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. Another major area of research is focusing on the role of the human papillomaviruses in the etiology of tumors. Emphasis is also being given to defining risk factors for several rare malignancies, including cancers of the liver and biliary tract.
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 Fellowship Information 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
- Biologic correlates of mammographic density
- Tissue measures of hormones and breast cancer
- Performance of low-cost screening strategies for underserved populations
- Biomarker discovery and validation
- Clinical and molecular epidemiology methods
- Etiologic studies of specific cancer sites, including breast, cervix, 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