St. Jude is home to a thriving, diverse community of PhD and Master's students who come here for one reason: to do exceptional science in an exceptional environment. Whether you pursue a degree through the St. Jude Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, complete thesis work through an affiliated institution, or join us for a training placement or internship, you will find a place that takes your development seriously and gives you the resources, mentorship, and freedom to pursue it.
St. Jude Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences
The St. Jude Graduate School offers a unique PhD program focused on cutting-edge basic and translational research. Students work closely with renowned St. Jude faculty and can explore diverse research areas for rotations and thesis work. Throughout training, students are supported by generous benefits, extraordinary core facilities and a collaborative, close-knit environment.
University of Tennessee Health Science Center – Biomedical Sciences Program
The Biomedical Sciences Program (BSP) is an interdisciplinary PhD program offered through the University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UTHSC) in Memphis. Students choose from seven research tracks and have options for laboratory rotations or thesis work with faculty at UTHSC, St. Jude, and the Veterans Affairs Medical Center, making it one of the more flexible graduate pathways available in the region.
Contact: Chris Cotton, Predoctoral Program Coordinator, chris.cotton@stjude.org
It is an honor and blessing to have the opportunity to conduct graduate research at one of the most renowned institutions in the world. The guidance and support from my mentor and other knowledgeable faculty, coupled with access to the most current and cutting edge technologies via St. Jude’s many core facilities, has granted me exciting research and learning experiences."
Graduate Training in Psychology – University of Memphis, University of Mississippi
St. Jude offers outstanding clinical and research-based training placements for graduate students in psychology from the University of Memphis and the University of Mississippi. Students in clinical placements receive training in assessment and intervention with pediatric and young adult patients with cancer, sickle cell disease, and HIV. Students in research placements are matched with a faculty supervisor and integrated into their research team, with projects shaped by the mentor's area of research, the state of ongoing studies, and the student's own skills and professional goals.
Contact: Kendra Parris, Associate Member, St. Jude Faculty, kendra.parris@stjude.org
University of Paris – Diderot
Since 2002, Master's students from the University of Paris – Diderot have come to St. Jude as part of their degree curriculum. Over five months, students are paired with faculty mentors, contribute to individual research projects, and receive academic credit, a research stipend, and meaningful laboratory experience. The program is directed by Dr. Martine Roussel, Endowed Chair of Molecular Oncology.
Contact: James Marmion, Predoctoral Program Coordinator, james.marmion@stjude.org
Working at St Jude was an amazing experience. It was enriching from both a professional and personal point of view. I learned so much being surrounded by great scientists and wonderful people. I will never forget it!”
Opportunities for international graduate students
St. Jude welcomes graduate students from institutions outside the U.S. who wish to conduct research here under the guidance of a St. Jude faculty mentor. Degrees are granted by the student's home institution. Applicants must have been formally accepted into a degree program and must meet the requirements of that program throughout their time at St. Jude.
Contact: James Marmion, Predoctoral Program Coordinator, james.marmion@stjude.org
Graduate internships
Our internships are structured around the belief that the most meaningful learning happens in the work itself. Graduate interns conduct hands-on work at St. Jude with close faculty guidance, regular feedback, and assessments designed to identify opportunities for growth. The experience is intentional from start to finish and designed to optimize professional development.
Graduate level internships include:
- Biostatistics Internship
- Chemical Biology and Therapeutics Internships
- Child Life Internships
- Healthcare Administration Internship
- Internal Audit Internship
- Legal Internships
- Legal Operations Internship
- Music Therapy Internship
- Patient and Family Experience Internship
- Pediatric Oncology Education Program
- Predoctoral Psychology Internships
- Social Work Internships
