The Cancer Research Institute (CRI) has opened the CRI Irvington Postdoctoral Fellowship to Promote Racial Diversity, supporting young scientists from underrepresented backgrounds who are pursuing training in fundamental immunology and cancer immunology. This fellowship is designed to foster a more racially diverse and inclusive scientific community in immuno-oncology. Applicants must identify as Black or African American, Hispanic or Latino, American Indian or Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian, or other Pacific Islander. Individuals from socioeconomically disadvantaged populations or other convincingly underrepresented groups are also encouraged to apply.

The fellowship is open to U.S. and non-U.S. citizens conducting research at nonprofit institutions worldwide. Eligible projects must relate to immunology or cancer immunology, and fellows must work under a sponsor who holds a formal academic appointment at the assistant professor level or higher. Each applicant’s research environment, sponsor’s qualifications, and proposed project will be rigorously evaluated by CRI’s Scientific Advisory Council.

Fellowships provide three years of support, beginning with a stipend of $74,000 in the first year, $76,000 in the second year, and $78,000 in the third year. An additional $5,000 per year is allocated to the host institution for research supplies, conference travel, health insurance, and/or childcare expenses. CRI is investing an additional $2.5 million to support 10 extra fellowships in response to disruptions in NIH funding. Fellows also receive support for attending the CRI International Cancer Immunotherapy Conference and the Bioinformatics Bootcamp.

Applications are due by March 3, 2025, and September 1, 2025. Applications must be submitted online via the CRI Application Portal and require institutional certification through DocuSign. Applicants are encouraged to submit early to allow time for processing. Incomplete or non-compliant applications will not be considered. Supporting materials include a background and training statement, project summary, non-technical abstract, specific aims, research proposal, sponsor letters, and recommendation letters. There are restrictions on administrative overhead deductions, and payments are made monthly to the host institution.

For assistance with application issues, applicants should contact grants@cancerresearch.org or call 800-992-2623. Further application resources and guidelines are available through the CRI website.