Advantages of a DCEG Fellowship
The development and success of our postdoctoral, predoctoral, and postbaccalaurate fellows are critical to the Division’s vision and mission.
As part of the Division’s commitment to training, the DCEG Fellowship Program is supported by professional staff in the Office of Education, led by Training Director, Jackie Lavigne, Ph.D., M.P.H.
What makes the DCEG fellowship experience extraordinary?
Distinctive Research Environment
Why Be a Fellow: Opportunities for Collaboration
DCEG is the research home of the world’s premier experts in cancer epidemiology who conduct population and multidisciplinary research to discover the causes of cancer and the means of prevention. With access to the latest technology, methods, and data registries, along with collaborative partnerships across the NCI, NIH, and global research community, fellows are uniquely positioned to conduct world-class research.
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
Why Be a Fellow: Dynamic Mentoring
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 fellows.
Fellows also have the opportunity to serve as mentors during the summer internship program or as co-mentors with investigators for fellows with less experience.
Comprehensive Career Training
Why Be a Fellow: Launching Your Future
In order to prepare fellows for successful careers, DCEG champions innovative opportunities to obtain integrated scientific and career training. The Division has adopted the core competencies approach to training. Staff in the Office of Education and the NIH Office of Intramural Training and Education collaborate with fellows, mentors, and the DCEG communications team to continually offer and enhance career workshops and trainings in:
- Career exploration
- Communication
- Grant writing
- Speaking about science
- Scientific writing
- Leadership and management
- Mentoring and teaching
- Wellness
Compensation and Benefits
Why Be a Fellow: Supportive and Engaging Community
Our fellows are well compensated and supported through a number of programs, open to all fellows.
- Competitive compensation
- Paid health, vision, and dental insurance coverage for fellow 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 from the US and abroad.
Commitment to a Diverse and Inclusive Workforce
The Division has a long-standing commitment to the recruitment, retention, and development of a diverse group of investigators and fellows. To achieve these goals, we partner with the NCI Equity Council, 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
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. The majority of postbaccalaureate fellows continue on to graduate or medical school programs, while our predoctoral and postdoctoral fellows find careers in a variety of sectors in the U.S. and abroad, including in:
- Academia (research and/or teaching)
- Government agencies
- Non-profit organizations
- Private sector companies
Learn more about career paths of our alumni.
Interested in applying to the DCEG Fellowship program? Learn how to apply today.