Cancer Science and Engineering Track

About the Fellowship

This CCIL postdoctoral fellowship track focuses on training postdocs to bridge basic cancer science and engineering, thereby developing careers at the intersection of CCIL’s unique scientific themes. The fellows will participate in workshops such as cancer biology for engineers, -omics data analysis, and development and validation of preclinical cancer models. Selected fellows will receive an annual salary of $54K with an annual research budget of $25K and are appointed annually for up to three years. Applicants for this program are required to work with two CCIL faculty members as their mentors/collaborators. These CCIL members must separately write a letter of support indicating their commitment to your collaborative project and training during your three-year fellowship.

The application process occurs once a year and will be announced prior to opening

Proposal Instructions

This CCIL postdoctoral fellowship provides funding for postdoctoral fellows within one to three years of their terminal degree for up to three years. The program focuses on training postdoctoral fellows to bridge basic cancer science and engineering, thereby developing careers at the intersection of CCIL’s unique scientific themes. Postdoctoral fellows will participate in workshops such as cancer biology for engineers, -omics data analysis, and development and validation of preclinical cancer models. Participants will have a network of transdisciplinary mentors and will be encouraged to develop an NCI K99/R00 application. They will benefit from monthly consultation with the CCIL Associate Director for Education.

Program Deadlines

Cancer science and engineering track applications occur once a year and will be announced prior to opening.

Appointment Details

• Fellows receive an annual salary of $54K and a $25K/year research budget for supplies, equipment, and conference and workshop travel.
• Fellows are appointed annually for up to three years.
• Fellows are required to write annual reports and develop a career plan using myIDP.

Proposal Preparation

1. Complete application form: Applicants must complete the online application form that enables electronic submission of supporting documents, including curriculum vitae, research plan, and a representative paper.
2. Biosketch: The biosketch must be submitted as an Adobe PDF file and uploaded with the application form in the NIH biosketch format as described above.
3. Research and development plan: Upload one PDF document that consists of your collaborative research proposal plus references. Your plan should be organized as shown below and be a maximum of 12 pages, plus any additional pages for your list of references/bibliography.
4. Representative paper: Submit one published or in press research article representative of your dissertation or current postdoctoral research.
5. Letters of reference: Names and full contact information for your dissertation supervisor and one other person who can describe your prior work experience.

Page Limits

• Introduction to the Application: 1
• Applicant’s Background and Career Goals for Fellowship Training: 1
• Research Project Description: 3
• Sponsor and Co-Sponsor Statements:* 6

*Two CCIL faculty members who will be your mentors/collaborators during your time at the University of Illinois should separately write a letter of support indicating their commitment to your collaborative project and training during your three-year fellowship.

Review Criteria

• Applicants will be evaluated on their prior record as well as quality of proposed project and its impact on cancer research and clinical practice.
• Significant priority will be given to projects aligning with the CCIL Strategic Plan
• Significant priority will be given to collaborative projects between current CCIL members, translational research between CCIL members and physicians from our clinical partner organizations, or research that utilizes CCIL Shared Resources.

Award Expectations

Awardees are expected to provide an annual report on project outcomes, specifically highlighting external funding received, patents generated, publications, and awards earned.