Understanding cell stress in clinical cancer therapies

Decipher stress response pathways in normal and malignant cells. Use your knowledge of biology, physics and chemistry to develop and improve the ways to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer. Work with physicians and industrial scientists to bring your discoveries to the clinics.

When you choose the Cell Stress and Biophysical Oncology PhD Track, you’ll be part of a unique multidisciplinary training and research environment. We’re built on synergy between biophysicists, chemists, engineers, molecular biologists and physicians.

In addition to mentored research, you’ll have stimulating course work, seminars with presentations by trainees and invited speakers, and various informal scientific and social events.

We’re looking for candidates with diverse academic backgrounds (biology, chemistry, physics, engineering, etc.) and an enthusiasm for collaboration.

Research areas

  • Biochemical and genetic investigation of stress-response pathways in normal and cancer cells
  • In vivo and in vitro imaging technologies
  • Photodynamic therapy and photobiology
  • Molecular mechanisms of carcinogenesis
  • Discovery of anti-cancer drugs
  • Radiation biology and medical physics
  • Molecular mechanisms of longevity and aging
  • Membrane biophysics
  • Drug delivery and pharmacodynamics
  • Metabonomics/metabolomics and proteomics
  • Structural biology

Additional information about our research can be found on our individual faculty page.

The faculty and staff are central to the Cell Stress Biology Biophysical program’s strength. They set the tone for scientific excellence and professional rigor along with a friendly and collaborative atmosphere for students. This makes science fun and creates an environment in which you can thrive professionally. Students are empowered to be involved in the Department's development from improving the curriculum to help with recruiting new students. Student concerns are addressed and opinions matter. Archis Bagati, PhD, Class of 2016

Typical program of study

Course Code Course Name Credits
RPG501 Integrated Cancer Sciences I 4
RPG502 Integrated Cancer Sciences II 4
STA527 Statistical Analysis I 4
RPG504 Responsible Conduct of Research 1
RPG601 First-Year Journal Club 2
RPG 514 Independent Study 4
Course Code Course Name Credits
RPG503 Integrated Cancer Sciences III 4
RPG543 Tools and Models for Molecular Oncology 4
RPG546 CSBO Journal Club 1
RPG606 Doctoral Lab Rotation 10
  Electives  
Course Code Course Name Credits
RPG533 Biophysical and Biochemical Techniques 4
RPG603 Basics of Grantsmanship I 1
RPG545 CSBO Journal Club 2
RPG608 Doctoral Research 12
  Electives  
Course Code Course Name Credits
RPG546 CSBO Journal Club 1
RPG608 Doctoral Research 8
  Electives  
Course Code Course Name Credits
RPG608 Doctoral Research 1, each semester

How to apply

If you wish to apply after the deadline, please contact Education@RoswellPark.org before submitting an application.

Contact information

For more information on the Cell Stress and Biophysical Oncology Ph.D. Track at Roswell Park, connect with:

Vanessa Glover, Track Administrator
Vanessa.Glover@RoswellPark.org
ph: 716-845-3906
fax:716-845-3944

Mail to:
Cell Stress and Biophysical Oncology Track
Roswell Park Graduate Division
Attn:  Vanessa Glover
Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center
Elm and Carlton Streets
Buffalo, New York 14263