Research Funding
Objectives
There is a critical need for investigators prepared to conduct clinical and translational research in cancer and oncology. The Albert L. Tucker and Elizabeth T. Tucker Postdoctoral Fellowship (Tucker Fellowship Program) is a developmental award for GW / MFA medical oncology fellows designed to expose scholars to clinical and translational research in cancer.
This program provides individualized training and mentorship beginning with participation in a retrospective study and leading to concepts for a prospective clinical trial, under the guidance of a primary mentor and advisory team. Scholars will also participate in the NIH-IPPCR lecture/ certificate program as well as institutional programs to build clinical research skills. Upon completion, Scholars are expected to propose a clinical trial concept to AACR/ASCO Methods in Clinical Cancer Research for further development.
Qualified applicants should contact the GW Cancer Research Training and Education Coordination (CRTEC) Association Director Alison Hall, PhD, senior associate dean for research at SMHS, at (akhall@gwu.edu) to facilitate the application process.
Funding
The Tucker Fellowship Program provides one year of funding at $75,000/year with a typical start date of July 1. Selection among the applications received will be based on the recommendations of a review committee. Indirect costs are not allowed.
Research must constitute at least 50% of each Scholar’s professional effort
Tucker Fellows must be able to commit a minimum of six calendar months of total professional effort (50%) for clinical research and career development associated with the program.
Letters from the division director and department chair are required describing support for the candidate and indicating they have approved a plan for protecting 50% of the fellow’s total professional effort for the year of Tucker Fellowship Program.
Mentorship and Oversight
Each Fellow must form a 2-3 member advisory committee to include a primary mentor, and additional clinician- investigators or collaborators. Each Fellow will develop an individual academic career development plan. This advisory committee will meet with the Fellow at least quarterly to review progress.
Eligibility
GW clinical fellow applicants must have an M.D. or equivalent. Applicants must identify a GW primary mentor with appropriate content expertise and experience mentoring young investigators. Candidates should be U.S. citizens, U.S. permanent residents, or non-U.S. citizens with a valid visa to work in the U.S.
How to Apply
Applicants will upload one PDF document containing the following elements to the Tucker Fellowship Program Portal at no later than close of business May 3, 2024.
- Specific Aims (1 page)
- Research proposal developed in collaboration with the primary mentor (2 pages)
- Applicant research experience, career goals, and research training plan (1 page)
- Applicant NIH Biosketch (max 5 pages)
- Letter from the proposed primary mentor indicating his/her willingness to devote sufficient time and energy to serve in this capacity. This letter should include a specific mentoring plan, including additional members of an advisory team, and how frequently the mentor will meet with you. This letter should indicate any research skills, workshops or professional skills to be developed (2 pages).
- Primary Mentor NIH Biosketch (max 5 pages).
- Status of any related mentor’s IRB application (with approval or submission date).
- Letter from the Division Chief/Center Director providing support for the proposal, and indicating that he/she has approved a plan for protecting 50% of the applicant’s total professional effort for the year of Tucker Fellowship Program.
- Letter from the Department Chair indicating that he/she has approved a plan for protecting 50% of total professional effort for the year of the Tucker Fellowship Program.
Evaluation and Selection
Applications will be reviewed by a Tucker Fellowship Program Committee. Applications will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
- Applicant’s commitment to Cancer Clinical and Translational Research career and promise as a researcher (30%)
- Scientific merits of the research plan (40%)
- Training plan, environment and mentorship (30%)