 credits of graduate coursework from other institutions. Coursework earned five or more years prior to admission to a master’s degree or doctoral degree is not allowed to satisfy requirements.

UW–Madison Undergraduate

With program approval, students are allowed to count no more than 7 credits numbered 300 or above from a UW–Madison undergraduate degree.

UW–Madison University Special

With program approval, students are allowed to count 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 constraints.

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.

A candidate for a doctoral degree who fails to take the final oral examination and deposit the dissertation within five years after passing the preliminary examination may be required to take another preliminary examination and to be admitted to candidacy a second time.

Doctoral degree students who have been absent for ten or more consecutive years lose all credits that they have earned before their absence. Individual programs may count the coursework students completed prior to their absence for meeting program requirements; that coursework may not count toward Graduate School credit requirements.

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
• Dean of Students Office (for all students to seek grievance assistance and support)
• 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 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 .

Time Limits

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.

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

• Articulates research problems, potentials, and limits with respect to theory, knowledge, or practice within the field of study.
• Formulates ideas, concepts, designs, and/or techniques beyond the current boundaries of knowledge within the field of study.
• Creates research, scholarship, or performance that makes a substantive contribution.
• Demonstrates breadth within their learning experiences.
• Advances contributions of the field of study to society.
• Communicates complex ideas in a clear and understandable manner.
• Fosters ethical and professional conduct.

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

• Requirements
• Professional Development
• Learning Outcomes

Contact Information

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

Hilary Gehin, 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

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Research Funding Opportunities

Funding opportunities by type.

Requests for Applications (RFA) Find current and recent NCI-supported RFAs that provide funding for various areas of cancer research.

Program Announcements (PA) Find current and recent PAs that invite requests for funding applications to support specific area of cancer research.

NCI and Trans-NIH Initiatives Find current and recent NCI and Trans-NIH Research Project Grants (R01 and R21) that provide funding for specific areas of cancer research.

Requests for Proposals for Contracts Find opportunities for contract funding.

NCI Special Initiatives

Funding Announcements and Notices for COVID-19 When the pandemic began, NCI issued and revised certain existing grants and cooperative agreements to make funds available to study COVID-19. Open funding notices can be found on this page.

Cancer Grand Challenges NCI is partnering with Cancer Research UK to provide multiple rounds of funding for international, interdisciplinary teams to submit approaches addressing one of the open Cancer Grand Challenges. This page shares information on open opportunities and how to apply.

MERIT Award (R37) Early Stage Investigators who have submitted an R01 application within the NCI payline may be eligible for consideration for the Method to Extend Research in Time (MERIT) (R37) Award.

Outstanding Investigator Award (R35) The Outstanding Investigator Award gives investigators the freedom to work on long-term projects with unusual potential in cancer research.

Provocative Questions Program Provocative Questions is an NCI initiative that intends to assemble a list of important questions, or problems that are paradoxes in cancer research that will stimulate research communities to use laboratory, clinical, and population sciences in new, effective, and imaginative ways.

Research Specialist Award (R50) The R50 encourages the development of stable research career opportunities for exceptional scientists who want to continue to pursue research within the context of an existing NCI-funded basic, translational, clinical or population science cancer research program, but not serve as independent investigators.

NCI Funding Opportunities by Research Topic

Artificial Intelligence (AI) AI research is supported by a wide variety of grant and contract programs across NCI.

Basic Biology Research projects in basic cancer biology are supported and coordinated through the Division of Cancer Biology (DCB).

Behavioral Research Behavioral research in cancer prevention and control is supported by the Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences (DCCPS).

Biorepositories and Tissue Sample Collection Development of biospecimen-related policies and practices affecting NCI Biorepositories is coordinated and managed through the Biorepositories and Biospecimen Research Branch (BBRB).

Cancer Health Disparities Basic cancer research from a health disparities perspective is supported by the Center to Reduce Cancer Health Disparities (CRCHD).

Complementary and Alternative Medicine Research contributing to the advancement of evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine practice is supported by the Office of Cancer Complementary and Alternative Medicine (OCCAM).

Epidemiology and Cancer Control Research in genetic, epidemiologic, behavioral, social, and surveillance cancer research is supported by the Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences (DCCPS).

HIV /AIDS and Cancer Research on HIV/AIDS pursued throughout the NCI, including programs in AIDS-related cancer are coordinated by the Office of HIV and AIDS Malignancy (OHAM).

Nanotechnology Research supporting the application of nanotechnology to all aspects of cancer research is supported by the NCI Alliance for Nanotechnology in Cancer program that is managed by the Office of Cancer Nanotechnology Research (OCNR).

Physical Sciences-Oncology Research supporting the establishment of scientific teams and individual scientists from the fields of physics, mathematics, chemistry, and engineering to develop novel approaches for cancer research is managed by the Physical Sciences in Oncology Initiative.

Prevention Research that determines and reduces a person’s risk of developing cancer, as well as research to develop and evaluate cancer screening procedures, is supported by the Division of Cancer Prevention (DCP).

Proteomics Research supporting the development of technologies and reagents that will advance our understanding of protein biology in cancer is supported by the Office of Cancer Clinical Proteomics Research (OCCPR).

Small Business and Small Business Technology Transfer Opportunities to increase small business and private sector participation to develop and commercialize novel technologies to prevent, diagnose, and treat cancer are managed by the Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer (SBIR and STTR) programs.

Statistical Methodology Resources for statisticians are available from StatFund, an online resource that provides information about biostatistical funding opportunities.

Technology Development Research supporting the development of technologies in clinical, laboratory, and epidemiological research are managed by the Innovative Molecular Analysis Technologies Program (IMAT).

Translational Research Research supporting the translation of promising research areas into improved diagnostic and therapeutic interventions for cancer patients is supported by the Division of Cancer Treatment and Diagnosis (DCTD).

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DPhil in Cancer Science

The DPhil in Cancer Science Programme at the University of Oxford provides research-based doctoral training for cancer researchers from clinical, biological, engineering, mathematics and statistics backgrounds. 

Successful applicants receive a world-leading research training experience that integrates an education initiative spanning cancer patient care, tumour biology and research impact; on- course and post-programme mentorship; and a specialised, fundamental, subject-specific training programme that is tailored to individual research needs. 

Find out more about the course below, read about what our current students are up to, or find out what our alumni have gone on to achieve in their career as a cancer researcher. 

PI project applications are now open

• Eligibility
• How to apply
• DPhil Project Booklet
• Supervisors

The Cancer Research UK Oxford Centre awards around  15 full-time positions on the DPhil in Cancer S cience Programme  each year for researchers looking to start their academic career at one of the world’s leading research organisations.

The programme is unique and distinctive in offering integrated training across the following themes: Immuno-Oncology; Cancer Big Data; Novel Therapeutics; Early Cancer Detection. It builds on Oxford’s outstanding research record in these areas, spanning both the University and Hospital Trust.

Students participating in the scheme will be offered:

• a choice of interdisciplinary cutting-edge cancer research projects (see the Project Book tab for examples of the type of projects offered).
• the ability to gain a working in-depth knowledge of the fundamentals of cancer biology and cancer patient care through advanced level seminars.
• a world-renowned research environment that encourages the student’s originality and creativity in their research.
• opportunities to develop skills in making and testing hypotheses, in developing new theories, and in planning and conducting experiments.
• an environment in which to develop skills in written work, oral presentation and publishing the results of their research in high-profile scientific journals, through constructive feedback of written work and oral presentations.

At the end of the course, programme students will:

• have gained a thorough knowledge of the basic principles of cancer research including the relevant literature and a comprehensive understanding of scientific methods and techniques applicable to their own research.
• be able to demonstrate originality in the application of knowledge, together with a practical understanding of how research and enquiry are used to create and interpret knowledge in their field.
• have the ability to critically evaluate current research and research techniques and methodologies.
• be able to act autonomously in the planning and implementation of research.
• be prepared for a career in cancer research.

The scheme caters to researchers from a wide range of backgrounds.  For our current round, there are two types of application welcomed as described below.

• Application Type 3 – Non-Clinical/Fundamental Scientist.  Science graduates that hold (or be predicted to achieve) the equivalent of a first-class or strong upper second-class undergraduate degree with honours in biological, medical, or chemical science, as appropriate for the projects offered.
• Application Type 4 – Non-Clinical/Fundamental Scientist.   Science graduates that hold (or be predicted to achieve) the equivalent of a first-class or strong upper second-class undergraduate degree with honours in engineering, mathematical/data,  or  physical science, as appropriate for the projects offered. 

More information can be found on the University of Oxford’s programme page  under the 'How to apply' section.

All offered places are fully funded at the home rate. This includes stipend, University and College fees, and a research consumables budget of £13k p.a.. Stipend provisions are summarised below:

• Track 3 – 4 years of stipend at the rate of £21,000 per annum.
• Track 4 – 4 years of stipend at the rate of £21,000 per annum.

Applications from international candidates will be accepted, however funding at the home level is only available for this programme and therefore international applicants would need to either source further funding or support themselves financially for the remaining fees. If you are a prospective applicant from the EU, please refer to the following pages on fees and funding .

Your Application

The full application guide and link to start your application can be found here  under the 'How to apply' section.

Interviews are offered to the top-ranked applications, with the results being announced shortly afterwards. All applicants will be judged on the following;

• Evidence of a prior interest in the area of research proposed is likely to advantage your application.
• Prior publications are not required, but research experience and a track record demonstrating an interest in research may be an advantage.
• It would be expected that graduate applicants would be familiar with the recent published work of their proposed supervisor.
• Commitment to and passion for a career in cancer research.
• Reasoning ability and academic curiosity.

If you are thinking of applying to the scheme, useful advice can be found  here . If you have any further questions about the programme or the application, please email [email protected] .

The pre-recorded videos for previous open days can be found below. 

If you have any questions about the DPhil in Cancer Science or applications, you can contact us on  [email protected]  and we will direct your question to the most appropriate person.

Prof Mark Middleton - Introduction to the DPhil in Cancer Science & the CRUK Oxford Centre

Prof Rob Gilbert - Cancer Research Training in Oxford

Dr Catherine Swales - Incorporating a DPhil into your undergraduate medical studies

Prof Chris Pugh - Incorporating a DPhil into your postgraduate clinical training

Applications to the DPhil in Cancer Science programme are now open. Full project details of the current round can be found in the linked project books below.

• DPhil in Cancer Science Paediatric Project Booklet
• DPhil in Cancer Science Project Booklet 

Project submissions Now Open

Project submissions from Oxford-based PIs are now open.  

The DPhil in Cancer Science is inviting PIs from across Oxford University’s medical, physical, engineering, data, and mathematical sciences to submit their project ideas for its 2025 intake.

Each year we advertise over 50 projects and appoint up to 15 studentships encompassing clinicians, medical undergraduates and non-clinical/fundamental scientists. Examples of previous projects can be found in the Project Booklet tab on our website.

Clinicians and Medical Undergraduate students are enrolled directly onto 3-year projects

Non-clinical / fundamental science students successfully enrolled onto our 2025 cohort will take on two 6-month rotations within their first year, before deciding on a final 3-year project for the remainder of their DPhil.

When completing your application, you will be asked to summarise a 3-year DPhil research project and stipulate which track of applicant would be suitable for your project. This is necessary for projects for which non-clinical students are eligible, who will initially only be committing to a 6 -month rotation.

We will also be hosting an information session on Monday 13 th May, details have been distributed around the mailing list. If you are not on our mailing list and would like to attend, or, if you have any questions then please get in contact via the email below.

 The deadline for 2025 project submissions is midday on Friday 7 th June 2024. Completed applications should be emailed to: [email protected]

Full Guidance 

Application Form

DPhil students in the Cancer Science Programme at the University of Oxford are supported by a grant from Cancer Research UK, managed through the CRUK Oxford Centre .

SIGN UP TO OUR MAILING LIST

Prospective students can sign up to our mailing list to receive update and news on our DPhil opportunities.

CURRENT STUDENTS

Find out what our current students are up to as part of their DPhil in Cancer Science projects

Latest news

£9m  to oxford for the next generation of cancer experts.

4 April 2024

Cancer Research UK awards funding to the CRUK Oxford Centre to support future cancer research leaders.

ALUMNI DESTINATIONS

Find out what our graduates have gone on to do in the cancer research sector

Explore  CRI’s 2023 Cancer Research Impact

Apply for Grants

CRI invests millions of dollars each year in the best scientists doing the best cancer research around the world.

Postdoctoral Fellowships

Three tracks of postdoctoral fellowships providing career development, training, and diversity building in immunology and immuno-informatics

Application Deadline

March 1; September 1

Total Funding

Clinic and Laboratory Integration Program (CLIP)

Translating of basic laboratory discoveries into novel therapies

LOI Deadline

Technology Impact Award

Addressing the gap between technology development and clinical application of cancer immunotherapies

November 15

Lloyd J. Old STAR Program

Mid-career support for the future “stars” in cancer immunology

Clinical Innovator

Support for innovative immunotherapy clinical trials

Protocol Concept Deadline

CRI Funded Scientists

CRI is ushering in the next generation of cancer immunotherapy innovations.

Bring to Life More Cures, Together

Become part of CRI’s mission to create a world immune to cancer

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PHD STUDENTSHIP AWARD

We invite applications from principal investigators and their research team, with a track record of successful PhD supervision, to submit proposals for this funded PhD research award. NWCR seek to fund PhD studentships of £110,000 each, including a stipend of up to £21,000 for the student for 3.5 years.

Applications should be made from researchers who have a track record in supervising PhD students but applications are invited from academics working in a wide variety of different areas of cancer research. These include the following:

• Cancer Biology and Pathophysiology
• Cancer Therapeutics and Precision Medicine
• Population health, public Health and Cancer Inequalities including the lifestyle and environmental factors which increase cancer risks
• Cancer and Ageing, Palliative Care
• Improving care and support for people living with and beyond cancer
• Cancer Prevention
• The early detection of cancer including biomarkers          

It is likely that at least one of these will be awarded in an area of fundamental science, with a second award in an area of applied research.

Applications for this funding round are open to researchers across the United Kingdom. In making their applications, researchers should consider the relevance of their application to the people of the North-West of England and North Wales. This could mean overall incidence or that the particular cancer type is more common or associated with poor outcomes within the region.

Applications must be submitted in line with call guidance and appendix A if required.

All applications will undergo rigorous external peer and scientific review. Panel members will be made available to view once confirmed.

This funding round will close at 5pm on Monday 23rd January 2023.

This call is now closed.