American Cancer Society Postdoctoral Fellowships 2026
About this scholarship
American Cancer Society Postdoctoral Fellowships support early-career researchers in cancer research training at eligible United States academic or nonprofit institutions for up to three years.
The American Cancer Society Postdoctoral Fellowships are research training awards offered by the American Cancer Society to help promising early-career scientists build independent careers in cancer research. The programme supports postdoctoral fellows working on projects related to cancer prevention, detection, treatment, and survivorship, with an emphasis on expanding the applicant’s research training and experience.
These fellowships are intended for researchers in a postdoctoral, non-faculty, non-staff scientist role at an eligible academic institution or nonprofit organisation in the United States. Applicants are generally expected to have secured a committed mentor and postdoctoral position before applying. The award is designed for those at an early stage of postdoctoral training.
Based on recent postings, funding is available for up to 3 years and includes progressive annual stipends of USD 66,000, 68,000, and 70,000. Fellows also receive an additional USD 4,000 per year to help defray costs such as health insurance, workshops, and scientific meeting presentation expenses. This makes the fellowship a strong option for researchers seeking both salary support and professional development resources.
The fellowship is best suited to applicants with a doctoral qualification who are within a limited number of years from their terminal degree or early in their postdoctoral appointment. Projects should align clearly with cancer research aims, and applicants should be prepared to present a strong training plan, mentoring arrangement, and research proposal.
Applications are typically submitted through the American Cancer Society’s research funding process. Prospective applicants should review the current call carefully to confirm eligibility, required documents, and submission timelines before applying.
Eligibility
Who can apply for this scholarship
Applicants must hold a postdoctoral, non-faculty, non-staff scientist position at a United States academic institution or eligible nonprofit organisation. They must be within three years of receiving a terminal doctoral degree and/or have completed three or fewer years of postdoctoral training at the time of application. A committed mentor and position are required before applying.
Requirements
Documents typically needed to apply
Where you can use this
Open positions accepting American Cancer Society Postdoctoral Fellowships.
