The Robert A. Welch Fellowship
Robert A. Welch
The Robert A. Welch Fellowship is a competitive program for postdoctoral fellows applying to train in the National Cancer Institute's Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics (DCEG). The fellowship supports mentored research in molecular epidemiology with special emphasis on the application of emerging genetic and genomic technology. The fellowship also includes support for annual travel to a scientific conference with a focus on genetic or genomic technology.
The fellowship is named in honor of Robert A. Welch, the founding Director of Operations of the NCI Core Genotyping Facility (CGF). Mr. Welch played a key role in developing and managing the CGF, which carries out large-scale studies of common genetic variations and cancer. His skill, dedication, and hard work were major contributions to the CGF’s success. His commitment and leadership inspired his colleagues at the CGF and elsewhere, and the CGF continues to work toward his vision.
Eligibility
An applicant must have an M.D. or doctoral degree in epidemiology, biostatistics, genetics, or other related research fields, or be pursuing a degree in these areas. The applicant must also be a U.S. citizen, resident alien, or foreign national eligible for a training visa.
Application Process
Fellowship applications are accepted on an ongoing basis. Applicants must submit a cover letter describing areas of research interest, a curriculum vitae, and bibliography, and three letters of recommendation. To expedite the review process, please send these application materials via email to ncidceged-r@mail.nih.gov. Applicants may send referees' names initially, after which letters will be requested if interviewed. Letters may then be emailed as attachments.
Applications can also be mailed to:
Office of Education
Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics
National Cancer Institute, NIH, DHHS
6120 Executive Blvd., MSC 7242
Bethesda, MD 20892-7242
Selection Process:
Candidates for the Robert A. Welch Fellow are reviewed by a committee comprised of the Deputy Director, DCEG; Director of the Human Genetics Program, DCEG; Chiefs of the Office of Education, the Laboratory of Translational Genomics, and the Genetic Epidemiology Branch, DCEG; Scientific Director, CGF; and DCEG Principal Investigators or SAIC CGF Principal Senior Scientists interested in mentoring Welch fellows. The committee ranks candidates and the final selection is made by the Director, DCEG.
Generally, there is one Robert A. Welch fellow at a time, with training typically lasting two to three years. However, multiple fellows training simultaneously are possible. The fellows have no future service obligation to NIH or SAIC.
Funding:
The Fellowship is funded by donations from colleagues, family, friends, and companies through the Foundation for the NIH, and by the DCEG. Donations may be made online or by check to FNIH, designating that the gift is being made in honor of Robert A. Welch.
Inquiries
Email: ncidceged-r@mail.nih.gov
Telephone: 301-594-3005
NIH is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
