Duke Cancer Institute Clinical Research Intern
DIRECT: Diversifying Research and Experiential Learning in Cancer Training
Duke Cancer Institute is pleased to accept applications for the DIRECT program. DIRECT is a 12-month applied cancer training program for recent minority university graduates with an interest in entering the cancer research workforce. The program will focus on experiential learning and mentoring in the following key areas: 1) cancer research, 2) professional development, and 3) science communication. Our vision is to create a cancer research workforce that is diverse, innovative and impactful.
DIRECT Program Goal: To build a robust, sustainable, and replicable program that eliminates barriers for minority trainees and promotes equity in the cancer research workforce by providing mentoring and training focused on cancer research, professional development, and science communication.
Program Components:
1. Research experience & critical thinking. Fellows will engage in mentored, applied research experiences to prepare for rigorous scientific research at the graduate level;
2. Professional Development. Fellows will receive training in networking, career development and peer mentoring;
3. Science Communication. Fellows will be mentored in scientific writing, peer-reviewed publications, and presentation at scientific conferences.
DIRECT Program Eligibility Criteria:
Have a record of superior academic achievement (e.g., grade point average, honors, or other designation), have received a bachelors degree by June 2023 AND meet one or more of the following criteria:
- Come from a background that is underrepresented in graduate study in your discipline
- Have demonstrated a sustained commitment to diversity through work experience, volunteer engagement, or leadership of student or community organizations. A commitment to diversity may include efforts to reduce health, social, educational or economic disparities by race, ethnicity or gender
- Have experienced financial hardship as a result of family economic circumstances
- Be a first-generation U.S. citizen or first generation in your family to graduate from a four-year college
Stipend and Benefits:
DIRECT provides a full-time, 12-month experiential learning program in cancer research. Fellows will be employed at Duke University as Research Interns and receive a monthly stipend with full medical benefits. Anticipated program Start Date: July 17, 2023.
Mentors:
Our mentor team consists of cancer researchers with specific expertise in providing mentored research experiences and career development training for undergraduate and graduate students. Mentors include:
Dr. Tomi Akinyemiju, Associate Professor, Dept of Population Health Sciences and Duke Cancer Institute
Dr. Meira Epplein, Associate Professor, Dept of Population Health Sciences and Duke Cancer Institute
Dr. Jason Somarelli, Assistant Professor, Dept of Medicine and Duke Cancer Institute
Applications for DIRECT must be submitted on the DIRECT portal: https://duke.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_2mbpIAJmWDjoDm6
Upload the following documents to this application:
- Resume/CV
- Most recent official or unofficial college transcript
- Diversity statement - this one-page document should provide a description of how your past efforts and current interests will contribute to a culture of diversity, equity and inclusion at Duke
- Letter of interest - this one-page document should describe your interest in cancer research and how further training and mentoring can help you achieve your career goals in this area
- Name and email of one reference
Deadline for application is March 1, 2023. Please have these documents available as they must be uploaded at the time of the application.