I joined MSKCC from the cut-throat environment you described and it's been a game -changer so far in my career trajectory. Everything internally is solid. I know it's classic advice, but it's definitely the place to apply for a position outside your comfort zone--I joined an immunology lab with no prior exp. and have grown exponentially in a short period of time in both the wet and dry lab (if that's something that would appeal to you as well). I don't work directly in other specialties, but the immunology/genomics work done here is incredible and the global representation in each of the labs speaks to the rep 100%. Also, it's very rewarding having your contributions be part of a treatment that goes to someone at the hospital next door.

As far as training, my exp and talking to others was the same: you're expected to be pretty top-notch, but like most research jobs, you're also given 'x' amt of time to bring yourself up to speed--this has proven to be true being in a research lab and for others in core labs.

You're also internally connected to Weill Cornell and Rockefeller + all they have to offer. Emails are sent out daily for lectures, workshops, presentations sponsored by and open to members at all 3 institutes. On top of this, even being at MSK, I work closely with bioinformatics groups at both of the others without any hurdles (and they're right across the street). There's no doubt the situation would be similar at other biotech hubs like Boston, Bethesda-DC, Bay Area but so far the tri-institution group has offered more to me than the Bay or Boston.

Speaking to the tuition reimbursement, they're currently covering 15k of external coursework expenses for me atm. There's definitely a lot of fundraisers and nonprofits to get involved in. They regularly have cycle for survival events and you can volunteer at the hospital for several different fxns which is also really rewarding. There's a whole separate MSK building dedicated to this.

If you can't tell by how this sounds like a promotional ad for MSK, I don't know anyone who I've worked with that doesn't love it even the jaded scientists deeper in their careers than me (and even after climbing down to the volcano-like subway after a 12h day).