Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK), located in New York City, stands as one of the world's premier institutions dedicated to cancer care, research, and education. Founded in 1884 as the New York Cancer Hospital, it evolved into a leading cancer center through mergers and expansions, notably with Memorial Hospital in 1936 and Sloan Kettering Institute in 1945. Today, MSK treats over 23,000 patients annually and employs more than 20,000 staff, including 2,500 researchers driving breakthroughs in oncology.
Jobs at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center span clinical, research, and administrative roles, attracting top talent in biomedicine. The center's tripartite mission—patient care, research, and education—creates diverse opportunities, from research jobs in immunotherapy to faculty positions affiliated with Weill Cornell Medical College. MSK's New York campuses, including the main site on Manhattan's Upper East Side, offer a vibrant environment for advancing cancer science.
MSK's rich history began with a focus on innovative treatments. Key milestones include pioneering chemotherapy in the 1940s and immunotherapy advances like CAR T-cell therapy. The mission emphasizes translating laboratory discoveries into clinical practice, with over $1 billion in annual research funding from NIH and private sources.
This legacy shapes jobs at MSK, where employees contribute to landmark studies published in Nature and Science. For those interested in research assistant jobs, MSK's history underscores a commitment to cutting-edge science.
MSK excels in areas like tumor immunology, precision oncology, and structural biology. Labs led by Nobel laureates explore genomics, drug development, and AI in diagnostics. Jobs often require expertise in CRISPR editing, single-cell sequencing, or clinical trials.
Researchers collaborate across 30+ departments, fostering interdisciplinary work.
Common positions include Physician-Scientists, Postdoctoral Associates, Research Technicians, and Clinical Research Coordinators. Faculty roles involve mentoring trainees and securing grants. For a full list, explore university job types.
Most research jobs demand a PhD or MD/PhD in biology, chemistry, or medicine. Preferred experience includes 3+ years postdoc, 5+ peer-reviewed publications, and grant writing (e.g., NIH K99/R00).
Clinical roles require board certification and patient interaction skills.
Apply through MSK's careers site: upload CV, cover letter, references. Interviews involve seminars and lab visits. Tips: Highlight quantifiable impacts (e.g., 'Led study cited 200 times'), network at AACR meetings, customize for MSK's mission.
Use our free cover letter template for success.
MSK's Office of Diversity Programs recruits from underrepresented groups via partnerships with HBCUs and women in STEM events. The Women Faculty Committee supports career advancement, and 40% of leadership roles are held by women/minorities. Programs like MSK Summer Research include underrepresented students.
MSK offers 4 weeks PTO, parental leave, gym, and childcare. New York location provides cultural access, but long hours common in research. Employee resource groups and wellness challenges promote balance. Campuses feature modern labs, gardens, and commuting perks.
Competitive pay: Postdocs $65K+, faculty $200K+. Benefits include health insurance, retirement matching, tuition reimbursement. New York cost of living considered with housing stipends.
Jobs at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center offer unparalleled opportunities in cancer research. Explore more higher ed jobs, career advice via higher ed career advice, university jobs, or post a job to attract talent.
View all University Jobs
Post and Connect – the new way of promoting your higher ed jobs
