Remote Postdoctoral Fellowship in Cancer Population Science – NCI‑Funded T32 Training Program (Fall 2024 – 2025)

About Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center (GLCCC)

Founded on a mission to eradicate cancer through cutting‑edge research, education, and compassionate patient care, the Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center stands as the sole National Cancer Institute (NCI) designated Comprehensive Cancer Center in the nation’s capital. With a reputation for scientific excellence, GLCCC brings together world‑renowned investigators, clinicians, and public‑health experts to tackle the most pressing challenges in oncology. The Center’s collaborative ecosystem spans basic discovery, translational research, community outreach, and policy advocacy, creating an environment where innovative ideas thrive and translate into real‑world impact.

Because cancer is a complex, multi‑dimensional disease, GLCCC embraces a multidisciplinary approach that integrates molecular epidemiology, behavioral science, health services research, survivorship, and health equity. The Center’s strategic partnerships—including the Georgetown‑Howard Universities Center for Clinical and Translational Science, the McCourt School of Public Policy, and the MedStar Health National Center for Human Factors in Healthcare—amplify its ability to move discoveries from bench to bedside and beyond.

Program Overview: NCI‑Funded T32 Postdoctoral Training in Cancer Population Science (CPaS)

The T32 Cancer Population Science (CPaS) program is a competitively funded, two‑ to three‑year postdoctoral training experience designed to cultivate the next generation of independent investigators who will lead translational cancer research. Accepting candidates for the Fall 2024 and Fall 2025 cohorts, the program emphasizes rigorous methodological training, hands‑on research immersion, and professional development opportunities that prepare fellows for academic, governmental, or industry careers.

Fellows will work under the mentorship of senior faculty whose NIH‑funded portfolios span a breadth of expertise, including:

• Behavioral science and health disparities
• Cancer genetics, molecular epidemiology, and biomarker discovery
• Cancer screening, tobacco control, and prevention research
• Age‑related cancer biology and survivorship
• Global health, environmental exposures, and cancer energetics
• Psycho‑oncology and supportive‑care interventions
• Health‑services research, policy analysis, and implementation science

In addition to a competitive salary and full benefits, the program offers dedicated funds for travel to conferences, research supplies, and mentorship resources, ensuring each fellow can develop a robust, publishable portfolio during the training period.

Highlights of the Training Environment

• Largest Mid‑Atlantic Clinical Consortium: Direct access to a diverse cancer patient population for real‑world data collection.
• Georgetown Lombardi Institute for Cancer and Aging: Specialized focus on the intersection of oncology and gerontology.
• Minority Underserved NCORP Site: Opportunities to address health equity and disparities in underserved communities.
• Ralph Lauren Center for Cancer Prevention: Cutting‑edge prevention research infrastructure.
• CISNET Modeling Groups (Two funded teams): Participation in sophisticated cancer simulation and policy modeling.
• Jess and Mildred Fisher Center for Hereditary Cancer & Clinical Genomics Research: Access to genomics resources and clinical translation pipelines.
• Georgetown‑Howard Universities Center for Clinical & Translational Science: Cross‑institutional collaborations that accelerate bench‑to‑bedside translation.
• McCourt School of Public Policy: Integration of policy analysis into cancer research frameworks.
• MedStar Health National Center for Human Factors in Healthcare: Exposure to systems‑level approaches that improve patient safety and outcomes.

Key Responsibilities & Learning Experiences

Fellows will engage in a dynamic blend of research, mentorship, and professional development activities. Core responsibilities include:

• Designing, executing, and analyzing rigorous epidemiologic or translational research studies aimed at improving cancer prevention, detection, treatment, or survivorship.
• Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams—including clinicians, biostatisticians, health‑policy experts, and community partners—to develop integrated research proposals.
• Writing and submitting peer‑reviewed manuscripts to high‑impact journals, aiming for at least two first‑author publications during the fellowship.
• Presenting findings at national and international conferences, fostering professional networks and visibility within the cancer research community.
• Participating in a structured didactic curriculum covering advanced topics such as causal inference, mixed‑methods research, health‑services evaluation, and grant‑writing strategies.
• Contributing to multidisciplinary grant applications (e.g., NIH R01, R21, U54) as a co‑investigator or writer, gaining hands‑on experience in funding acquisition.
• Mentoring undergraduate or graduate trainees, enhancing leadership skills and promoting a culture of scholarly development.
• Engaging in optional clinical shadowing in psycho‑oncology or other patient‑facing services to deepen understanding of patient experience and care pathways.
• Utilizing GLCCC’s extensive data resources—including electronic health records, biorepositories, and population‑based registries—to conduct secondary data analyses.

Essential Qualifications (Must‑Have)

• Ph.D., Sc.D., or equivalent doctoral degree in a relevant scientific discipline (e.g., epidemiology, public health, biostatistics, molecular biology, genetics, behavioral science, health services research, or related field).
• Demonstrated experience conducting independent research, evidenced by peer‑reviewed publications, conference presentations, or funded project involvement.
• Strong quantitative and analytical skills, including proficiency with statistical software (e.g., SAS, R, Stata, or Python) and familiarity with advanced analytic techniques such as multilevel modeling, survival analysis, or causal inference methods.
• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities, with a proven track record of scientific writing and oral presentation.
• Commitment to conducting research that advances health equity, reduces disparities, or improves cancer outcomes in diverse populations.
• Eligibility to work in the United States on a full‑time basis (U.S. citizenship, permanent residency, or appropriate work visa).
• Ability to work independently while thriving in a collaborative, interdisciplinary environment.

Preferred Qualifications (Nice‑to‑Have)

• Experience with large‑scale data sets, such as SEER, NCDB, claims data, or electronic health records.
• Background in molecular epidemiology, genomics, or biomarker discovery, including familiarity with high‑throughput sequencing or bioinformatics pipelines.
• Previous involvement in community‑engaged research or partnerships with underserved populations.
• Training or experience in implementation science, health‑policy analysis, or economic evaluation.
• Publication record in high‑impact cancer or public‑health journals.
• Demonstrated grantsmanship, including authorship on successful NIH or foundation proposals.
• Teaching or curriculum development experience, indicating potential for future academic leadership.

Core Skills & Competencies for Success

• Critical Thinking: Ability to formulate research questions, evaluate evidence, and troubleshoot methodological challenges.
• Data Literacy: Proficiency in data cleaning, management, and advanced statistical analysis, with an eye for reproducibility and open‑science practices.
• Collaboration: Skilled at building and maintaining interdisciplinary relationships, respecting diverse perspectives, and integrating varied expertise.
• Communication: Clear articulation of complex scientific concepts to both specialist and non‑specialist audiences, including community partners and policymakers.
• Leadership & Mentorship: Demonstrated capacity to guide junior trainees, provide constructive feedback, and foster an inclusive research environment.
• Adaptability: Comfort navigating evolving research landscapes, incorporating novel technologies, and responding to emerging public‑health threats.
• Ethical Conduct: Strong commitment to research integrity, responsible data stewardship, and adherence to human‑subjects protection standards.

Career Development & Learning Opportunities

GLCCC’s postdoctoral program is purpose‑built to catalyze long‑term career trajectories. Fellows enjoy:

• Personalized Mentorship Plans: Each fellow works with a primary mentor and a mentorship committee to set measurable milestones, review progress quarterly, and tailor professional development activities.
• Didactic Series & Workshops: Regular seminars on grant writing, manuscript preparation, advanced quantitative methods, mentorship best practices, and translational science.
• Networking Platforms: Access to GLCCC’s monthly researcher mixers, national conference travel grants, and introductions to senior leaders in the NCI, CDC, and private foundations.
• Teaching Experience: Opportunities to co‑teach courses within Georgetown’s School of Medicine or public‑health programs, enhancing teaching portfolios.
• Cross‑Institutional Collaborations: Joint projects with Howard University, the MedStar Health network, and the McCourt School of Public Policy, expanding interdisciplinary exposure.
• Career Services: Dedicated career coaching, CV reviews, mock interview sessions, and guidance on transitioning to faculty, industry, or governmental positions.

Work Environment & Culture

At GLCCC, the culture is defined by curiosity, inclusivity, and a steadfast commitment to societal impact. The Center fosters:

• Inclusive Excellence: Active initiatives to recruit, retain, and celebrate scholars from under‑represented backgrounds, ensuring a vibrant, diverse community.
• Collaborative Spaces: State‑of‑the‑art labs, flexible workstations, and virtual collaboration tools that support both in‑person and remote research activities.
• Work‑Life Integration: Flexible scheduling, remote work options, and wellness programs—such as mindfulness sessions, fitness facilities, and counseling services—to sustain personal health and productivity.
• Recognition & Celebration: Regular awards ceremonies, “research spotlight” newsletters, and informal gatherings that honor scientific achievements and foster camaraderie.
• Sustainability & Social Responsibility: Programs that encourage environmentally conscious practices, community outreach, and public education about cancer prevention.

Compensation, Perks & Benefits

While exact salary figures vary based on experience and funding allocations, fellows can expect a competitive stipend that aligns with NIH postdoctoral salary guidelines, complemented by a comprehensive benefits package that typically includes:

• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Retirement savings plan with employer matching
• Paid time off (vacation, sick leave, and holidays)
• Professional development funds for conference travel, training courses, and research supplies
• Childcare assistance and family‑friendly policies
• Access to on‑campus fitness centers, wellness programs, and employee assistance resources
• Relocation assistance (if applicable) and support for visa processing for international scholars

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit a complete application package that includes:

• Curriculum Vitae (CV) detailing education, research experience, publications, and presentations
• Cover letter articulating research interests, career goals, and fit with the CPaS program
• Three professional references (contact information only; letters will be requested after shortlist)
• Copies of up to three representative peer‑reviewed manuscripts (or preprints) showcasing scientific productivity

All application materials must be uploaded through the program’s official portal at https://lombardi.georgetown.edu/education/cpas-program/. For specific inquiries, please contact the training coordinator at [email protected].

Take the Next Step – Join a Community That Transforms Cancer Research

Embarking on a postdoctoral journey at Georgetown Lombardi means becoming part of a legacy of discovery that saves lives. If you are driven by curiosity, passionate about improving health outcomes for diverse populations, and ready to lead innovative research that bridges science and community, we invite you to apply today. Let’s shape the future of cancer population science together.

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