The Irell & Manella Graduate School of Biological Sciences (IMGS) is a prestigious, research-focused graduate school located at the City of Hope National Medical Center in Duarte, California, USA. It is renowned for its Ph.D. programs in biomedical sciences, emphasizing cancer research, genetics, immunology, and molecular medicine.
Location: Duarte, California, USA
Affiliation: City of Hope National Medical Center
Focus: Ph.D. in Biological Sciences (Biomedical Research)
Highly Competitive & Fully Funded Ph.D. Program – Admitted students receive full tuition coverage, stipends, and health insurance.
World-Class Research Environment – Located within City of Hope, a leading biomedical research institute and cancer treatment center.
Small Class Sizes & Individualized Mentorship – Ensures personalized training and hands-on research opportunities.
Cutting-Edge Research Facilities – Access to state-of-the-art labs, core facilities, and clinical trials.
Focus Areas – Specialized in cancer biology, immunotherapy, gene therapy, and diabetes research.
Collaborations with Leading Institutions – Partnerships with top research universities, biotech companies, and hospitals.
Degree Offered: Ph.D. in Biological Sciences
Duration: ~5-6 years
Funding: Fully funded (tuition + stipend + health insurance)
Research Focus Areas:
Cancer & Molecular Oncology
Immunology & Immunotherapy
Stem Cell Biology
Gene Therapy & Genomics
Diabetes & Metabolic Diseases
Translational Medicine
Students conduct independent research under the mentorship of top scientists in:
Experimental & Translational Medicine
Clinical Research Integration
Drug Discovery & Development
Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a relevant field (Biology, Biochemistry, Genetics, Molecular Biology, etc.).
Strong academic background (GPA 3.0+ recommended).
Research experience in biomedical sciences (lab work, publications preferred).
GRE Scores: Not required (as of recent years).
English Proficiency (For International Students):
TOEFL iBT: Minimum 100
IELTS: Minimum 7.0
Online Application
Statement of Purpose (SOP) – Explaining research interests & goals.
Letters of Recommendation (3) – From faculty or research mentors.
Curriculum Vitae (CV) – Including publications & lab experience.
Transcripts – From all previous institutions.
Applications are typically due in December-January for Fall intake.
Tuition Fees: Fully Covered (Ph.D. students receive full tuition waivers).
Stipend: Competitive stipend (~$38,000 per year) for living expenses.
Health Insurance: Fully covered for students.
Travel Grants & Fellowships: Available for conferences & research projects.
Graduates pursue careers in:
Academic Research & University Faculty Positions
Biotechnology & Pharmaceutical Industries
Cancer Research Institutes
Government & Public Health Organizations (NIH, FDA, CDC)
Clinical & Translational Medicine
IMGS has a strong network with biotech hubs in California (Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco Bay Area), increasing job prospects.
Degree Offered: Ph.D. in Biological Sciences
Duration: ~5-6 years (Full-Time)
Tuition Fees: Fully Funded (All admitted students receive full tuition coverage)
Stipend: $38,000+ per year (for living expenses)
Health Insurance: Fully covered
Research Focus Areas:
Cancer Biology & Oncology
Immunology & Immunotherapy
Gene & Stem Cell Therapy
Diabetes & Metabolic Diseases
Molecular & Cellular Biology
Genomics, Epigenetics & Bioinformatics
Translational & Precision Medicine
Students complete core coursework and laboratory rotations before selecting a dissertation research lab.
Molecular and Cellular Biology
Biostatistics & Bioinformatics
Cancer Biology & Genomics
Immunology & Inflammation
Translational Medicine & Drug Development
Stem Cell Biology & Regenerative Medicine
Ethics & Responsible Conduct in Research
Students complete 3-4 lab rotations in different research areas to select their dissertation lab.
Students take a Ph.D. Qualifying Exam to assess research readiness.
Start full-time independent dissertation research under faculty mentorship.
Attend scientific seminars & workshops to enhance research skills.
Conduct original biomedical research in a chosen focus area.
Publish findings in top-tier scientific journals.
Present at national & international conferences.
Optional Industry Internship or Translational Research Training.
Complete & defend Ph.D. dissertation.
Course Name |
Duration |
Tuition Fees Per Year (USD) |
Funding & Stipend |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Ph.D. in Biological Sciences |
5-6 years |
Fully Funded (Tuition Waived) |
$38,000+ Stipend Per Year + Health Insurance |
Fully Funded Ph.D. Program – No tuition fees + $38,000+ stipend per year.
Top Research Facilities – Located at City of Hope, a leading cancer research & treatment institute.
Diverse & Inclusive Environment – International students from various countries.
Collaboration with Industry & Academia – Strong partnerships with biotech & pharmaceutical companies.
Proximity to Los Angeles – Located in California, a hub for biotech & medical research.
Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a relevant field (Biology, Biochemistry, Genetics, Molecular Biology, etc.).
Strong academic record (GPA 3.0+ recommended).
Significant research experience in biomedical sciences.
GRE Scores: Not Required.
English Language Proficiency:
Test |
Minimum Score Required |
|---|---|
|
TOEFL iBT |
100+ |
|
IELTS |
7.0+ |
|
Duolingo (DET) |
130+ |
Exemptions may be given if previous education was conducted in English.
Step 1: Check Eligibility
Before applying, ensure you meet the minimum requirements:
Degree Requirement:
A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a relevant field (Biology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Genetics, Immunology, etc.).
Research Experience:
Prior laboratory research experience is required.
Publications or conference presentations are a plus.
Minimum GPA:
3.0+ GPA recommended (on a 4.0 scale).
Standardized Test Scores:
GRE is NOT required.
English Proficiency (For International Students):
TOEFL iBT: 100+
IELTS: 7.0+
Duolingo: 130+
Exemptions for TOEFL/IELTS may be available if the applicant has studied in an English-speaking country.
Step 2: Prepare & Submit Your Online Application
Apply Online at:
IMGS Application Portal
Required Application Documents:
Online Application Form
Statement of Purpose (SOP):
Explain your research interests, career goals, and why you want to join IMGS.
Highlight previous research experience and skills.
Curriculum Vitae (CV) or Resume:
Include research experience, technical skills, publications, and conference presentations.
Three Letters of Recommendation:
Must be from professors or research supervisors who can evaluate your research potential.
Official Academic Transcripts:
Must be sent directly from your university (translated into English if necessary).
English Proficiency Test Scores (For International Applicants).
Application Fee: $0 (IMGS does not charge an application fee).
Step 3: Interview Process (For Shortlisted Candidates)
If selected, applicants will be invited for a virtual interview via Zoom.
The interview includes:
Discussion of your research experience & future goals.
Questions about scientific problem-solving and critical thinking.
Opportunity to ask faculty about their research & labs.
Strong candidates demonstrate deep research experience and motivation for biomedical research.
Step 4: Admission Decision & Offer Letter
Admission decisions are made by March-April.
Selected students receive an official offer letter, including details about:
Full Tuition Waiver (100% Free Tuition).
Annual Stipend (~$38,000+ per year).
Health Insurance & Research Funding Support.
I-20 Form for Visa Processing (For International Students).
Step 5: Visa Application (For International Students)
Once admitted, international students must apply for an F-1 Student Visa.
IMGS provides the Form I-20, required for visa processing.
Steps to get the visa:
Pay the SEVIS Fee ($350) at.
Schedule a Visa Interview at the nearest U.S. Embassy.
Attend the Visa Interview with the required documents.
Receive F-1 Visa & Travel to the U.S.
IMGS provides visa guidance & support for international students.
Intake Term |
Application Deadline |
Admission Decision |
Program Start Date |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Fall Semester (August Start) |
December – January |
March – April |
August |
IMGS only admits students once per year for the Fall intake (August start).
No Spring or Summer intake is available.
Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a relevant field, such as:
Biology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Genetics, Immunology, Pharmacology, or related fields.
Strong academic record (GPA of 3.0+ recommended on a 4.0 scale).
Significant laboratory research experience is required.
Preferred experience in:
Cell & Molecular Biology
Genomics & Bioinformatics
Cancer Research
Immunology & Immunotherapy
Gene & Stem Cell Therapy
Publications, conference presentations, or research internships are a plus.
GRE is NOT required (IMGS does not consider GRE scores for admission).
Scholarship Name |
Eligibility Criteria |
Award Amount (USD) |
Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
|
IMGS Ph.D. Full Funding |
All admitted Ph.D. students |
Full Tuition Waiver |
100% of tuition fees |
|
IMGS Ph.D. Stipend |
All admitted Ph.D. students |
$38,000+ per year |
Covers living expenses |
|
IMGS Health Insurance |
All admitted Ph.D. students |
Fully Covered |
Medical, dental, and vision insurance |
|
Research & Travel Grants |
Ph.D. students presenting at conferences |
($1,000 – $5,000 per event) |
Covers conference travel, research materials |
|
External Fellowships Support |
Eligible students may apply for NIH, NSF, or private funding |
($20,000 – $50,000 per year) |
Additional research funding |
No separate scholarship application is required—all admitted Ph.D. students receive full funding automatically.
Students at IMGS may apply for prestigious external fellowships, including:
Fellowship Name |
Award Amount (USD/year) |
Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
|
National Science Foundation (NSF) Graduate Research Fellowship |
$37,000 + Tuition Support |
U.S. Citizens & Permanent Residents |
|
National Institutes of Health (NIH) F31 Predoctoral Fellowship |
$25,000 – $45,000 |
Ph.D. students in biomedical research |
|
Ford Foundation Fellowship |
$27,000 – $35,000 |
Minority Ph.D. students in STEM |
|
HHMI Gilliam Fellowships for Advanced Study |
$50,000 |
Ph.D. students in biological sciences |
|
Fulbright Scholarships |
N/A |
International students pursuing research in the U.S. |
IMGS provides support for students applying to these external fellowships.
Facility |
Details |
|---|---|
|
Research Laboratories |
Cutting-edge labs in cancer biology, immunotherapy, gene therapy, and genomics. |
|
Core Facilities |
Advanced microscopy, bioinformatics, proteomics, and stem cell research centers. |
|
Library & Learning Center |
Access to scientific journals, research databases, and study spaces. |
|
Clinical & Translational Research Center |
Collaboration with City of Hope Hospital for clinical studies. |
|
Student Lounge & Collaboration Spaces |
Areas for networking, meetings, and social gatherings. |
|
Fitness Center & Recreation |
Gym and outdoor recreational areas. |
|
Cafeteria & Dining Options |
On-site cafeteria and nearby restaurants. |
|
Transportation & Parking |
Free on-campus parking, shuttle services, and public transportation access. |
IMGS students have access to world-class research and medical facilities at City of Hope.
Since IMGS does not have on-campus dormitories, students live in nearby apartments or shared rental housing.
Accommodation Type |
Location |
Average Monthly Rent (USD) |
Average Annual Cost (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Shared Apartment (2-3 roommates) |
Duarte / Monrovia |
$800 – $1,200 |
$9,600 – $14,400 |
|
Single Bedroom Apartment |
Duarte / Monrovia |
$1,500 – $2,000 |
$18,000 – $24,000 |
|
Studio Apartment |
Pasadena / Arcadia |
$1,800 – $2,500 |
$21,600 – $30,000 |
|
Rental House (for multiple students) |
Duarte / Azusa |
$2,500 – $3,500 |
$30,000 – $42,000 |
|
Utilities (Electricity, Water, Internet, etc.) |
- |
$100 – $250 |
$1,200 – $3,000 |
Costs vary depending on location, amenities, and proximity to campus.
At IMGS, student life revolves around cutting-edge biomedical research in areas such as cancer biology, immunotherapy, genomics, and stem cell therapy. Ph.D. students work alongside leading scientists in world-class laboratories, gaining hands-on experience in experimental and translational medicine. The small class size ensures personalized mentorship and direct faculty interaction, fostering a strong sense of academic collaboration.
Students attend seminars, research conferences, and interdisciplinary workshops, helping them expand their scientific knowledge and professional network. Many students also participate in collaborative projects with biotech companies, government research agencies, and medical institutions, preparing them for diverse career opportunities.
IMGS fosters a close-knit, supportive environment where students collaborate rather than compete. Regular research symposiums, lab meetings, and interdisciplinary projects encourage teamwork and knowledge-sharing among peers. Faculty members are highly accessible, providing individualized mentorship to guide students through their research and career development.
In addition, the school prioritizes work-life balance, offering mental health support, wellness programs, and professional development resources to help students manage the challenges of graduate studies.
Despite the rigorous academic environment, IMGS students enjoy a variety of social and cultural activities that enhance their overall graduate school experience. The school hosts:
Student Mixers & Networking Events – Opportunities to meet peers, faculty, and industry professionals.
Holiday & Cultural Celebrations – Events recognizing diverse cultural backgrounds and traditions.
Outdoor Activities & Weekend Trips – Hiking, beach outings, and city tours in nearby Los Angeles.
Science Outreach & Community Engagement – Volunteering opportunities to promote STEM education.
Many students also participate in science communication events, TEDx talks, and leadership programs to develop their presentation, networking, and entrepreneurship skills.
Duarte, located in Los Angeles County, offers a safe, quiet, and research-friendly atmosphere while being close to major cities and attractions. Students enjoy easy access to:
Los Angeles (30 minutes away) – Entertainment, cultural events, and professional networking.
Pasadena & Monrovia – Vibrant city life with restaurants, coffee shops, and museums.
Outdoor Activities – Hiking in the San Gabriel Mountains or beach trips to Santa Monica.
Many IMGS students take advantage of California’s biotech and pharmaceutical industry connections, attending conferences, networking with researchers, and exploring career opportunities in biotechnology hubs like San Diego and Silicon Valley.
IMGS provides extensive career development resources to help students prepare for future roles in academia, industry, clinical research, and public health. Career support includes:
Internships & Industry Collaborations – Opportunities with biotech and pharmaceutical companies.
Job Placement Assistance – Support for postdoctoral positions, industry jobs, and faculty roles.
Grant Writing & Fellowship Applications – Guidance on securing funding for research.
Entrepreneurship & Startups – Training in intellectual property, biotechnology commercialization, and innovation.
Graduates of IMGS have gone on to work at top institutions like NIH, Genentech, Amgen, and major universities.
Fully Funded Ph.D. Program – Tuition-free education + a competitive stipend.
Cutting-Edge Research Facilities – Hands-on experience with state-of-the-art technology.
Collaborative & Inclusive Student Community – Strong peer support and faculty mentorship.
Ideal Location in California – Near biotech hubs, Los Angeles, and Silicon Valley.
Career-Boosting Opportunities – Internships, industry collaborations, and global networking.
IMGS offers an exceptional academic and personal experience, balancing high-level scientific training with an engaging student life in one of the most dynamic research environments in the U.S.
90%+ of graduates secure employment or postdoctoral positions within 6 months of graduation.
Many alumni work in top biotech and pharmaceutical companies like Genentech, Amgen, Gilead, and Novartis.
Graduates also enter academic research, faculty positions, and government research institutes like NIH, FDA, and CDC.
Some students transition into biotech startups, consulting, or entrepreneurship.
IMGS Ph.D. graduates are highly sought after due to their specialized training in cancer research, immunotherapy, molecular biology, and precision medicine.
Many graduates pursue postdoctoral fellowships at top research universities and institutions, such as:
Harvard University
Stanford University
University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
University of California, San Francisco (UCSF)
National Institutes of Health (NIH)
City of Hope Research Institute
Graduates often transition from postdoctoral fellowships to tenure-track faculty positions at major universities.
IMGS graduates work in leading biotech and pharmaceutical companies, including:
Genentech (Cancer Research & Drug Discovery)
Amgen (Biotechnology & Immunology)
Gilead Sciences (Gene Therapy & Virology)
Novartis (Personalized Medicine & Clinical Trials)
Bristol Myers Squibb (Oncology & Cell Therapy)
Pfizer & Johnson & Johnson (Pharmaceutical Research)
Common job roles include:
Scientist / Senior Scientist (R&D, Drug Discovery, Translational Medicine)
Clinical Research Scientist (Biopharma & Clinical Trials)
Medical Science Liaison (MSL)
Bioinformatics & Computational Biology Specialist
Due to its location in California, IMGS students have direct access to Silicon Valley biotech hubs, where companies like Illumina, Thermo Fisher Scientific, and Genentech actively recruit Ph.D. graduates.
Graduates also work in government research institutes and public health organizations, such as:
National Institutes of Health (NIH)
Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
World Health Organization (WHO)
Common roles include:
Regulatory Affairs Scientist (FDA, Biopharma Companies)
Public Health Researcher (CDC, WHO, NIH)
Policy Advisor in Biomedical Research & Ethics
Some graduates choose to:
Launch biotech startups based on their Ph.D. research.
Work in venture capital & biotech investment firms.
Develop patents & biotechnology innovations in fields like gene therapy, CRISPR, and personalized medicine.
IMGS offers entrepreneurship & commercialization programs to help students transition into biotech startups.
IMGS provides extensive career development support, including:
One-on-One Career Coaching – Personalized guidance on job search strategies.
Industry Internships & Research Collaborations – With biotech & pharma companies.
Networking Events & Career Fairs – Opportunities to connect with industry leaders & alumni.
Workshops on Resume Writing & Interview Skills – Specialized for biotech & academia.
Grant Writing & Fellowship Support – Assistance with NIH, NSF, and private research funding applications.
IMGS students are regularly connected to potential employers through City of Hope’s research collaborations and industry partnerships.
IMGS alumni have secured top positions in:
Biotech & Pharma Industry – Senior Scientists, R&D Directors, Clinical Trial Managers.
Academia – Professors, Postdoctoral Fellows at Ivy League & UC System universities.
Government Agencies – Research Scientists at NIH, CDC, and FDA.
Graduates often publish in top scientific journals (Nature, Science, Cell), enhancing their career opportunities.
IMGS admits only a small number of Ph.D. students each year (typically 10–15 students per cycle).
The school receives 100–150 applications annually, making the selection process rigorous.
Admission is based on academic excellence, research experience, and potential for biomedical contributions.
IMGS is more selective than many other Ph.D. programs because of its full funding model, which includes tuition waiver, $38,000+ stipend, and health insurance for all admitted students.
IMGS follows a holistic review process, considering:
Strong Academic Background – A GPA of 3.5+ is recommended (though exceptions may apply).
Extensive Research Experience – Applicants must have hands-on laboratory experience in biomedical sciences, genetics, immunology, or cancer research.
Strong Statement of Purpose (SOP) – Applicants must clearly define their research interests, motivation, and career goals.
Letters of Recommendation (LORs) – Three strong recommendations from research advisors, professors, or industry mentors are required.
Publications & Conference Presentations – Having research publications in peer-reviewed journals or presentations at scientific conferences strengthens an application.
Interview Performance – Shortlisted candidates go through a rigorous virtual interview, where their research knowledge, critical thinking, and communication skills are evaluated.
While IMGS does not require GRE scores, strong applicants have substantial research experience and a clear vision for their future in biomedical sciences.
Irell & Manella Graduate School of Biological Sciences
City of Hope National Medical Center
1500 E. Duarte Road
Duarte, CA 91010
USA
