Cancer Biology PhD Program Overview
The objectives of the Cancer Biology PhD Program are to mentor and train students in the field of cancer research. Housed within the Department of Oncology Science, our program trains students on research on new cancer diagnostic tools, molecular mechanisms, disease etiologies, cancer therapies, and quality of life measures. We are committed to facilitating interdisciplinary, collaborative, and innovative team-science to make OU Health Sciences Center a world-leader in translational cancer research. This coincides with the mission of the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center to educate students, residents, and other trainees in professional and graduate programs to become Oklahoma’s future team of healthcare leaders, clinicians, researchers, and educators.
Program Distinctions
The Cancer Biology PhD Program offers a unique emphasis on cancer-focused and translational research. Students benefit from our integration with the Graduate Program in Biomedical Sciences (GPiBS), which provides foundational training in core biomedical sciences. Through this structure, students have the opportunity to rotate through laboratories led by faculty from seven distinct research tracks, allowing them to explore diverse areas before selecting a research mentor. Application materials may be requested from gpibs@ouhsc.edu.
Upon successful completion of the GPiBS curriculum, students may formally join their chosen mentor’s laboratory to complete their doctoral training within the Cancer Biology PhD Program.
Direct Admission Option
In addition to the GPiBS pathway, students may also be admitted directly into the Cancer Biology PhD Program. Applicants with prior graduate coursework covering these core competencies from other institutions, may be eligible for credit transfer in accordance with the Graduate College Bulletin 4.6.1 - Transfer Credit for Doctoral Programs.
Students completing this program will receive a doctor of philosophy (PhD) degree in Cancer Biology.
As with all other graduate programs at OUHSC, the Cancer Biology PhD Program adheres to all guidelines and policies outlined by the Graduate College.
Financial Support
Graduate students stipends for the academic year 2025-2026 is $36,000 per year, plus tuition and health plan.
If participating in GPiBS, tuition and stipend support for the first year of study will be granted through their office. During subsequent years, each student's Dissertation Advisor has responsibility for arranging this support.
For more information on the cancer biology graduate program, please contact:
Ms. Isabel Nierwinski
Administrative Manager
Department of Oncology Science
OU Health | Stephenson Cancer Center
isabel-nierwinski@ou.edu
NIH-funded post-doctoral research fellow position in cancer metabolomics
The Pankaj Singh lab at the newly established Department of Oncology Science and the NCI-designated OU Health Campus/Stephenson Cancer Center is recruiting a passionate and dedicated postdoctoral researcher to join an NIH/NCI-funded study on cancer metabolomics. The research project involves investigating metabolic alterations in cancer cells and tumor tissues, tumor-stromal metabolic crosstalk, and immunometabolism, using cutting-edge targeted and untargeted metabolomic technologies and spatial LC-MS/MS-based metabolic imaging. A successful postdoctoral candidate should have a Ph.D. in the relevant field with a strong background in LC-MS/MS. Some bioinformatics expertise is preferred but not required. More details about our work can be found in some of our recent publications (Cancer Cell 2017 32(1):71-87; JEM 2020 217 (7):e20190745; PNAS 109(34):13787-92; Immunity 2019 50(3):576-590; Nature Medicine. 2019 25(4):628-640; Gastroenterology 2021 Jul 8:S0016-5085(21)03159-0; Nature Reviews Cancer 2023 Mar 27:1-20, Nature Cell Biology, 2024 May;26(5):840).
Our program is well-funded by NCI, with multiple R01 grants and a U54 grant on acquired therapy resistance in pancreatic cancer.
The Singh lab is a friendly, welcoming, and inclusive place with great excitement for cancer research. We plan to complete the recruitment process soon.
Interested candidates should submit their CV directly at Onc-Sci@ou.edu.
The University, in compliance with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, genetic information, gender identity/expression (consistent with applicable law), age (40 or older), religion, disability, political beliefs, or status as a veteran in any of its policies, practices, or procedures. This includes but is not limited to admissions, employment, housing, financial aid, and educational services.
The Department of Oncology Seminar Series is focused on current and emerging areas of cancer research. The seminars are organized with the goal of educating faculty, postdocs, students, and other trainees about the latest advancements in the field and facilitating interdisciplinary collaborations.
Follow us on X and Instagram for upcoming seminar presentation announcements!
@OncologyScience
@ouoncologyscience
Clinical Laboratory Technologist -
Job Number:
221984
Organization
: Stephenson Cancer Center
Job Location
: Oklahoma-Oklahoma City-Health Sciences Center
Schedule
: Full-time
Work Schedule: 8-5, Monday through Friday
Salary Range: Target salary range of $39,500 to $50,400, based on experience
Benefits Provided: Yes
Required Attachments: Resume
Job Description
The Department of Oncology Science is now hiring for a Clinical Laboratory Technologist. This position This position will support the Primary Investigator by assisting with the planning, designing, and implementing research experiments according to established protocols to assure high-quality scientific results in support of project goals.
Duties:
- Performs highly complex chemical, biological, hematological, immunologic, microscopic, or bacteriological tests on patient samples.
- Performs specialized analytic and diagnostic tests.
- May make cultures of body fluids and tissue samples to determine the presence of bacteria, fungi, parasites, or other micro-organisms.
- May analyze samples for chemical content or a chemical reaction and determine concentrations of compounds such as blood glucose and cholesterol levels.
- May analyze samples for genetic features. May be responsible for typing and cross-matching blood samples for transfusions or solid organs.
- Maintains records, reports results and performs quality control processes.
- Performs highly complex chemical, biological, hematological, immunologic, microscopic, or bacteriological tests to obtain data relative to clinical issues and diagnostic treatments.
- May perform experimental testing procedures for research purposes.
- Evaluates test results, develops and modifies procedures, and establishes and monitors programs to ensure accuracy.
- Maintains records and charts pertaining to tests performed.
- Prepares reports as needed or required Maintains quality control procedures according to departmental procedures.
- May evaluate and recommend improved processes and procedures to ensure continuous quality control and improvement.
- Participates in internal and external proficiency testing.
- Maintains stock of equipment and supplies.
- Performs various duties as needed to successfully fulfill the function of the position.
Job Requirements
Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Chemical, Biological, Physical, Clinical Laboratory Science, or Medical Technology
Equivalency: Will accept 48 months of related experience in lieu of the degree
Skills:
- Must possess excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Must be highly organized and detail oriented; accurate and timely
- Ability to work in a team environment
- Must possess good decision making skills
- Must comprehend and apply clinical laboratory procedures and theory
- Must maintain confidentiality
- Proficient computer skills to include input and retrieval of data
Working Conditions:
Physical: Stand for prolonged periods. Manual dexterity. Communicate effectively. Walk, sit, bend, and reach.
Environmental: Laboratory Environment. Exposure blood borne pathogens, human tissue, and bacteria.
Diversity Statement: The University of Oklahoma is committed to achieving a diverse, equitable, and inclusive university community by recognizing each person's unique contributions, background, and perspectives. The University of Oklahoma strives to cultivate a sense of belonging and emotional support for all, recognizing that fostering an inclusive environment for all is vital in the pursuit of academic and inclusive excellence in all aspects of our institutional mission.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: The University of Oklahoma, in compliance with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations, does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, genetic information, gender identity, gender expression, age, religion, disability, political beliefs, or status as a veteran in any of its policies, practices, or procedures. This includes, but is not limited to, admissions, employment, financial aid, housing, services in educational programs or activities, and health care services that the University operates or provides.
Hiring contingent upon a Background Check?- Yes
Special Indications: None
Research Technician -
Job Number:
222183
Organization
: Stephenson Cancer Center
Job Location
: Oklahoma-Oklahoma City-Health Sciences Center
Schedule
: Full-time
Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm
Salary Range: Targeted annual salary range from $29,200 to $38,000, based on experience
Benefits Provided: Yes
Required Attachments: Resume
Job Description
---
The Department of Oncology Science is now hiring for a Research Technician. This position provides assistance to research staff by conducting simple research experiments, collecting data and samples, keeping records, conducting literature searches, analyzing data, and preparing reports.
Duties:
- Conducts simple research and laboratory analysis to include but not limited to measure and weigh compounds and solutions, isolate, identify and prepare specimens, and collect samples and other research data.
- Assist in simple clinical research projects collecting data from patients and/or participates in a study or project.
- Collects various forms of data pertaining to the research project or projects, which could include database information patient consent forms, and/or hard files.
- Interprets and analyzes data and discusses with principal investigator.
- Prepares reports concerning the progress of the project.
- Keeps detailed logs of all research related activities.
- Conducts literature searches.
- Conducts data analyses, interprets results, summarizes findings, and presents to Principal Investigator.
- Performs various duties as needed to successfully fulfill the function of the position.
Job Requirements
---
Required Education: Bachelor’s Degree in a Biological Science, Chemistry, Physics, Psychology, Sociology, or other health related field.
Equivalency/Substitution: Will accept 48 months experience in lieu of BS Degree.
Skills:
- Knowledge of laboratory safety procedures and regulations.
- Proficient with computers including data software and Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Excel, and Word)
- Ability to communicate verbally and in writing.
- Ability to be detail oriented.
- Ability to collect and analyze data.
Working Conditions:
- Physical: Standing for prolonged periods. Manual dexterity. Reaching, bending, stooping, and walking.
- Environmental: Laboratory Environment. Exposure to chemicals, biohazardous materials, carcinogens, or other hazardous materials.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
The University of Oklahoma, in compliance with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, genetic information, gender identity, gender expression, age, religion, disability, political beliefs, or status as a veteran in any of its policies, practices, or procedures. This includes, but is not limited to, admissions, employment, financial aid, housing, services in educational programs or activities, and health care services that the University operates or provides.
Diversity Statement
The University of Oklahoma is committed to achieving a diverse, equitable, and inclusive university community by recognizing each person's unique contributions, background, and perspectives. The University of Oklahoma strives to cultivate a sense of belonging and emotional support for all, recognizing that fostering an inclusive environment for all is vital in the pursuit of academic and inclusive excellence in all aspects of our institutional mission.
Hiring contingent upon a Background Check?- Yes
Special Indications: None
Job Posting
: Aug 11, 2022
Post-Doctoral Fellow, Associate Research Scholar or Staff Scientist positions to study cell signaling, cell movement, and colon cancer
The Tejeda Lab at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center in the Oncology Science Department seeks applications at the Research Scientist or Postdoc focused positions in cell signaling, cell movement, and colon cancer. The candidate will have a background in functional genomics (including CRISPR, shRNA, and cDNA library use) and next-generation sequencing. A broad-based knowledge of cancer biology, metabolism, and signal transduction is an important characteristic of the successful applicant.
Strong preference will be given to individuals with outstanding publications from prior graduate and/or postgraduate training and/or existing external funding.
Applicants are recommended to submit the materials listed below to Nydia-TejedaMunoz@ouhsc.edu.
- A cover letter that includes the applicants’ career accomplishments and future goals.
- A complete curriculum vitae that includes three academic references.
The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center seeks to recruit and retain a diverse community of health professionals and scholars. We seek a community with a wide range of perspectives and experiences, and we provide equal employment opportunities to qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, political beliefs, national origin, age (40 or older), sex (see: Sexual Misconduct, Discrimination policy) sexual orientation, genetic information, gender identity, gender expression, disability, or veteran status.