Advantages of a DCEG Fellowship

Distinctive Research Environment

In annual surveys, our Fellows cite the following advantages of research training in DCEG:

• Unmatched opportunities to grow as a researcher
• Ability to pursue individual research questions
• Freedom to focus on research (without competing for grants)
• Collaborative work across disciplines
• Access to large data sets
• Unique opportunities for studies of rare exposures/cancers

Mentorship Across the Career Span

Mentorship at DCEG: A Tradition of Excellence

Past and present mentor-mentee pairs describe their training and mentoring experience at DCEG.

Our fellows point to professional guidance as a key benefit of their training.

Our investigators have been recognized, time and again, with awards for their mentoring skills. Read about mentoring relationships from current and former trainees.

During their fellowship, postdoctoral trainees can also compete to participate in year-long NCI leadership programs. 

• The NCI Diversity Career Development Program (DCDP) builds skills in leadership and research independence for NCI intramural postdoctoral fellows from underrepresented groups.
• The Sallie Rosen Kaplan Postdoctoral Fellowship for Women Scientists provides additional mentoring, networking, and seminars/workshops to help prepare female postdoctoral fellows for the competitive nature of the job market and facilitate the transition to independent research careers.

Focus on Core Competencies

The Training Experience at DCEG

DCEG provides countless opportunities for fellows to obtain integrated scientific and career training.

The Division has adopted the core competencies approach to training. Mentors and staff in the Office of Education are continually enhancing workshops and trainings to facilitate the development of competencies in:

• Career exploration
• Communication
  • Grant writing
  • Speaking about science
  • Scientific writing
• Leadership and management
• Mentoring and teaching
• Wellness

Compensation and Benefits

Working in public service at the NIH, the "National Institutes of Hope," brings value beyond measure, but our trainees are also well compensated and supported through a number of programs, open to all trainees. 

• Competitive compensation
• Health, vision, and dental insurance coverage for trainee and family
• Four weeks paid vacation/sick leave
• Twelve weeks paid family leave
• Subsidies for public transportation

Learn more about policies and stipends for NCI fellows

Commitment to a Diverse and Inclusive Workforce

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Accessibility in DCEG

Learn about the work we are doing to enhance DEIA.

The Division has a long-standing commitment to the recruitment, retention, and development of a diverse group of investigators and trainees. To achieve these goals, we partner with the NCI Equity Committee, the NIH UNITE Initiative, and the NIH Scientific Workforce Diversity (SWD) Office.

Learn more about Diversity and Inclusion in DCEG.

Career Paths of our Alumni

Conversations with Former Fellows

Interviews with former DCEG fellows about their time in DCEG and their current work.

A fellowship in DCEG sets you up for career success. Our mentors and staff in the Office of Education support fellows in realizing their career goals.

Our trainees go on to work in:

• Academia (teaching and/or research)
• Federal agencies (e.g., FDA, NIH)
• Non-profit organizations 
• Private sector companies

Learn more about career paths of our alumni.