Cancer prevention, including early detection, is essential to reducing the public health burden of cancer in the United States. The CPFP was created in 1987 to train a multidisciplinary scientific workforce dedicated to prevention with intersecting expertise in epidemiology and research translation. The CPFP offers postdoctoral research opportunities in basic, clinical, implementation and dissemination, population, and data sciences. Our fellows conduct investigations across the spectrum of prevention research, for all cancers, from discovery to application.
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What We Offer
The Cancer Prevention Fellowship Program provides a structured postdoctoral experience designed to support research and professional development. As a fellow, you will have the opportunity to:
- Initiate an independent research program with guidance from NCI investigators.
- Increase performance through fellowship coaching and training.
- Join a cohort of postdoctoral collaborators in varied disciplines.
- Receive specialized training in epidemiology and biostatistics
- Receive a competitive stipend with relocation assistance, health insurance, and travel benefits.
Research Opportunities
Mentored research is central to the program. Fellows work in areas including:
- Biomarker development
- Chemoprevention
- Clinical cancer prevention
- Bioengineering
- Epidemiology
- Health communication
- Health disparities
- Health services research
- Implementation science
- Informatics and big data
- Nutrition, physical activity, and obesity prevention
- Screening and early detection
- Social and behavioral science
- Statistical or other types of quantitative methodology
Career Outcomes
CPFP alumni work across various sectors, including cancer centers, universities, government agencies, research organizations, policy groups, and clinical practice. Many also serve as mentors, guiding the next generation of fellows.
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible to participate in CPFP, you must meet the following eligibility criteria:
- Must have a Ph.D., M.D., or other doctoral degree in a related discipline (e.g., basic science, epidemiology, health services research, medicine, behavioral science, nursing, social science, nutrition, health education/health promotion, law, dentistry, statistics, geography, exercise science, or engineering) or expect to complete all degree requirements by the start of the CPFP.
- Must have less than 5 years of relevant postdoctoral experience at the time of appointment.
- Must either:
- be a citizen or permanent resident of the United States at the time you apply (The I-551 stamp in a passport is acceptable; "Employment Authorization" documents are not acceptable.);
- or must apply through the Fundación Inciensa (FUNIN)-NCI Partnership, which additionally requires that you demonstrate English language proficiency and be a citizen of the Costa Rica.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted through our online system.
Visit TrainAtNCI, and click the “Apply Now to CPFP” button.
Learn more about the application process
Download the application process presentation slides here
Publications About CPFP
- Leadership Roles and Activities among Alumni Receiving Postdoctoral Fellowship Training in Cancer Prevention
This study seeks to better understand formal and informal leadership roles and activities of alumni from postdoctoral research training programs in cancer prevention.
Read the abstract published in the Journal of Cancer Education
- Career Satisfaction and Perceived Salary Competitiveness among Individuals Who Completed Postdoctoral Research Training in Cancer Prevention
This study examines career satisfaction and perceptions of salary competitiveness among a predominately Ph.D.-trained cohort of scientists who completed cancer prevention-related postdoctoral training between 1987 - 2011.
Read the research article published in PLoS ONE
- Independent Association of Postdoctoral Training with Subsequent Careers in Cancer Prevention
This study examines the career paths of CPFP alumni and the extent to which they engage in cancer prevention-related activities.
Read the report published in PLoS ONE
- Alumni Perspectives on Career Preparation during a Postdoctoral Training Program: A Qualitative Study
This study assesses alumni reflections on the training environment and career preparation during their time in the CPFP.
Read the article published in Life Sciences Education
Fellows Directory
Contact Us
For more information on the Cancer Prevention Fellowship Program, please email us at cpfpcoordinator@mail.nih.gov.