Do I have to be a U.S. citizen to be eligible for this Fellowship?
Only US citizens and US permanent residents (green card holders) are eligible.
I finished graduate school. Am I eligible to participate in this program?
Yes. The NCF is open to students currently enrolled in graduate school as well as recent graduate degree recipients. You must have received your graduate degree no more than two years prior to the application deadline.
I have a bachelor's degree, but I have not yet begun a graduate program. Am I eligible?
No. You must be enrolled in graduate school or within two years of having completed your graduate degree to be eligible to apply. No exceptions will be made.
I am a current graduate student. If I am selected, do I need to defend my thesis by the program start date?
If you are selected for the fellowship, you do not need to defend your thesis by the program start date. You are eligible for the NCF if you are either currently enrolled in a graduate degree program or if you received a graduate degree in the last two years.
Is my application secure?
We take reasonable precautions to maintain the security, confidentiality, and integrity of the information submitted in your application. If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact NCF-Contact@mail.nih.gov.
Can I save my application and finish/update it later?
Yes, you have the option to save your application and submit it later. Once you have submitted your application you can still view it and see the status of your reference letters, but you can no longer make changes. You also have the ability to delete your application prior to submission and withdraw your application after it has been submitted.
Who should I list as my two references?
Your references should be individuals who have knowledge of your academic and career interests, abilities, accomplishments, and preparedness for full-time work as an NCF Fellow. Examples include graduate school advisors, professors, supervisors, and professional associates. We recommend you inform your references that they will be contacted by NCI Host Offices if you are selected for interviews.
What type of work samples should I submit?
You must submit three work samples that demonstrate your writing capabilities. Work samples may include clips, recent papers, videos, podcasts, and/or publications. You may include scientific journal articles and they do not need to be written for a lay audience.
Will I need to submit official transcripts?
No, official transcripts are not needed at this point in the application process. You will be required to upload unofficial transcripts to the online application.
How can I verify that my online application has been received?
You will receive an online confirmation if/when your application has been successfully submitted. If you do not receive confirmation, contact NCF-Contact@mail.nih.gov.
Will my application be reviewed for opportunities at other NIH Institutes or Centers?
No, your application is only considered for the NCF at the National Cancer Institute.
How are selections made?
Please refer to the Selection Process section under the Application Information tab for more information.
Is this a paid Fellowship?
Yes, NCF Fellows receive a monthly stipend based on their education and relevant post-degree work experience.
Am I considered a federal employee?
No. NCF Fellows are paid via a Cancer Research Training Award (CRTA). As such, NCF Fellows are not considered federal employees and are not eligible for federal benefits. The NCI pays for the fellows’ medical insurance and fellows are eligible to participate in trainings/seminars/classes available to NIH employees.
Can I work part-time during my fellowship?
No. Fellows are required to work full-time during their fellowship.
What kind of work will I be doing?
Your projects and assignments will vary depending on your host office. The information listed in the Host Office & Work Assignments section of the Fellowship Information tab will give you a good idea of the kind of projects and assignments you will work on during your fellowship.
Will I have to do administrative work during my fellowship?
Your duties will vary depending on your host office, though you should expect to do some program support and administrative work during your fellowship.