NCI is committed to excellence in science and to fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce. The Diversity Career Development Program (DCDP) seeks to empower talented intramural postdoctoral trainees, including but not limited to those from underrepresented groups in biomedical research, to achieve their full potential at NCI.

The DCDP is supported by the NCI Center for Cancer Training, Intramural Diversity Workforce Branch, and its main goal is to provide NCI postdoctoral trainees with the tools necessary to develop as leaders in academic independent research careers. Nominations from underrepresented groups* and individuals with disabilities are highly encouraged.  

Sessions will provide a variety of resources to help participants:

• Identify and celebrate the fellows’ unique talents.
• Define priorities in developing independent research careers and in their lives.
• Build confidence as scientists, leaders, and individuals.
• Confront their inner dialogue and limiting beliefs.
• Set a vision and goals for an independent research career.
• Envision and build strong relationships and networks.
• Learn how to have difficult conversations to generate results.

How to apply 

The application cycle will OPEN on October 19th and close on November 9th. Please apply at https://events.cancer.gov/cct/dcdp.

Note: The DCDP requires a significant time commitment to ensure participants receive the full benefit from the program.  Interested postdoctoral fellows (NCI intramural fellows only) should talk to their supervisors about the program, discussing the requirements, and their willingness to participate. 

Start/End Dates	December - October
Announcement Posted	October 19, 2022
Application Due Date	November 9, 2022
Letters of support due date	November 11, 2022

Selection is a two-step process:

Step 1- Application

• Nominees must complete the application and submit a personal statement (not to exceed one page) detailing interest with goals/expectations for the program, and an updated CV.

Step 2 - Letter of Support 

• Once nominees submit their application, the supervisor will be automatically emailed with instructions on how to submit the Letter of Support on the nominees' behalf.  Not only should the Letter of Support acknowledge the program’s time commitment, but also a statement on how the DCDP would benefit the applicant.  Note, applications will not be accepted without the supervisor’s Letter of Support.

Nominations will be carefully evaluated by an NCI intramural selection committee and up to 12 individuals will be invited to participate in the program.

DCDP 2023 Agenda

Date	Time	Topic	Location
12/1/2022	TBD	Kickoff/Meet DCDP Alumni	TBA
12/14/2022	9:00am-12:00pm	DiSC  Assessment	Online
1/10/2023	9:00am to 1:00pm	Engineer Your Core (in-person workshop)	Shady Grove
2/7/2023	9:00am to 11:00am	Coaching I: "Superpowers"	Shady Grove
TBD	10:00am-11:00am	Emotional Intelligence	TBA
3/7/2023	9:00am to 11:00am	Coaching II: "Personal Manifesto"	Shady Grove
TBD	TBD	NCI Leadership visit	TBA
3/22/2023	9:00am-12:00pm	Setting and Verifying Expectations	Online
4/11/2023	9:00am-11:00am	Coaching III: "Time Mastery"	Shady Grove
TBD	9:00am-11:00am	Preparing the Package called YOU!	Shady Grove
5/9/2023	10:00am to 2:00pm	Engineer Your Action Plan (in-person workshop)	Shady Grove
TBD	9:00am to 11:00am	TBD	TBA
TBD	TBD	Interviewing Skills	TBA
6/6/2023	9:00am to 11:00am	Coaching IV: "Career Engineering I"	Shady Grove
6/14/2023	9:00am to 12:00pm	Situational Leadership	TBA
TBD	TBD	Tenure-Trac opportunities at NIH and Distinguish Scholar Programs	TBA
7/11/2023	9:00am to 11:00am	Coaching V: "Career Engineering II"	Shady Grove
7/19/2023	9:00am-11:00am	Assertiveness	Online
8/8/2023	9:00am to 11:00am	Engineer Your Relationships-Part I	Shady Grove
8/22/2023	12:00pm to 2:00pm	TBD	TBA
9/5/2023	9:00am to 11:00am	Engineer Your Relationships-Part II	Shady Grove
TBD	9:00am to 11:00am	Arbinger Training	Shady Grove
9/19/2023	9:00am to 11:00am	Coaching VI: "Celebrate your Wins"	Shady Gove
Late Sept-Early Oct	TBD	Community Activity	TBA
Mid-October	TBD	Graduation	TBA

 

                         

 

*Underrepresented individuals are defined by NIH as individuals shown to be underrepresented in biomedical research: African Americans, Hispanic Americans, American Indians, Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiians, and other Pacific Islanders