Roswell Park/University at Buffalo Oncology Nurse Scientist Training Program

Bridging the gap between patient care and scientific discovery

The Roswell Park/University at Buffalo Oncology Nurse Scientist Training Program will provide unique opportunities for nurse-scientists to gain hands-on experience in translational oncology research while benefiting from mentorship by some of the nation’s leading cancer researchers.

This program is the first of its kind established by an Institutional Clinical Scientist Awards (K12) grant from the National Cancer Institute and will support two to three PhD nurses per year, offering two years of highly personalized, advanced research training in oncology.

Preparing nurse scientists to lead the future of oncology research

With the support of a dedicated team of mentors from Roswell Park and UB’s School of Nursing, trainees will gain the knowledge and experience needed to launch independent research careers that address critical issues in cancer research, care and health equity.

The program is designed to build a pipeline of expert nurse-scientists by attracting and recruiting nurses, including those from groups underrepresented in cancer research, to lead groundbreaking studies that will improve treatment outcomes and survivorship for cancer patients.

Research aims

Aim 1: Mentored research in “high-priority” areas

This program looks to provide a variety of mentored research experiences to train PhD (or PhD equivalent) nurses in cancer research. Trainees will pick a main project that aligns with two areas of research: Immuno-oncology/Biological Mechanisms or Oncology Care/Patient Experience. Trainees will also receive training in other areas as desired.

Aim 2: Personalized career development

We will provide our trainees a wide range of career development opportunities. These include, but are not limited to grant writing, developing advanced research methods and networking.

Aim 3: Recruit individuals from groups underrepresented in nursing sciences

This program will build pipelines to attract and recruit individuals underrepresented in nursing sciences and provide them with career development within this K12 program as oncology nurse scientists ready to step into leadership positions at comprehensive cancer centers, medical schools and universities across the country.

Eligibility requirements

1. Completion of a PhD (or PhD equivalent such as Doctor of Nursing Science (DNS) or Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) with submission of the Dissertation Abstract and relevant publications (or expected completion by July 2025)
2. Submission of academic records and
3. An NIH-style Biosketch including a personal statement describing the applicant’s career goals and how training in oncology will further these goals; this should include the names of 3 potential mentors or research areas of interest.
4. 3 Letters of Recommendation
5. A minimum of 2,000 hours of adult oncology nursing experience or appropriate equivalent experience in a related health related experience
6. Must be eligible for New York State Registered Nurses License
7. Must be US citizens, naturalized citizens, or permanent residents as required by the K12 opportunity.