Two-year, mentored postdoctoral/clinical research fellowship supporting basic cancer research. Provides USD 110,000 total to support fellow salary/benefits and essential research expenses; open to applicants worldwide working under a qualified mentor at an academic/medical/research institution.
Eligibility Criteria:
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Doctoral degree (PhD, MD, MD/PhD, or equivalent); not currently a candidate for another doctoral degree.
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At the start of term (July 1, 2026), hold a mentored position titled postdoctoral fellow, clinical research fellow, or equivalent (future positions must be confirmed and not contingent on this grant).
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Most recent doctoral degree (or, for MDs, most recent doctoral degree or completion of medical residency—whichever is later) conferred within the past three years (allowances for well-justified leave).
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Work under a mentor at an academic/medical/research institution anywhere in the world; visa must cover the project term if applicable.
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AACR membership in good standing by the LOI deadline (nonmembers must apply for membership by the LOI deadline; associate membership has no annual dues; endorsements may be required).
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Not eligible: employees/subcontractors of U.S. government entities or for-profit industry; postdocs conducting research in a U.S. government laboratory; investigators currently/previously at instructor/assistant professor rank or higher (limited MD exception for instructors who are truly postdoctoral fellows).
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Only one AACR grant may be held at a time; only one LOI to this mechanism per cycle; current AACR grantees may apply only if their grant ends before July 1, 2026.
Funding Details:
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Total: USD 110,000 over 2 years to support salary/benefits; funds may also be used for non-personnel research expenses (e.g., supplies, small equipment, publication charges) directly related to the project.
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Required activities: attendance at the AACR Annual Grantee Recognition Event (2026) and the AACR Grantee Summit (grant funds may support attendance).
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Tobacco industry restriction: applicants/mentors funded by the tobacco industry are ineligible; accepting such funding during the term terminates the grant.
Deadline:
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Letter of Intent: November 4, 2025, 1:00 p.m. U.S. Eastern Time; applicants notified of LOI decision January 2026.
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Invited Full Application: March 3, 2026, 1:00 p.m. U.S. Eastern Time.
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Notification of Award: May 2026.
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Start of Grant Term: July 1, 2026.
Where to go for further information:
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Apply via ProposalCentral.
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Program inquiries (email only): [email protected].