Prostate Cancer Research Post-Bac

I have an opening for a research apprentice (post-Bac) in my laboratory and am looking for a recent or upcoming spring graduate from a top college for the role.  My lab is in the Department of Cancer Genetics and Genomics and also part of the Department of Urology at Roswell Park Cancer Institute, one of the first cancer centers in the US.  I typically hire individuals who are considering careers in the biomedical sciences (i.e., medical or graduate school) but are interested in taking time off to gain experience working in a laboratory, study for the MCAT/GRE, and get a highly personalized letter of recommendation for the admissions process.  A minimum commitment of two years is required (so the candidate would plan on commencing further schooling in the fall of 2026).  The training includes performing a wide range of tasks ranging from the mundane (e.g., preparing solutions) to the sublime (designing and carrying out independent experiments), the range of which depends on the candidate’s abilities and enthusiasm.  A high level of engagement and dedication is expected, and you will be included in all aspects of the research, including lab meetings and journal clubs, as well as attend a variety of scientific and clinical seminars at Roswell.  I have found in the past that a smart and energetic post-Bac from a top college can function at the level of other graduate student and postdoctoral scientists in the lab.  Alumni have had excellent success entering the programs of their choosing.

The focus of my research program is cancer and cancer therapy changes in the tumor immune microenvironment.  A second focus is the mechanism of androgen deprivation therapy regulation of muscle loss and strategies to mitigate this therapy side-effect. We predominantly employ genetically engineered mouse models of prostate cancer in addition to in vitro models and human specimens in our studies. In addition, my group collaborates very closely with a number of leaders in cancer research, both in basic sciences and clinically, and have a number of ongoing collaborative translational studies and clinical trials, so there is an opportunity to learn about those activities and to see first-hand what it is like to be a physician and/or scientist in an academic setting, if that is a career path that interests you.  The rewards are a very modest wage and letters of recommendation reflecting the quality of your work and engagement in the lab.  Read more at my website:  https://www.roswellpark.edu/kent-nastiuk.

The quality of life in upstate western New York State is excellent, if you are OK with some snow.  Buffalo is a very livable mid-sized city, with fine museums and classical music, as well as a lively restaurant and nightlife scene.  Neighborhoods adjacent to the medical center are full of shared houses and apartments catering to graduate and medical, students.  It has a decent airport with frequent direct flights to major east coast cities.  While the weather is snowy and cold in the winter, the summer is quite mild and pleasant, and the Western NY region provides great outdoor recreation opportunities.

If you are interested, email a letter outlining your interest in the research opportunity, plans for continuing your education/career, any previous wet-bench research experience, relevant undergraduate courses and GPA, and resume or CV to kent.nastiuk@roswellpark.org.