Graduate Students
Graduate Students
There are many opportunities to pursue an advanced degree at the University of Utah (the U). Huntsman Cancer Institute mentors represent 34 different academic departments, 24 that have their own graduate programs. Many trainees enter labs through the combined graduate programs in molecular biology and biological chemistry or the graduate program in the Department of Population Health Sciences.
The Department of Oncological Sciences and the Cancer Population Sciences Division (Department of Population Health Sciences) offer cancer-focused didactic, special topics courses, and cancer biology journal clubs. These courses, along with certificate programs in genome sciences and personalized medicine, provide robust training in cancer biology.
All graduate students mentored by a cancer center member are encouraged to apply for trainee membership. This membership is intended to give official status in the Huntsman Cancer Institute community and keep you better connected to Huntsman Cancer Institute activities both while you are here and when you become alums. Benefits include funding opportunities and priority for certain CRTEC-sponsored activities such as mentorship workshops and networking events. The membership application consists of a brief survey. Join today!
Huntsman Cancer Institute Opportunities
COE Internship
Huntsman Cancer Institute at the University of Utah is seeking applicants for the Community Outreach and Engagement (COE) internship program. Selected interns will join established teams devoted to creating long-term solutions to prevent and screen for cancer and improve the health of individuals, families, and communities. Learn more about the Community Outreach and Engagement team.
Shadowing Opportunities
The CRTEC office at Huntsman Cancer Institute will assist trainees in finding opportunities for clinical shadowing in the cancer care arena or for shadowing behind the scenes in our Shared Resources.
GEMS T32
The Cancer Genetics, Epigenetics, Models, & Signaling (GEMS T32) Training Program is a robust two-year predoctoral training program that leverages existing Huntsman Cancer Institute research and infrastructure strengths in cancer genetics and epigenetics, cancer modeling, and cancer cell signaling. The program integrates trainee interactions with cancer patients, cancer clinicians, and our Disease Centers to provide broad multidisciplinary training in cancer biology.
T32 ODSi Training Program
The Oncological Data Science (T32 ODSi) Training Program is a two-year predoctoral program that develops skills in biomolecular-anchored cancer data science by integrating bioinformatics, molecular population health, and cancer data science within a strong Huntsman Cancer Institute educational and research environment.
Travel Funds
Cancer Research Training and Education Coordination Travel Awards
Our office provides travel fellowships to support Cancer Center trainee members to attend and present their research at the annual meetings of the American Association of Cancer Research and American Society of Clinical Oncology. Our office funds several $1,000 travel awards to offset the cost of attendance. Awards are restricted to Cancer Center trainee members with abstracts already accepted at one of the conferences listed below:
- American Association of Cancer Research (AACR): April 17–22, 2026, in San Diego, CA
- Regular abstract deadline is November 18
- Travel award request deadline for AACR: January 13, 2026
- American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO): May 29–June 2, 2026, in Chicago, IL
- Regular abstract deadline is January 27
- Travel award request deadline for ASCO: April 10, 2026
If you are interested in taking advantage of these funds contact us. Travel funds will be awarded on a rolling basis.
University of Utah Opportunities
Bioscience PhD Programs
The Molecular Biology (MB) Program and Biological Chemistry (BC) Program are two complementary interdepartmental PhD programs at the U. They are both Bioscience PhD programs. Each program is distinct in its core curriculum and requirements and reach across 11 departments.
PHS PhD Program
Population Health Sciences (PHS) PhD program at the School of Medicine aims to produce scientists who are committed to improving patient and population-oriented care within increasingly complex healthcare delivery systems. It works closely with Cancer Control faculty members to improve population health within our community.
MSTP
The Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP) provides an outstanding education for future physician-scientists. Students develop clinical skills and engage in rigorous scientific training. Through our top medical program and exceptional graduate programs, students become well-prepared for careers as biomedical researchers and clinician scientists.
MSCI Program
The MS in Clinical Investigation (MSCI) degree program provides classroom and mentored experience in clinical research and innovation, preparing its trainees for careers in academic medicine, the allied health sciences, and global health related fields.
BREO
The Biomedical Research Education Office (BREO) supports the educational and professional advancement of all graduate students and postdoctoral scholars engaged in biomedical research in the five health sciences-focused colleges/schools at the University of Utah.
Postdocs: Career development resources