The American Cancer Society (ACS) Center for Innovation in Cancer Research Training (CICRT) Post-Baccalaureate (PB) Fellows Program

The ACS CICRT Post-Baccalaureate Fellows Program is a two-year, mentored cancer research experience at Yale Cancer Center. It is designed to provide recent bachelor’s degree recipients with the research skills, academic preparation, and mentorship needed to become competitive applicants and successful students in highly selective PhD or MD-PhD programs in the biomedical and health sciences.

Program Overview

PB Fellows engage in independent, hands-on research under the supervision of a Yale Cancer Center faculty mentor. In addition to their research, fellows also participate in an educational curriculum that includes graduate-level coursework in cancer biology, professional development workshops, and seminars alongside beginning graduate students in the Biological and Biomedical Sciences program.

All PB Fellows are expected to apply to doctoral programs (PhD or MD-PhD) and to begin graduate study immediately following successful completion of the program.

Eligibility

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

• U.S. citizen or U.S. permanent resident
• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field completed prior to the start of the program (no more than three years before July 2026)
• Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher, or evidence of strong academic performance in STEM coursework
• Demonstrated interest in cancer research and in pursuing a PhD or MD-PhD in a related discipline

Program Schedule

The ACS CICRT Post-Baccalaureate Fellows Program is a two-year program that will run from mid-July to mid-June. Fellows work full time in research laboratories or clinical/community settings under the guidance of Yale faculty, while also engaging in structured coursework and career development activities.

Funding & Benefits

Program participants receive:

• An annual stipend of $44,400 for living expenses
• Tuition support for graduate courses taken during the program
• Health insurance coverage
• Relocation support of up to $2,000
• Travel support to present research at a U.S. scientific conference (e.g., the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting)
• Access to MCAT or GRE preparation materials, if required

Participants are required to live in New Haven, Connecticut, and use a portion of their stipend to cover housing and personal expenses.

Faculty Mentorship

Fellows select a faculty mentor in consultation with the program directors. Mentors provide guidance in scientific training, career development, and preparation for graduate school applications.