The aim of the Chromosome Metabolism and Cancer Training Grant is to support research training and research projects in the area of chromosome activities and their links to cancer. This includes but is not limited to research on mechanisms of DNA replication, repair, rearrangement and modification; transcription, splicing and RNA modification; chromatin structure and epigenetics; mitosis, chromosome segregation and instability; oncogenes and tumor suppressors; tumor initiation and progression; cell transformation, differentiation, apoptosis and senescence; cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions, adhesion, migration and growth factors; and other areas of chromosome and cancer biology.
The program supports 8 trainees each year. Trainees are appointed to a National Cancer Institute (NCI) training grant. Trainees design and execute a research project, participate in training program research, take courses in bioinformatics and neoplasia, and present at the annual training program colloquium. Through this program, trainees develop and strengthen scientific core competencies.
A Ruth L. Kirschstein National Service Award (NRSA) Institutional Research Training Grant awarded to Fred Hutch by the National Cancer Institute. The grant includes two predoctoral slots and six postdoctoral slots.
Open to pre- and postdoctoral trainees at Fred Hutch who are eligible for Kirchstein-NRSA support. Each trainee must be a citizen of the United States, a non-citizen national, or must have been lawfully admitted for permanent residence and possess an Alien Registration Receipt Card (1-151 or 1-551) or some other verification of legal admission as a permanent resident.
Predoctoral trainees must be accepted into the Molecular and Cellular Biology program or other appropriate PhD program at the University of Washington. Trainees must have completed first year of coursework and rotations and be in second/third year of PhD program, or first/second year in thesis lab. Please note we are not able to appoint trainees on staff assignments nor can we support out-of-state tuition.
Postdoctoral trainees with less than three years of training at the point of application are preferred.
Mentors must have documented interests and activities in translational cancer research and/or fundamental molecular and cell biology, be scientifically productive, and able to cover shortfalls in trainee costs. Predoctoral mentors must have an appointment at the University of Washington with graduate training status.
We especially encourage applications from underrepresented individuals, individuals with disabilities and individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds.
I am interested in the program and want to apply. When are you accepting applications?
We update the website, post flyers, and send announcements across divisions several weeks prior to the deadline. This usually takes place annually in late summer.
I am a foreign national with a student visa. Can I apply?
Foreign nationals with student visas are not eligible for this award.
What is the time commitment of the program?
Trainees are generally appointed to the program for at least 12-months, with opportunities to re-apply for further funding. They must dedicate at least 40 hours per week (full-time effort) to the program.
I am looking for support for a few months in between fellowships. Can I apply?
The program does not support short-term training.
I am not able to start an appointment on November 1. Can I still apply?
Please consult with the program's administrator regarding your specific situation before applying.
Kirschstein-NRSA awards provide stipends. What is the difference between stipend and salary?
A stipend is not "salary" and is not provided as a condition of employment with either the Federal government or the recipient organization. See NIH Grants Policy Statement 11.3.8.2.
What is the difference between stipend supplementation and additional compensation?
Fred Hutch's Office of Sponsored Research has a page on this topic (requires login). Also see NIH Grants Policy Statement 11.3.10.
| Date | Time | Location | Activity |
| January 31 | 11-12 | M4-A805/A817 | Trainee Meeting: Introductions & IDPs |
| February 28 | 11-1 | M4-A805/A817 | Trainee Meeting: Victor Bii, Andrew Bondesson, Nithya Kartha |
| February 28 | 5pm | - | Individual Development Plans Due |
| Mid-March | - | - | List of speakers for next year due |
| April 11 | 11-12 | A1M-025 | Journal Club: Anjana Rao |
| April 16 | 12-1 | Pelton Auditorium | Current Bio Seminar Speaker: Anjana Rao, La Jolla Institute for Immunology |
| April 25 | 1-3 | E3-200/201 | Trainee Meeting: Laura Jackson, Tonibelle Gatbonton-Schwager, Kelsey Lynch |
| May 10 | 12-1 | A2M-025 | Journal Club: Craig Mello |
| May 14 | 12-1 | Pelton Auditorium | Current Bio Seminar Speaker: Craig Mello, University of Mass. Medical School |
| May 31 | 5pm | - | Trainee Progress Reports Due |
| June 13 | 11-1 | M5-C813/815 | Trainee Meeting: Jake Polaski, Christine Cucinotta |
| August 31 | 5pm | - | Updated Trainee Progress Reports Due |
| Sept. TBD | - | - | "Giving Scientific Presentations" by Sue Biggins |
| October 3 | 12-5 | E3-200/201 | Annual Colloquium: Schedule TBD |
Bioinformatics/Coding Courses: Available via fredhutch.io, courses will be available throughout 2019. Trainees will be alerted to course offerings as soon as available. Register through Hutch Learning.
Responsible Conduct of Research: To learn more, visit the Training & Organization Development's Research Ethics Education Program site (requires login).
Science Writing Workshops: TBD
| Biosketch | Provide details of your academic training and any relevant research and work experience. Please use the fellowship version of the NIH biosketch format. |
| Research Proposal | Describe how your proposed research project relates to cancer biology and how it reflects the goals of the training program. Format your proposal to include specific aims, significance, innovation, and approach sections. Your abstract will be entered directly into the application form.
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| Mentor Letter | A letter is required from the mentor and should:
The mentor should also confirm they have sufficient and appropriate funding to cover shortfalls in trainee costs, such as supplies, equipment, and/or other research expenses; additional compensation or supplementation; tuition and benefits. Mentors may submit letters directly to the program’s administrator. If they do, applicants must indicate this in the last section of the application form under “Additional Comments.” |
| Additional Letters of Recommendation (2) | Up to two additional letters of recommendation may be included in the application package. These letters should:
Letters may be sent directly to the program’s administrator. If author’s do submit separately, applicants must indicate this in the last section of the application form under “Additional Comments.” |
| New Mentor Information | If the proposed mentor is not currently involved in the program (see faculty page):
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Not the right fit? Explore our other internships and programs.