Research Training

In collaboration with the Hillman Cancer Center, the Division is deeply committed to supporting basic, translational, and clinical research training across a broad range of areas, including biobehavioral cancer control, cancer biology, cancer epidemiology and prevention, cancer immunology and immunotherapy, cancer therapeutics, cancer virology, and genome stability. Central to this mission is a strong focus on the education and development of trainees, ensuring they are well-prepared for successful futures in cancer research.

Postdoctoral trainees are encouraged to actively engage with one another, fostering a supportive network and a dynamic training environment. Beyond the many resources offered throughout the year by the University of Pittsburgh, postdoctoral trainees also participate in regular meetings specifically tailored to the career development and training needs of fellows in cancer research.

A variety of academic forums enrich the research environment. The weekly UPMC Hillman Basic and Translational Research Seminar Series brings together students, post-docs, faculty, and clinicians to explore key developments in cancer research, featuring both internal and invited external speakers. In addition, each research program within the Cancer Center hosts its own research-in-progress seminars and journal clubs, providing post-doctoral fellows with valuable opportunities to present their work and engage in discussions around the latest scientific discoveries. These interactions culminate annually at the UPMC Hillman Cancer Center Scientific Retreat, where members across all disciplines come together to share insights and strengthen the center’s collaborative scientific community.

The University of Pittsburgh further supports trainee development through several institutional T32 training grants. These grants fund the education and research of pre- and post-doctoral scholars in cancer-related fields, with dedicated programs in Cancer Immunology Training, Postdoctoral Research Training in Biotherapy of Cancer, Postdoctoral Research Training in Head and Neck Oncology, and Translational Research Training in Cancer Etiology and Prevention.

For more information about educational and training opportunities for basic and translational research training in the Division of Malignant Hematology and Medical Oncology, please contact Nadine Hempel, PhD, at nah158@pitt.edu.