Population Health Sciences research is a multi-disciplinary field devoted to improving the healthcare of individuals and the health of populations through rigorous studies focused on multiple determinants of health and health disparities across populations. Population health scientists are focused on evaluating the causes and detection and control of cancer to identifying factors that increase the risk and recurrence of cancer and increasing quality of life among cancer survivors. By developing creative and innovative ways to study the causes of cancer and determine how it can be detected early or prevented, population health research is expansive and includes studies examining cancer risk factors, personalized medicine, screening and prevention, health disparities, the unmet needs of cancer survivors and the cost of healthcare.
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK) welcomes applications for Postdoctoral Fellows who wish to pursue mentored training in Oncology-Focused Population Sciences with a focus on improving healthcare delivery for individuals and to advance health population health science. . MDs and PhDs who wish to pursue advanced research training and receive intensive mentorship in any area of cancer-focused population sciences are encouraged to apply. This training program, OPTICS (Oncology focused Postdoctoral Training In Care Delivery and Symptom Science) is funded by an NCI-T32. It affords trainees protected time, individual mentoring, and access to resources to support intensive focus on an impactful research project. Examples of past research projects conducted by fellows include but not limited to:
- Identified racial disparity in endometrial cancer outcomes
- Examined care delivery gaps in telemedicine
- Developed Integrative Medicine intervention for pain in young and adolescent cancer survivors
- Defined quality of life in patients living with rare cancer
- Evaluated the feasibility of exercise to improve cardiopulmonary function during active treatment
- Predicted immunotherapy related toxicities (e.g. GI, cardiology, endocrine) using novel biomarkers and data analytic methods
Inquiries about eligibility may be made to Samantha Vasquez at vasques2@mskcc.org. You must hold an MD or PhD and be a US citizen or green card holder to apply.
Inquiries about the program may also be made to the OPTICS Program Directors:
Katherine Panageas DrPH: Data Science track panageak@mskcc.org
Deb Schrag MD: Care Delivery track schragd@mskcc.org
Jonine Bernstein PhD: Risk Mitigation (Epidemiology) track bernstej@mskcc.org
Jun Mao MD: Symptom Science track maoj@mskcc.org
To apply, please submit the application form, CV, letter of interest, career statement, and two letters of support to Samantha Vasquez. Applications are due by Friday, January 31, 2025.
Training begins July 2025 and funding is available for 2 years.
Please see the attached flyer and visit the website www.mskcc.org/optics for more information about training program and faculty research expertise.