[American Cancer Society](https://www.cancer.org)

June 2026 | December 2026

Up to 3 years; stipend of $66,000 (year 1), $68,000 (year 2), $70,000 (year 3) plus $4,000/year fellowship allowance and additional $1,500 in the final year.

Supports postdoctoral researchers in rigorous training to prepare for independent cancer research careers.

This is a forecasted opportunity; dates are projected and subject to change.

--- ## Description The American Cancer Society Postdoctoral Fellowships provide support for new investigators engaged in mentored research training programs in cancer-related fields. The goal is to broaden the applicant’s research experience and skill set, positioning them for independent careers in cancer research. The fellowship offers structured mentorship, resources, and funding to facilitate the transition from trainee to independent researcher, with an emphasis on research that advances cancer prevention, detection, treatment, or survivorship. --- ## Due Dates - June 2026 (anticipated): Postdoctoral Fellowships full application deadline (annual cycle) - December 2026 (anticipated): Postdoctoral Fellowships full application deadline (annual cycle) *All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates.* --- ## Funding Amount - Awards are for up to 3 years. - Stipend: $66,000 (year 1), $68,000 (year 2), $70,000 (year 3). - Additional fellowship allowance: $4,000 per year for costs such as health insurance, workshops, and conference travel. - In the final year, an extra $1,500 is provided for attendance at the ACS Postdoctoral Fellows Symposium or a domestic scientific meeting. - Select top-ranked fellows may receive additional supplements if endowment funds are available. - No indirect costs are permitted. --- ## Eligibility - Applicants must be in a postdoctoral position at a US academic or eligible non-profit institution at the time of application. - Both US citizens and non-US citizens (with appropriate visa or lawful immigration status) are eligible. - Must have received their terminal doctoral degree within the past 4 years (time spent in clinical-only training is not counted). - Those within 0–3 years of their degree: up to 3 years of fellowship support. - Those with >3–4 years since degree: up to 2 years of support. - Not eligible if holding a faculty appointment (e.g., instructor, assistant professor) or if classified as a research/staff scientist. - For extenuating circumstances impacting eligibility, contact grant.eligibility@cancer.org at least 6 weeks before the deadline. --- ## Application Process - Applications must be submitted electronically via [ProposalCentral](https://proposalcentral.com/). - Application materials and instructions are updated and available approximately 3 months before each deadline. - Required documents include: - NIH-format biosketch - Research plan - Mentor information and letter(s) of support - Budget and justification - Institutional and compliance certifications (IRB/IACUC, if applicable) - Applicants are responsible for ensuring all eligibility requirements are met prior to submission. - For detailed guidance, consult the [ACS Grant Instructions](https://www.cancer.org/content/dam/cancer-org/research/extramural-grants-documents/all-grant-instructions.pdf) and [ACS Grant Policies](https://www.cancer.org/content/dam/cancer-org/research/extramural-grants-documents/all-grant-policies.pdf). --- ## Additional Information - Parental leave: Fellows may take a minimum of 4 weeks per year, up to 12 weeks, of paid maternity/paternity leave for births or adoptions, with the grant term and stipend extended accordingly. - Research must align with ACS’s mission and at least one of its priority research areas (etiology, prevention, diagnosis, treatment, survivorship, or health equity). - Peer review emphasizes the potential for the fellowship to broaden research training and enhance career independence. - Questions about eligibility or application requirements should be sent to [grant.eligibility@cancer.org](mailto:grant.eligibility@cancer.org) well in advance of the deadline. --- ## External Links - [Program Page: ACS Postdoctoral Fellowships](https://www.cancer.org/research/we-fund-cancer-research/apply-research-grant/grant-types/postdoctoral-fellowships.html) - [ACS Grant Instructions (PDF)](https://www.cancer.org/content/dam/cancer-org/research/extramural-grants-documents/all-grant-instructions.pdf) - [ACS Grant Policies (PDF)](https://www.cancer.org/content/dam/cancer-org/research/extramural-grants-documents/all-grant-policies.pdf) - [ProposalCentral Application Portal](https://proposalcentral.com/) - [ACS Extramural Discovery Science FAQs](https://www.cancer.org/research/we-fund-cancer-research/apply-research-grant/faqs-program-changes-and-application-submission.html) --- ## Contact Information | Contact | Email | Phone | |-----------------------------------|--------------------------------------------|------------------| | ACS Grants Office | [grants@cancer.org](mailto:grants@cancer.org) | +1 800-227-2345 | | Program Office (Career Growth and Research Excellence) | [Nicole Lopanik, PhD](mailto:nicole.lopanik@cancer.org) | | For additional program staff and contacts, visit the [ACS Extramural Grants Staff Contacts page](https://www.cancer.org/research/we-fund-cancer-research/apply-research-grant/extramural-grants-staff-contacts.html).

Postdoctoral Fellowships

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