The  PhD program  is  offered through the combined efforts of the University of New York at Buffalo and Roswell Park Cancer Institute, the nation’s first cancer research, treatment and education center and the only National Cancer Institute- designated comprehensive cancer center in Upstate New York. The Molecular & Cellular Biophysics and Biochemistry Department at Roswell Park Cancer Institute offers intensive training in basic research to doctoral candidates and post-doctoral associates. Faculty research interests cover a broad spectrum of molecular and cellular biophysics with exceptional strengths in the areas of structure determination of biological macromolecules and supramolecular assemblies; DNA damage and repair; biological response to stress and molecular biology of heat proteins; biological imaging including electron, optical, fluorescence and magnetic resonance; biophysical methods in therapeutic including photodynamic therapy, and gene and drug delivery using liposomes and electroporation methods. The department faculty consists of 28 members and typically 20 to 30 students. The department is thus large enough to offer a variety of learning opportunities, yet small enough to retain a community atmosphere. Graduate training is oriented toward enhancing the student’s future employment opportunities. The ability to earn a graduate degree at a major cancer hospital/institution offers unique training opportunities that can be significant in career development