The rapid development and advancement of technologies and knowledge in molecular biology and genetics have led to major breakthroughs in cancer etiology research. While the field of cancer epidemiology is moving rapidly toward a new era where interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary collaborative research is the central theme, there is a severe shortage of scientists working at the interfaces of the epidemiology, molecular biology, and genetics.
The Vanderbilt Training Program in Molecular and Genetic Epidemiology of Cancer (Vanderbilt-MAGEC) equips postdoctoral fellows from a variety of disciplines with the methodological tools, practical laboratory and survey-research knowledge, and hands-on research and grant writing experience necessary to launch an independent career in the molecular and genetic epidemiology of cancer.Xiao-Ou Shu M.D., Ph.D., MPH
Candidates for this program are those with newly minted Ph.D. degrees in relevant sciences (particularly epidemiology, genetics, biology, chemistry, biostatistics) or M.D.s with interests in cancer epidemiology research. Recruitment of exceptional, ethnically diverse candidates focuses on those with backgrounds in epidemiology, genetics, and/or biology.
The program delivers individualized didactic training tailored to complement each trainee’s background and to aid in the launch their desired career paths. Specific training consists of courses, seminars, studios, and a journal club. Multidisciplinary mentoring teams direct trainees into NCI-funded cancer epidemiology research projects.
This program is led by Xiao-Ou Shu M.D., Ph.D., M.P.H., professor of medicine, Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center and Douglas C. Heimburger M.D., M.S., professor of medicine, Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health. The training grant is supported by National Institutes of Health grant 5R25CA160056.