Moffitt Cancer Biology PhD Program

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

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PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

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FOUR MAJORS

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CURRICULUM & ADMISSIONS

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ABOUT MOFFITT

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ABOUT USF

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ABOUT TAMPA BAY

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A COLLABORATIVE EFFORT BETWEEN MOFFITT CANCER CENTER AND THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH FLORIDA DESIGNED TO PREPARE YOUNG SCIENTISTS TO MEET THE FUTURE CHALLENGES OF CANCER RESEARCH. An integrated curriculum that incorporates training in multiple disciplines encompassing immunology, cancer genetics, cell and molecular biology, signal transduction, drug discovery, functional genomics, proteomics, bioinformatics, chemistry, mathematical modeling, and translational cancer therapies.

With laboratory training embedded alongside clinical, translational, population science and quantitative

science investigators in a single campus of the cancer hospital and research buildings, students will benefit from a wholistic learning environment where their work contributes to the prevention and cure of cancer.

Benefits include a competitive stipend, fully paid tuition & health insurance, hands-on mentoring, small class sizes, grant writing support, and career development activities and events.

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FOUR MAJORS

CANCER BIOLOGY The focus of the Cancer Biology major is understanding the molecular, cellular and microenvironmental mechanisms that drive cancer development and progression, heterogeneity, metastasis and therapy resistance.

CANCER CHEMICAL BIOLOGY The study of this major focuses on both chemistry and biology.

Cancer drug design and discovery is the key component of the curriculum.

CANCER IMMUNOLOGY AND IMMUNOTHERAPY This major focuses on basic and translational research in the immunobiology of cancer and developing the next generation of immunotherapeutic interventions for cancer patients.

INTEGRATED MATHEMATICAL ONCOLOGY This major consists of specialized training in mathematical modeling for cancer biology and clinical oncology problems. Students also receive training in the broader field of cancer biology and immunology through coursework and immersion in Moffitt’s research endeavors.

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CURRICULUM

& ADMISSIONS CURRICULUM Students begin research during the first semester, typically rotating through two or three laboratories.

Formal coursework is usually completed by the end of the second academic year. Students complete the qualifying examination during the second academic year. Past graduates have earned their PhD degrees within four to five years of entering the program.

ADMISSIONS Applicants to the Cancer Biology PhD Program must have at least a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited university with a strong background in a field relevant to their chosen cancer biology major. Research experience will greatly improve chances of admission.

Students who seek admission to the Program are required to meet the minimal Systemwide (State University System of Florida) and University-wide (University of South Florida) requirements. For full consideration, applicants should have earned a minimum overall undergraduate grade point average of 3.0 (out of a possible 4.0). Transcripts certifying degrees (along with coursework) must also be submitted.

Applicants from countries where English is not the official language, and who have not earned at least a bachelor’s degree in the U.S. from a regionally accredited institution, must also demonstrate proficiency in the English language.

Admission is competitive, and we expect that the successful applicant will exceed these minimal criteria.

We accept students for Fall admission only. The priority deadline for funding consideration is December 1.

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ABOUT H. LEE MOFFITT CANCER CENTER The Only NCI Designated Comprehensive Cancer Center in the State of Florida

The Moffitt Cancer Center is a leading institution of basic, population, quantitative, translational, and clinical research.

Moffitt is proud to be one of only 50 National Cancer Institute (NCI) designated comprehensive cancer centers in the country and the only one based in Florida.

Moffitt conducts high impact translational research and clinical trials which changes the standard of care and policy.

With cutting-edge facilities and an emphasis on multidisciplinary care and team science, Moffitt is poised to accelerate its scientific and clinical impact to meaningfully reduce the cancer burden.

Moffitt recruits highly successful and well-funded faculty to serve as mentors for the next generation of cancer researchers.

Our significant contributions to the prevention and cure of cancer are based in compassion for our patients, an emphasis on collaboration and a culture of scientific excellence.

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ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH FLORIDA

The University of South Florida (USF) is situated in the vibrant and diverse Tampa Bay region. Our campuses serve more than 50,000 students. Led by outstanding faculty and professional staff, the University of South Florida conducts innovative scholarship, creative activity and basic and translational research, and delivers a world-class educational experience promoting the success of our talented and diverse undergraduate, graduate, and professional students.

As a public metropolitan research university, USF, in partnership with our communities, serves the people of Florida, the nation, and the world by fostering intellectual inquiry and outcomes that positively shape the future - regionally, nationally and globally. USF is the fastest rising university in America, according to U.S. New and World Report’s 2021 Best Colleges rankings. High-impact global research is central to USF’s mission as one of only three Preeminent Research Universities in the state of Florida.

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ABOUT TAMPA BAY There are many reasons why making the Tampa Bay area your training home makes sense: Highs in the mid-80s, beautiful beaches and a burgeoning dining and craft beer scene. And did we mention pirates? Gasparilla, a Tampa tradition since 1904, is a month-long celebration involving parades, festivals and road races.

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CONTACT US 12902 USF Magnolia Drive, Tampa, FL 33612 813-745-4673 | www.Moffitt.org/CancerPhD CancerPhD@Moffitt.org | @MoffittResearch