Coursework and Laboratory Rotations

• The core course requirements for the training program are Foundations of Chemical Biology and Introduction to Drug Discovery

• Trainees must identify a joint project involving one mentor from Vanderbilt and one from St. Jude. To facilitate this process, students are required to complete three eight-to-10-week lab rotations their first year, with at least one at each site.  

• The trainees home department determines the remaining course requirements.

• Trainees will conduct research at both locations, as dictated by the needs of the project, after the successful completion of the qualifying exam.

• Students will also attend the annual VICB Retreat held in summer and the joint St. Jude / Vanderbilt Retreat held in the spring. Opportunities exist for additional learning through short courses to be offered from St. Jude faculty.

Housing and Stipends

• Trainees will be supported in year one by the IGP, CPBP or the department of entry (Chemistry, Biological Science). After the first year of study, the costs for the student, including temporary housing in Memphis, will be covered by St. Jude and Vanderbilt mentors.