The goal of the Komen post-baccalaureate training grant is to attract individuals to train in the field of breast cancer health disparities. As part of this training grant, we will identify outstanding, qualified and committed graduate students using a multidisciplinary training approach focused on generating experts in the molecular epidemiology of breast cancer as it pertains to Hispanics of Mexican descent.
Trainees will learn how epidemiology, pathology, molecular biology, and genetics in combination with social structure influence risk and outcomes that contribute to disparities between populations and between communities.
Two main training areas have been identified:
- the molecular pathology of invasive breast cancer
- the molecular epidemiology of environmental exposures in tumor subtype specific risk in this population
An emphasis in the training plan will include understanding how these factors contribute to breast cancer (i.e., age of onset, screening recommendations, and prevention) and breast cancer specific outcomes and treatment selection. We envision broad opportunities to train students in areas of basic, population, and clinical science that will yield highly productive and dedicated young scientists equipped to effectively explore the basis for breast cancer disparities.
The successful candidate will be grounded in a multidisciplinary approach to cancer health disparities and breast cancer through formal coursework, seminar series, conferences and interactions with scientific mentors. Candidates must be willing to work independently as well as in a team setting. The training program includes clear primary and secondary scientific and academic goals, constructive scientific criticism from top-level mentors and support for presentation and publication of results.
Three positions are available. Interested applicants will be asked to complete a brief description of themselves and their academic history to include providing copies of college transcripts. Applicants will be asked to comprise a letter describing how their education and career goals are consistent with the predoctoral training grant goals in breast cancer health disparities. This latter aspect of the application is a key factor in the selection process.
Eligible candidates will have completed baccalaureate-level training and must be pursuing a masters, combined/masters/doctoral or doctoral degree. Preference will be given to students/applicants who are representative of the undeserved US minority populations targeted by the research project. Applicants should be available to start by early Summer 2009.
First review of applications will be conducted May 15, 2009. For more details about this training opportunity, please contact:
Elena Martínez, PhD, director of the Arizona Cancer Center Health Disparities Institute and professor in the Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health at the University of Arizona, at emartinez@azcc.arizona.edu.
or
Patricia Thompson, PhD, research assistant professor in the UA’s College of Public Health, at PThompson@azcc.arizona.edu.