CRI Irvington Postdoctoral Fellowship Grant

The CRI Irvington Postdoctoral Fellowship supports young scientists training in fundamental and cancer immunology at leading research institutions. With a focus on hypothesis-driven studies, fellows receive a stipend of $74,000 in the first year, increasing annually, plus an institutional allowance. Applicants must hold a doctoral degree and be sponsored by a faculty member. The fellowship fosters research to enhance understanding of the immune system's role in cancer, encouraging innovative studies worldwide.

Program Overview
The CRI Irvington Postdoctoral Fellowship Program is one of the most prestigious training opportunities in immunology and cancer immunology. It supports outstanding young researchers at the world’s leading universities and research institutions, providing the resources, mentorship, and professional development needed to launch independent scientific careers at the forefront of discovery.
Focus and Scope
For decades, CRI fellowships have been a training ground for scientific excellence, cultivating future leaders who push the boundaries of immunology and transform the landscape of cancer research. The program provides sustained financial support alongside invaluable professional development, bridging the crucial transition from doctoral training to independent investigation.
Applications undergo a rigorous peer-review process with careful consideration of:
The candidate’s qualifications, demonstrated track record, and potential for future impact The strength of the sponsor and the quality of the training environmentThe significance, innovation, and feasibility of the proposed research
The program emphasizes training through research, supporting hypothesis-driven, mechanistic studies in both fundamental immunology and tumor immunology. The applicant and sponsor are expected to demonstrate:

• How the proposed research will advance understanding of the immune system’s role in cancer
• How the fellowship will provide the fellow with new skills, approaches, and mentorship to expand their expertise
• A clear trajectory toward independence, with training experiences designed to prepare the fellow for leadership roles in science

The Cancer Research Institute recognizes that getting to the next great breakthrough in cancer treatment will require continued investment in fundamental research and training. CRI, therefore, invites postdoctoral fellows working in both fundamental immunology and tumor immunology to apply for funding.
A Legacy of Excellence
The CRI Irvington Postdoctoral Fellowship has a distinguished record of nurturing scientists whose discoveries have reshaped the field of immunology and cancer immunotherapy. Awardees join a global network of innovators and mentors, gaining both the recognition and the support needed to pursue ambitious research that drives the next generation of breakthroughs.
Financial Information
Fellowships provide three years of support, including a stipend of $74,000, $76,000, and $78,000 in years 1-3. The host institution receives a $5,000 annual allowance for use at the sponsor’s discretion to cover costs such as research supplies, conference travel, health insurance, or childcare. CRI also provides dedicated support for fellows to attend the CRI Bioinformatics Bootcamp.
Deductions for administrative overhead are not allowed from either the stipend or the institutional allowance.

Eligibility

Applicants must have a doctoral degree by the date of award activation and must conduct their proposed research under a sponsor who holds a formal appointment as an assistant professor or higher rank at the host institution.Applicants must be working in areas directly related to immunology or cancer immunology. An eligible project must fall into the broad field of immunology with relevance to solving the cancer problem.Applicants who will have 5 or more years of mentored research experience at the time of award activation are not eligible, with the exception of M.D. applicants, who should not include years of residency in this calculation. Applicants should use their doctoral degree conferral date when calculating eligibility. Only in exceptional circumstances will applicants who have already spent 3 or more years in a sponsor’s laboratory by the start date of fellowship be considered for a fellowship award.The fellowship can be performed in the United States or abroad but must take place at a non-profit institution. There are no citizenship restrictions.Only one fellow per sponsor may apply per application round, and faculty sponsors may not have more than three CRI-supported fellows at any time.Resubmissions: Applicants are permitted to resubmit their fellowship application at a subsequent deadline provided that the new application is improved to reflect progress. Changes to the application should be addressed within the subsequent application.