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How to Apply for DCEG Fellowships

Photo of four fellows talking in a group

DCEG fellows are involved in every aspect of our research, they publish in respected journals, and are recognized with grants, research, and other awards. Our fellows have gone on to lead research at NCI, NIH, and institutions around the world.

Step 1: Submit Your Application

DCEG's Commitment to Training

To be considered for a DCEG fellowship, all candidates must submit an application before starting step 2. DCEG and other NCI investigators regularly search applications for outstanding candidates.

Step 2: Contact Potential Mentors 

How do I find an NIH mentor?

Once your application is submitted you should contact principal investigators to describe your common research interests and share your CV. There are multiple ways to find a mentor:

  • Browse a list of DCEG investigators with their research summaries
  • Search through Our Research to find DCEG studies by malignancy, exposure, or research approach; each study description includes the name and contact information for the lead investigator(s)
  • Scroll through About DCEG to see branch and laboratory pages
  • Explore cross-cutting, DCEG interdisciplinary working groups to find research on health disparities and other cross-cutting topics
  • If interested in other NIH groups, click on the video (to the right) to learn how to find an NIH mentor.

Step 3: Browse Openings for Specific Research Projects

DCEG scientists are looking for fellows to work on specific research projects. Browse our available positions. 

Additional Paths to Become a DCEG Fellow

You can apply through these programs to become a DCEG fellow. 
 

  • Cancer Prevention Fellowship Program (CPFP) is a multidisciplinary postdoctoral program that trains future leaders in the field of cancer prevention and control. Learn more about CPFP.

Information for All Applicants

We encourage you to explore the advantages of being a DCEG fellow, including our distinctive research environment, mentorship, professional development, compensation and benefits, and commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Tips

  • If you are invited to interview, you may be asked to visit our offices and/or laboratories to meet with investigators and current fellows.
  • In order to be approved for logistical and physical access to NIH facilities and systems, candidates must be able to pass a federal background check using Standard Form-85 (SF-85).
    • Section 14 of the form asks, "In the last year, have you used, possessed, supplied, or manufactured illegal drugs?" The question pertains to the illegal use of drugs for controlled substances in accordance with Federal laws, even though permissible under state laws.

Contacts and Support

Staff in the DCEG Office of Education can assist with any questions. Contact us via e-mail or telephone (240) 276-7270.

If you would like to reproduce some or all of this content, see Reuse of NCI Information for guidance about copyright and permissions. In the case of permitted digital reproduction, please credit the National Cancer Institute as the source and link to the original NCI product using the original product's title; e.g., “How to Apply for DCEG Fellowships was originally published by the National Cancer Institute.”

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