Apply Now: CRI Irvington Postdoctoral Fellowship Program

The CRI Irvington Postdoctoral Fellowship Program supports outstanding early-career scientists conducting immunology research with direct relevance to cancer. The program provides three years of competitive funding, professional development, and access to an international research network to help fellows launch independent scientific careers. Fellowships are open globally and emphasize high-impact, discovery-driven cancer immunology research.

The Irvington Postdoctoral Fellowship Program, administered by the Cancer Research Institute (CRI), is a prestigious funding opportunity designed to cultivate the next generation of scientific leaders in cancer immunology. The program supports exceptional postdoctoral researchers at top universities and research institutions worldwide, providing the financial resources, mentorship, and professional development necessary for long-term career success.

Program Purpose and Vision

The Irvington Fellowship is designed to accelerate the transition from postdoctoral training to independent research leadership. Key goals include:

• Supporting ambitious, discovery-driven research in cancer immunology

• Providing sustained funding stability during critical career-building years

• Offering professional development and mentorship from leading scientists

• Building an international network of fellows and senior investigators

Awardees gain recognition, institutional support, and the freedom to pursue innovative research directions.

Fellowship Structure and Financial Support

The fellowship provides three years of comprehensive support.

Stipend

• Year 1: USD 74,000

• Year 2: USD 76,000

• Year 3: USD 78,000

Institutional Allowance

• USD 5,000 per year to the host institution

• May be used for research supplies, conference travel, health insurance, childcare, or related costs

• No administrative or indirect cost deductions are permitted

Additional Training Opportunities

• Dedicated support to attend the CRI Bioinformatics Bootcamp

• Access to CRI-sponsored networking and professional development activities

Research Scope and Scientific Focus

Proposed research must fall within the field of immunology and have direct relevance to cancer.

Eligible projects should:

• Address fundamental or translational questions in cancer immunology

• Demonstrate scientific originality and rigor

• Advance understanding of immune mechanisms in cancer

Projects outside cancer-relevant immunology are not eligible.

Who Is Eligible to Apply?

Applicants must meet all of the following criteria:

• Hold a doctoral degree by the time the fellowship is activated

• Conduct research under the supervision of a qualified sponsor

• Be based at a nonprofit host institution

Experience and Sponsor Limitations

Eligibility is subject to specific CRI limits on:

• Years of prior mentored postdoctoral research experience

• Time already spent in the proposed sponsor’s laboratory

• Number of fellows supported by a single sponsor

These limits ensure equitable access and appropriate mentoring capacity.

Institutional and Geographic Eligibility

• Fellowships may be conducted at nonprofit institutions

• Host institutions may be located in the United States or internationally

• There are no citizenship or nationality restrictions

Why This Fellowship Matters

The Irvington Fellowship addresses a critical need for early-career support in cancer immunology by:

• Providing long-term funding security

• Encouraging bold, high-impact scientific inquiry

• Supporting career development beyond bench research

• Creating a global community of cancer immunology leaders

Application Timeline and Key Dates

• Application deadline: March 1 (adjusted if it falls on a weekend or holiday)

• Decision notification: Approximately 10–12 weeks after the deadline

• Award activation window: Between 4 months and 1 year after the deadline

Applicants should plan start dates and degree completion accordingly.

How to Apply: Step-by-Step

1. Identify a qualified sponsor with expertise in cancer immunology

2. Develop a cancer-relevant immunology research proposal

3. Define training objectives and career development goals

4. Request required letters of recommendation and sponsor support

5. Complete and submit the online application by the deadline

Required Application Materials

A complete application includes:

• Detailed description of the applicant’s background and prior training

• Statement of training goals and career objectives

• Comprehensive research proposal

• Sponsor statement describing mentorship and institutional support

• Letters of recommendation

All materials must comply with CRI formatting rules and page limits.

Evaluation and Selection Criteria

Applications are evaluated based on:

• Scientific merit and innovation of the research proposal

• Relevance to cancer immunology

• Applicant’s research potential and independence

• Quality of mentorship and training environment

• Overall alignment with CRI’s mission

Incomplete applications or those exceeding limits are not reviewed.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Proposing research without clear cancer relevance

• Exceeding page limits or ignoring formatting rules

• Selecting a sponsor with limited mentoring capacity

• Submitting incomplete applications or missing letters

• Misaligning training goals with the proposed research

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the duration of the fellowship?
The fellowship provides three years of support.

What is the annual stipend?
The stipend increases annually from USD 74,000 to USD 78,000.

Are indirect costs allowed?
No, administrative or indirect cost deductions are not permitted.

Is citizenship required?
No, there are no citizenship restrictions.

Where can the fellowship be held?
At nonprofit institutions in the United States or abroad.

When are applications due?
Applications are due March 1, adjusted for weekends or holidays.

When can the award start?
Awards may be activated between four months and one year after the application deadline.

Conclusion

The CRI Irvington Postdoctoral Fellowship Program is a premier opportunity for early-career researchers pursuing discovery-driven cancer immunology. By combining competitive funding, elite mentorship, and professional development, the program equips fellows to launch independent, high-impact scientific careers at the forefront of immunological research.

For more information, visit CRI.