NCI Seeks Young Research Talent

BETHESDA, Md--The National Cancer Institute has announced a new programto give outstanding new scientists their first crack at independent research,and to do so for up to four years in NCI labs.

Investigators selected for the NCI Scholars Program will receive upto $600,000 for salary, space, equipment, and staff during their NCI tour.They will then be eligible for another two years of noncompetitive fundingof up to $125,000 annually at an academic institution.

The NCI said that it expects to select about 10 participants the firstyear. Scientists with no more than five years of postdoctoral researchin basic, clinical, or population-based research on cancer are eligible.Years spent in clinical training do not count against the five-year limit.

A key goal is to increase the NCI's ability to attract highly talentedyoung scientists and to help academic institutions spot potential new investigators.

Harold Varmus, MD, director of the National Institutes of Health, notedthat NIH traditionally has trained scientists who have left to assume leadershiproles elsewhere. "This program continues that tradition," hesaid.

A Spectrum of Research Fields

NCI will consider scientists from a spectrum of research fields. Someexamples include cell biology, gene regulation, environmental determinantsof cancer, signal transduction, pharmacoepidemiology, methodologic andstatistical research, molecular biology of angiogenesis, and the translationof basic findings to clinical settings.

For additional information, potential candidates can contact VincentJ. Cairoli, PhD, chief, Cancer Training Branch, Executive Plaza North,Room 520, Rockville, MD 20892-7390. Telephone: 301-496-8580. Fax: 301-402-4472.E-mail: vc14z@nih.gov.