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Fellowship Application Process

Getting Started

Before applying for a fellowship in DCEG, take a look at what our current fellows are doing, and explore the training opportunities in our research areas. 

How to Apply

Fellowship applications are accepted on an ongoing basis for flexible start dates. To apply:

  1. Complete the online Summary Application Form.
  2. Submit the following documents to ncidceged-r@mail.nih.gov:
    • Curriculum vitae (CV) and bibliography.
    • Cover letter describing areas of research interest.
    • Three letters of recommendation (Note: applicants may send referees' names initially, after which letters will be requested if interviewed. Letters may be sent via e-mail attachment.)

Once you submit your summary application form, cover letter, and CV (which should include a bibliography), your summary application will be circulated to all Division investigators. You can obtain information about the program and access the summary application form on the Fellowship Program Overview page.

Approximate Timeline

  • Summary applications are circulated division-wide every 2-4 weeks
  • Investigators review summary applications for up to 2-3 weeks
  • If interested, the investigators will request that your letters of recommendation be sent and that an interview be scheduled.
  • Interviews are typically scheduled approximately 4-6 weeks after the application is circulated. An investigator may arrange to speak to an applicant and/or the referees by phone before determining whether to schedule a full interview.

Interview Process

  • Fellowship candidates may be asked to come to the division offices or laboratory to meet with investigators. Travel, one-night hotel accommodation, taxis, and meal expenses are covered for out-of-town applicants.
  • Postdoctoral applicants will be asked to give a talk (approximately 45 minutes with 15 minutes for discussion) on their current research and describe areas of interest for their future research.
  • Candidates may also meet with individual investigators and current fellows.
  • Decisions to make a fellowship offer are usually made within 2-3 weeks of the interview.
    • Offer letter, with the stipend level are sent to the candidate, via email.
    • Stipend levels are set under the Cancer Research Training Award policy, based on degrees and experience.

Mentor and Research Topic Selection

  • Selecting a mentor – To become a fellow, a mentoring match must be formed with a scientist who has mutual research interests, appropriate research data and projects, and has the time to mentor.
  • Explore research interests – A list of current research for all division senior and tenure-track investigators, with a link to contact information, may be found on: Current Research – Principal Investigators. Prospective fellows are encouraged to explore the DCEG web site [www.dceg.cancer.gov] to learn about research being conducted.
  • Research mentoring – Fellows have a primary mentor in their home branch. Once established, fellows may also work with secondary mentors in the branch or throughout the division on other projects of interest, at the discretion of the primary mentor. Some branches have mentoring committees for their fellows, comprised of 3-4 branch and division scientists to help guide the fellow’s scientific and career progress.

Relocating

DCEG is close to all of the cultural and educational resources of the Washington, D.C. area.  Our branch offices are located a few miles north of the main NIH campus in Rockville, Maryland and our laboratory is located in Gaithersburg, Maryland. 

Important resources for relocating to the Washington, DC area:

These publications offer valuable information about housing, banking, child care resources, and other information that is needed when settling into a new area and learning about NIH policies and procedures. The Office of Training and Education is happy to assist with any questions you may have about moving to the Washington D.C. metropolitan area.

Housing Information

Below are web sites which have information about available housing in the area.

NIH Fellows Handbook - Housing Information

Montgomery County Gazette Classifieds
Local county newspaper classified ads page with search capabilities for housing, employment, goods, and services.

Washington, DC Registry
The Washington, DC Registry is an Internet guide to the Washington, DC metropolitan area. It has a comprehensive directory listing of Washington, DC area web sites, including housing rental ads.

International Student House (For men and women. Students only.)
1825 R St., N.W.
Washington D.C., 20009
(202)387-6445 or (202) 232-4007
Fax: (202) 387-4115
Metro: Dupont Circle - Red line

American University
Phone: (202) 885- 2599 or (202) 885- 3370
Email: summerhousing@american.edu
Metro: Tenleytown/ AU - Red line
Open: Mid-May through mid-August

Catholic University
Phone: (202) 319- 5277
Email: cua-summer@cua.edu
Metro: Brookland/CUA Red line
Open: Mid May through mid-August

Georgetown University
Information about on- and off-campus housing.

George Washington University
Phone: (202) 994- 9193
Metro: Foggy Bottom Orange/Blue line
Open: Early May through mid-August

Howard University
Phone: (202) 806- 5661
Metro: Shaw/Howard - Green line
Open: June 1 through July 31

Summer Research Fellowship Program Catalog Living Arrangements
This list is provided by the NIH Office of Education to summer students.

Thompson-Markward Hall (For women aged 18 - 35 yrs. Mostly students and interns.)
235 2nd Street, N.E.
Washington D.C., 20002
(202) 546-3255 Metro: Union Station - Red line

 

NIH Fellows Handbook

The three handbooks below provide an introduction to NIH, an orientation to some area services, and information specific to your fellowship program.

Inquiries

E-mail: ncidceged-r@mail.nih.gov
Telephone: 301-402-7186