Master’s Program in Disease Biology & Clinical Research

City of Hope • Duarte, CA

12d • Onsite

About The Position

Are you ready to take your research experience to the next level? The independent Master’s Program in Disease Biology & Clinical Research at City of Hope offers an immersive, hands-on, lab-centered graduate experience designed to prepare the next generation of physician-scientists, clinical researchers, and biomedical professionals.
Established in 2018, our two-year program is built for students who want more than lectures — they want to be in the lab, in the clinic, and at the forefront of scientific discovery.
Why Choose This Program?
🔬 Hands-On Research and Technology Training
Spend significant time in the lab conducting meaningful research under the guidance of experienced faculty and Principal Investigators (PIs).
🧬 Focused Study in Disease Biology & Clinical Trials
Gain real-world insight into:
Disease modeling
Translational research
Clinical trial design and implementation
How to write and structure a clinical trial
Data analysis and scientific presentation
📑 Thesis Required
All students complete an original research thesis and present their findings, building a competitive research portfolio.
🏥 Clinical Exposure
Opportunities to shadow in clinical settings and understand how research translates to patient care.
🎯 Explore Your Path
Ideal for:
Pre-medical students
Recent undergraduates with strong academic performance
Students with prior research experience seeking to strengthen their CV
Individuals exploring whether to pursue medicine, research, or both
Many of our students refine their career goals during the program — some transition toward advanced research careers after discovering a deeper passion for scientific investigation.
Program Highlights
Duration: 2 years
Start Date: August (rolling admissions; early application encouraged)
Class Size: Intentionally small (10–15 students targeted; maximum capacity 20)
Faculty to Student Ratio: Individualized mentorship ensures strong mentor-student alignment
Independent Master’s Program within a world-renowned research environment
A Dedicated Pathway to the PhD in Translational Medicine for outstanding MS graduates to continue doctoral training at City of Hope
Cost
Tuition: $27,500 per year
50%25 Tuition Waiver Available
Working toward Title IV eligibility (federal loan access)
Potential scholarship opportunities through PI sponsorship (based on fit and availability)

Who Should Apply?
Competitive applicants will have:
Strong undergraduate academic performance
Research experience (highly preferred)
Demonstrated interest in biomedical sciences, medicine, or clinical research
Community engagement or service (e.g., healthcare volunteering, Red Cross, or similar experiences are valued)
Curiosity, initiative, and readiness for rigorous hands-on training
We are particularly seeking local/domestic students who are eager to train in a collaborative, high-impact research environment.
Rolling Admissions – Apply Early
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and qualified candidates may receive decisions quickly.
If you are ready to deepen your research experience, strengthen your medical or graduate school application, and train in a dynamic, translational research environment—
👉 Submit your application through the application link in this posting to be considered.
Take the next step in your research career at City of Hope.

Requirements

• Strong undergraduate academic performance
• Research experience (highly preferred)
• Demonstrated interest in biomedical sciences, medicine, or clinical research
• Community engagement or service (e.g., healthcare volunteering, Red Cross, or similar experiences are valued)
• Curiosity, initiative, and readiness for rigorous hands-on training

Responsibilities

• Conducting meaningful research under the guidance of experienced faculty and Principal Investigators (PIs).
• Complete an original research thesis and present their findings

Benefits

• 50%25 Tuition Waiver Available
• Working toward Title IV eligibility (federal loan access)
• Potential scholarship opportunities through PI sponsorship (based on fit and availability)

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time