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Visiting Faculty Award Program

About

The Visiting Faculty Award (VFA) Program is an initiative created by the Center for Cancer Research’s (CCR) Office of Cancer Research Capacity Building (OCRCB) to provide an opportunity for a small cohort of visiting faculty (VF) to conduct cutting-edge biomedical research at CCR during the summer term (eight weeks). This unique program also allows the VF to bring a full-time undergraduate student to join them.

This program serves as a starting point for continued collaboration between VF awardees and CCR’s scientific community. The VF will be paired with a CCR Host Principal Investigator (PI) in whose lab they will conduct their research. The program will provide valuable resources for the VF to continue pursuing research goals at their home institution. 

Program Overview

  • VFA Program awardees will be matched with a CCR PI in whose lab they will conduct research for eight weeks. In addition to facilities, guidance, and resources, the PI will provide networking opportunities for VF
  • During their time at CCR, VF and student (if applicable) are expected to present their research during lab meetings
  • VF will participate in a series of professional and personal development opportunities
  • At the end of the eight weeks, VF and their student (should they choose to bring one), will present their work to the CCR community followed by a reception
  • Students who join the VFA program will participate in the Office of Intramural Training & Education’s (OITE) Summer Poster Day to present their research

Eligibility

Early-and mid-career research faculty with a Ph.D., M.D. or equivalent terminal degree in a relevant scientific field (and an undergraduate student should they choose to bring one) from a research university within the DMV (DC/Maryland/Virginia Metropolitan area). Research Faculty must meet the following eligibility requirements to apply:

  • Complete and submit all application materials
  • Must be a citizen or non-citizen national, or a permanent resident of the United States
  • Hold a faculty position and research group at a research university at the time of application
  • Have relevant research experience with a record of publications, projects and activities in the field
  • Research interests must align with a CCR PI’s research focus
  • Express a commitment to fostering a collaborative and inclusive research environment
  • Be able to commit to an eight-week, full-time research engagement during the summer period and participate in all professional and personal development activities
  • The faculty’s home institution must support their full participation.
  • Be able to consistently participate in research at the location of a matched PI Host in either Bethesda, MD or Frederick, MD

Should a VF choose to have a student from their home institution join them, the student must meet the following eligibility criteria:

  • Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
  • Freshman, sophomore or junior undergraduate, full-time student
  • Express a genuine interest in biomedical research and demonstrate this interest through coursework, projects or extracurricular activities
  • Be able to commit to an eight-week, full-time research engagement during the summer period and participate in Office of Intramural Training & Education (OITE) events

Students must apply to the Summer Internship Program via the NIH-OITE website and must meet the criteria for summer interns. 

Timeline

The Visiting Faculty Award Program is an opportunity for a small cohort of early and mid-career visiting faculty (VF) from research universities in the Washington metropolitan region to conduct cutting-edge research at CCR during the summer term (eight weeks) from June through July 2025. The image below reflects key dates and deadlines relevant to the application, communication, and research processes.

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VFA Program timeline with key dates and deadlines
Scientists at a computer

How to Apply

Applications are due by January 5, 2025, and must be submitted via the CCR Application Management System. All application materials must be submitted to be considered for the VFA Program. If you apply with the intent to bring a student, please provide the name of the student at the end of your personal statement. Students must apply to the Summer Internship Program via the NIH-OITE website and must meet the criteria for summer interns. 

Faculty

Below are the CCR Principal Investigators who have expressed interest in hosting VF in their lab. Please review their profiles and identify those you are interested in collaborating with in your application. 

Female scientists at a computer

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to prospective applicants’ commonly asked questions about the application process, organizational and logistical support, student participation and eligibility requirements.