The objective of the T32 training program is to provide scholars from a broad range of disciplines the opportunity to develop skills in cancer prevention and control research and experience with transdisciplinary approaches. Trainees choose to focus their research and skills development in either:

  • Epidemiology and outcomes measures for cancer prevention and control
  • Community-based research and disparities
  • Cancer communications

Download the T32 Postdoctoral Application (PDF).

Leadership:  Aimee James, PhD, MPH – PI; Graham Colditz, MD, DrPH – Co-PI;

Trainees:  meet the current trainees and view past trainees

Length: 2 to 3 years of full-time training

Structure: Trainees complete a combination of mentored research activities, didactic training, and seminar participation. Our trainees can tailor their experience to meet their professional needs, although some core elements are required.

  • Mentored research – work with primary mentor and other program faculty; increase leadership with project as expertise grows; access to funds for research-related activities such as conferences or books
  • Grant preparation and writing training – trainees will prepare (not submit) a small grant (R03, R21) or a mentored grant (K-series grant, American Cancer Society Mentored Award, etc.)
  • Didactic training – courses to enhance a trainees’ expertise will be available through the Master of Population Health Sciences (MPHS) degree program and the Master of Science in Clinical Investigation (MSCI) degree program
  • Required seminars – Journal Club, Career Development Sessions, Works-in-Progress, Cancer Disparities Sessions, and others

See some of our trainees’ successes:


Background on the T32 training program:

Training researchers in cancer prevention and control is a central mission of the Division of Public Health Sciences of the Department of Surgery, Washington University in Saint Louis School of Medicine (WUSM), and the Cancer Prevention and Control Program of Siteman Cancer Center (SCC). The T32 Transdisciplinary Cancer Prevention and Control Training Program is a unique asset to the school and region, as it prepares both PhD and MD researchers to be independent investigators in transdisciplinary research for cancer prevention and control.

The Division has grown since the recruitment of its chief, Dr. Graham Colditz, in the fall of 2006. Twenty one faculty members now engage in research across the cancer continuum. The Division is also a resource for other WUSM faculty pursuing outcomes research among cancer patients. Our T32 training program builds upon other research programs and centers within the university, including the Community Networks Program Center (Program for the Elimination of Cancer Disparities, NCI U54), the Transdisciplinary Research in Energetics and Cancer (TREC) Center (NCI U54), and the Institute of Public Health at Washington University.

Most postdoctoral positions are supported by NIHT32190194. Positions supported by the T32 grant are limited to United States citizens, non-citizen nationals, or must be lawfully admitted for permanent residence and possess an Alien Registration Receipt Card. Foreign Nationals are not eligible for the award at this time.


Updated 7/2018