Education & Training

MSK Bridge
Connecting promising college grads to future careers in biomedicine
Apply to MSK Bridge today

Start your path to a PhD with MSK Bridge.

The MSK Bridge program aims to provide post-baccalaureate trainees from historically underrepresented (URM) groups in science with a strong foundation in research, as well as guided mentoring that will help them successfully transition into biomedical graduate programs. Participants in 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 scientists from backgrounds underrepresented in biomedical research.

Bridge Scholars will receive a stipend of $47,741 in 2025. Health benefits (medical, dental and vision plans), relocation reimbursement and access to MSK rental housing are included. MSK Bridge is part of the Maximizing Excellence in Research, Innovation, and Technology (MERIT) initiative. Bridge is also part of the Damon Runyon Spark Program and is supported by Dr. Charles and Susan Sawyers, Drs. Nai-Kong and Irene Cheung, the Gabelli family, the Greenberg family, the Baker family, the Center for Experimental Immuno-Oncology, the American Cancer Society Diversity in Cancer Research Post-Baccalaureate Fellows Program and for those entering computational labs, the Computational Oncology Program.

Learn more about:

Program Timeline
  • Nov 1, 2024: Application portal opens.
  • February 21, 2025: Application closes at 11:59 p.m. Eastern time
  • Offers will be made no later than March 31, 2025
  • July 14, 2025: 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.