Research Training Opportunities in Metabolic Epidemiology
The Metabolic Epidemiology Branch (MEB) conducts research to identify risk factors for a wide range of malignancies, in particular those associated with lifestyle and environmental factors that influence metabolic response to a given exposure. Fellows in MEB:
- collaborate and learn from investigators in a world-renowned research program;
- have access to large population-based studies with biological specimens;
- learn how to validate biomarkers determined by new molecular techniques;
- apply new biomarkers to large epidemiological studies;
- have opportunities to initiate new investigations and to compete for funding; and
- are compensated comparable to or exceeding most entry-level academic positions.
For application details, see below. To discuss potential research opportunities, you may contact branch investigators directly. Meet fellows in the Metabolic Epidemiology Branch.
Qualifications
Postdoctoral fellowships: Individuals must either hold a doctorate degree in or be enrolled in a doctoral program in epidemiology. Individuals with a strong understanding of biological processes are encouraged to apply. Fellowship training is for up to 5 years under the supervision of NCI senior scientists.
Predoctoral fellowships: Individuals must either be enrolled in a doctoral program with the desire to complete their dissertation in MEB, or have a Master's degree in a field relevant to MEB.
Application Process
Predoctoral and postdoctoral fellowship applications in the branch are accepted on an ongoing basis. See the Become a Fellow page for an overview, qualifications, and application details. Branch-specific opportunities are listed below.
Training Opportunities
Examples of research opportunities include:
- Assessment of gene-environment interactions in multiple large population-based studies
- Bone density, endogenous hormones, and cancer risk
- Performance of low-cost screening strategies for underserved populations for certain malignancies
- Biomarker discovery and validation
- Clinical and molecular epidemiology methods
- Etiologic studies of specific cancer sites, including breast, esophagus, stomach, colorectum, pancreas, liver, ovary, and prostate;
- Integrative studies of multifactorial nutritional exposures, such as dietary patterns and glycemic load;
- Energy balance studies, including those focusing on body size and physical activity studies;
- Molecular epidemiologic studies to investigate genetic and hormonal interactions in nutrition-related cancer;
- Improving exposure assessment tools for energy balance, dietary intake, biomarkers, and others