Cancer Research Postbac (CRP) Program

THE APPLICATION CYCLE FOR THE 2024 CRP PROGRAM WILL OPEN IN LATE FALL 

The Cancer Research Postbac (CRP) program (formerly known as Introduction to Cancer Research Careers) provides recent college graduates the opportunity to complete a paid postbaccalaureate fellowship at the National Cancer Institute (NCI). Candidates will have the ability to spend up to 2 years conducting research in basic and clinical research, cancer epidemiology and genetics research, cancer control science, or global health. 

As part of this program, fellows will spend up to two years in a cohort program that offers career and professional development, as well as networking opportunities with other NCI and NIH postbacs to support their research. Fellows are also eligible to receive travel support to attend a scientific conference to further enhance their postbac experience.

Benefits of a CRP Fellow

• Sense of community with CRP cohort
• Receive a travel award to encourage presentation of your work at a national meeting
• Professional and career development opportunities to prepare you for medical school or graduate school
• Access to additional training, courses, and workshops to facilitate your project goals

Similar to the general NCI Postbac Program, CRP fellows are expected to spend 40 hours a week conducting research, attending meetings with their research group, and participating in related workshops. However, CRP aims to provide valuable professional development designed to advance your career in biomedical research. The CRP cohort meets monthly, as well as quarterly with postbacs in similar programs across the NIH which builds a sense of community and extends networking opportunities.  

Training at NCI makes individuals highly competitive for future academic or job pursuits.  Many of our CRP fellows desire to go to medical or graduate school. In combination with the other NIH offerings, our fellows receive application and interview support and are successful at achieving their goals. After completing their postbac, CRP Fellows have typically gone on to complete graduate school or medical school or have entered the scientific workforce.   

How to Apply

NCI is committed to training the next generation of scientific leaders, and it is crucial that this reflects the diversity of the population it serves. Candidates from backgrounds underrepresented in biomedical research (NOT-OD-20-031) are strongly encouraged to apply.  

The application cycle is currently closed and will open in late fall.

For Additional Information

If you have questions about the program or application process, please contact ncicrp@nih.gov.