Damon Runyon-St. Jude Pediatric Cancer Research Fellowship Award

The Damon Runyon-St. Jude Pediatric Cancer Research Fellowship Award is a prestigious four-year program designed to support promising young scientists committed to advancing the field of pediatric oncology. Jointly funded by the Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, this initiative addresses the significant funding gap for pediatric cancer research. It supports both basic and clinical research projects with strong potential to impact prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of pediatric cancers through innovative approaches. The fellowship must be undertaken under the guidance of a qualified Sponsor, who is a tenured or tenure-track scientist capable of providing robust mentorship and facilitating career development for the Fellow. Candidates must not have previously accepted another postdoctoral fellowship award, although they may hold a T32 at the time of application (not concurrently). The fellowship requires full-time research commitment, with physician-scientists devoting at least 80% of their time to Damon Runyon-supported activities. Applicants must not have been in their Sponsor's lab more than two years prior to the application deadline (August 15, 2025, for Level 1; four years for Level 2 physician-scientists). The fellowship provides a competitive stipend, beginning at $70,000 in the first year and increasing by $2,000 annually, along with a $2,000 educational expense allowance each year. A dependent child allowance of $1,000 per child is also provided. Additionally, Damon Runyon offers up to $100,000 in medical school loan repayment over the term of the award for qualifying physician-scientists. These funds are awarded to the Fellow’s institution for their benefit, with strict guidelines on allowable uses. To apply, candidates must submit their application through Proposal Central by 4:00 PM ET on August 15, 2025. Required materials include the application cover sheet, Sponsor’s letter and mentorship record, the Fellow’s biosketch and personal statements, detailed research proposal, bibliography, collaboration letters (if applicable), and three reference letters. Applicants must also provide a diploma or formal letter verifying completion of their degree. Eligibility criteria are clearly defined for Level 1 and Level 2 applicants, and foreign nationals may apply provided their research is conducted in the U.S. Awardees are expected to attend both Damon Runyon Fellows' Retreats and annual meetings at St. Jude’s. Continued funding beyond the first year is contingent upon submission and approval of detailed progress reports. Publications resulting from funded research must acknowledge both Damon Runyon and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Awardees are not allowed to pursue additional degrees or hold overlapping funding that supplements their stipend. For inquiries or clarification, applicants can contact the foundation at awards@damonrunyon.org or by calling 1.877.7CANCER.

Strong preference for new training environments and research directions distinct from graduate work; applications should clearly address training value and career potential in pediatric cancer