Education & Training

MSK Bridge
Connecting promising college grads to future careers in biomedicine

Start your path to a PhD with MSK Bridge.

The MSK Bridge program aims to provide post-baccalaureate trainees from traditionally underrepresented (URM) groups with a strong foundation in science and research, as well as guided mentoring that will help them successfully transition into biomedical PhD programs. Successful applicants to the program — known as Bridge Scholars — will conduct a research project in one of MSK’s scientific laboratories for up to 24 months. The overarching goal of MSK Bridge is to increase the participation of URM scientists in biomedical fields.

Bridge Scholars will receive a stipend of $45,000 per year. Health benefits are included. Housing will be available through MSK. MSK Bridge is part of the Maximizing Excellence in Research, Innovation, and Technology (MERIT) program and is supported by Dr. Charles and Susan Sawyers, Drs. Nai-Kong and Irene Cheung, the Center for Experimental Immuno-Oncology, the Gabelli family, and for those entering computational labs, the Computational Oncology Program.

Learn more about:

Program Timeline
  • Nov 1, 2023: Application portal opens.
  • February 23, 2024: Application closes at 11:59 p.m. Eastern time
  • Offers will be made no later than March 31, 2024
  • July 15, 2024: Program starts

hands holding a pipette in a lab

As a Bridge Scholar, you will: 

  • Be immersed in biomedical research in cutting-edge laboratories for up to 24 months.
  • Receive intensive mentoring from PIs, graduate students, and postdocs.
  • Receive individualized career guidance by the Office of Scientific Education and Training.
  • Attend research seminars and departmental talks.
  • Present your research at lab meetings and annual conferences.
  • Participate in professional development workshops and skills building classes, as well as a segment of the Gerstner Sloan Kettering Graduate School cancer biology core courses.
  • Give an oral presentation on your research project at the end of May during the MSK Bridge symposium.