T32 Integrative Training in Cancer Biology

Details to Remember

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis as trainee slots become available. For more information, contact us at MCCCRTEC@vcu.edu.

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About the Program

The ITCB Program provides training for predoctoral students for two years, offering a comprehensive educational experience that prepares fellows for successful, independent research careers in the broad area of cancer biology. ITCB is a National Cancer Institute-funded fellowship, specifically through a T32 Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award.

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis as trainee slots become available.

Program Details
For Predoctoral Students

You are eligible to apply if you meet the following requirements:
1. You are enrolled in a PhD program at VCU
2. You are a U.S. citizen, noncitizen national, or permanent resident at the time of application
3. You are conducting cancer-focused research with a pre-approved ITCB mentor who has active NCI R01 or equivalent funding extending at least two years beyond the anticipated appointment date
4. If your current research mentor is not ITCB-approved or eligible, you must identify an eligible ITCB faculty member and obtain a written agreement for that faculty member to serve as a formal co-mentor before appointment. The co-mentor’s letter must explain the relevance of their expertise and confirm their shared responsibility for your development, including participation in required mentoring activities and meetings.
Candidates will also be identified within the pool of new graduate students enrolled in:
- Biomedical Science PhD Portal at VCU
- CTS concentration in the Center for Clinical and Translational Research
- VCU MD/PhD program and the School of Dentistry
Priority consideration will be given to students nearing completion of or who have recently completed their qualifying or comprehensive examinations.
This is a full-time NIH fellowship. You must commit to 40 hrs per week, Monday through Friday. Fellows must adhere to NIH guidelines and VCU policy.
The ITCB program involves coursework, laboratory training, community outreach training and career development activities.

Three 3-credit courses are required for the program:
- Molecular Biology of Cancer
- Principles of Community-engaged Research
- Scientific Integrity
Within the primary mentor's laboratory, ITCB fellows will be provided with training opportunities that include transdisciplinary, collaborative and translational research. Fellows will also receive hands-on training with our state-of-the-art shared resources.

A mentorship team will help develop and monitor your individual development plan, which will map out the skills to be learned and milestones to be achieved. Teams consist of an ITCB faculty member and a Community Champion, to inform research projects.

ITCB fellows will also have multiple career development opportunities geared towards careers as scientists and/or faculty members. This includes a career development seminar series, journal club with ITCB program faculty, research retreats and national conferences.
By the end of Year 1, trainees will submit an F30/F31 application and achieve the first publication milestone. Progress toward milestones will be strongly considered in the decision to fund a second year of training.
Stipends are consistent with NIH funding levels and VCU policies and contingent on funds for each budget year.

Predoctoral fellows will receive the following financial support:
- Stipend: Based on NRSA stipend levels and VCU SOM guidelines
- Travel: Up to $800
- Training-related Expenses: Up to $4,500
- Childcare: Up to $3,000
- Tuition: Up to $10,500
Individuals must submit the following materials:
- An updated CV
- An academic transcript or proof of degree conferral
- Two letters of recommendation, with at least one being from a current research mentor or advisor
- Personal statement
Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) is a top-50 ranked public research university (R1) in the U.S. with deep ties to innovation, creativity and the community it serves. Nationally recognized for its robust research enterprise, VCU serves as a scientific hub for innovation that bridges state-of-the-art technology with renowned faculty expertise across a variety of disciplines. Located in Richmond, the capital of the Commonwealth of Virginia, VCU sits alongside the James River line in the Piedmont region, and serves as the center of the metropolitan area known for its rich cultural history.

VCU is home to six schools—medicine, public health, dentistry, pharmacy, nursing and health professions—and is one of only two NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers in Virginia. VCU Massey has more than 140 members representing more than 25 academic departments across six VCU schools and colleges and are organized into three nationally-ranked research programs.

For Predoctoral Students

You are eligible to apply if you meet the following requirements:

You are enrolled in a PhD program at VCU
You are a U.S. citizen, noncitizen national, or permanent resident at the time of application
You are conducting cancer-focused research with a pre-approved ITCB mentor who has active NCI R01 or equivalent funding extending at least two years beyond the anticipated appointment date
If your current research mentor is not ITCB-approved or eligible, you must identify an eligible ITCB faculty member and obtain a written agreement for that faculty member to serve as a formal co-mentor before appointment. The co-mentor’s letter must explain the relevance of their expertise and confirm their shared responsibility for your development, including participation in required mentoring activities and meetings.

Candidates will also be identified within the pool of new graduate students enrolled in:

Biomedical Science PhD Portal at VCU
CTS concentration in the Center for Clinical and Translational Research
VCU MD/PhD program and the School of Dentistry

Priority consideration will be given to students nearing completion of or who have recently completed their qualifying or comprehensive examinations.

This is a full-time NIH fellowship. You must commit to 40 hrs per week, Monday through Friday. Fellows must adhere to NIH guidelines and VCU policy.

The ITCB program involves coursework, laboratory training, community outreach training and career development activities.

Three 3-credit courses are required for the program:

Molecular Biology of Cancer
Principles of Community-engaged Research
Scientific Integrity

Within the primary mentor's laboratory, ITCB fellows will be provided with training opportunities that include transdisciplinary, collaborative and translational research. Fellows will also receive hands-on training with our state-of-the-art shared resources.

A mentorship team will help develop and monitor your individual development plan, which will map out the skills to be learned and milestones to be achieved. Teams consist of an ITCB faculty member and a Community Champion, to inform research projects.

ITCB fellows will also have multiple career development opportunities geared towards careers as scientists and/or faculty members. This includes a career development seminar series, journal club with ITCB program faculty, research retreats and national conferences.

By the end of Year 1, trainees will submit an F30/F31 application and achieve the first publication milestone. Progress toward milestones will be strongly considered in the decision to fund a second year of training.

Stipends are consistent with NIH funding levels and VCU policies and contingent on funds for each budget year.

Predoctoral fellows will receive the following financial support:

Stipend: Based on NRSA stipend levels and VCU SOM guidelines
Travel: Up to $800
Training-related Expenses: Up to $4,500
Childcare: Up to $3,000
Tuition: Up to $10,500

Individuals must submit the following materials:

An updated CV
An academic transcript or proof of degree conferral
Two letters of recommendation, with at least one being from a current research mentor or advisor
Personal statement

Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) is a top-50 ranked public research university (R1) in the U.S. with deep ties to innovation, creativity and the community it serves. Nationally recognized for its robust research enterprise, VCU serves as a scientific hub for innovation that bridges state-of-the-art technology with renowned faculty expertise across a variety of disciplines. Located in Richmond, the capital of the Commonwealth of Virginia, VCU sits alongside the James River line in the Piedmont region, and serves as the center of the metropolitan area known for its rich cultural history.

VCU is home to six schools—medicine, public health, dentistry, pharmacy, nursing and health professions—and is one of only two NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers in Virginia. VCU Massey has more than 140 members representing more than 25 academic departments across six VCU schools and colleges and are organized into three nationally-ranked research programs.

Preparing the Next Generation of Cancer Researchers

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T32 Integrative Training in Cancer Biology (ITCB)

Details to Remember

About the Program

Preparing the Next Generation of Cancer Researchers