AACR-Johnson & Johnson Interventional Oncology Stimulating Therapeutic Advances through Research Training (START) Grants
The AACR-Johnson & Johnson Interventional Oncology Stimulating Therapeutic Advances through Research Training (START) Grants represent an exciting initiative to address the need for promoting and supporting such collaborations. These grants, which will provide support to postdoctoral or clinical research fellows (please see eligibility criteria below), combine research experiences in both academic and industry settings, following a research timeline that will be of greatest benefit to the proposed work.
The training provided through this grants program will be invaluable to young investigators by providing fellows with a comprehensive research experience that will make them highly desirable to potential employers in either academic research or the pharmaceutical industry. Likewise, academic research centers and industry will benefit from the introduction of such dual-trained individuals into the field.
Each fellowship provides a three-year grant of $225,000 to support the salary and benefits of the fellow while working on a mentored cancer research project. Research proposals may be translational or clinical in nature but must have direct applicability to lung cancer. Proposals focused on mechanisms linking immunogenic cell death pathways to amplification of innate and adaptive immunity, immunobiology of non-small cell lung cancers, and mechanisms of acquired resistance to immunotherapies are highly encouraged. Applicants may spend one year on site at a Johnson & Johnson facility at the discretion of Interventional Oncology at Johnson & Johnson. One of a number of Johnson & Johnson’s locations are possible, at the discretion of Johnson & Johnson. The year at Johnson & Johnson will be determined on a case-by-case basis and will be at a time agreed upon by the fellow, the academic supervisor, the Johnson & Johnson mentor, and Johnson & Johnson.
Program Guidelines and Application Instructions are available for download. Please read all program guidelines and instructions carefully before submitting an Application.
Research proposals may be basic, translational, or clinical in nature, but must have direct applicability to lung cancer. Proposals focused on mechanisms linking immunogenic cell death pathways to amplification of innate and adaptive immunity, immunobiology of non-small cell lung cancers, and mechanisms of acquired resistance to immunotherapies are highly encouraged.
Applicants must have a doctoral degree (PhD, MD, MD/PhD, or equivalent) in a related field and not currently be a candidate for a further doctoral degree. Applicants belonging to an underrepresented group as per NIH guidelines (Notice of NIH's Interest in Diversity) are encouraged to apply, but belonging to an underrepresented group is not mandatory.
At the start of the grant term on July 1, 2025, applicants must:
- Hold a full-time, mentored research position with the title of postdoctoral fellow, clinical research fellow, or the equivalent
- If eligibility is based on a future position, the position must be confirmed at the time of application and CANNOT be contingent upon receiving this grant.
- If the future position is at a different institution than the applicant’s current institution, the applicant must contact the AACR’s Research and Grants Administration Department (AACR’s RGA) at [email protected] before submitting their application for information on additional verification materials/signatures that may be required.
- Have begun their postdoctoral fellowship training within past three years (i.e., fellowship must have begun after July 1, 2022)
- Work under the auspices of a mentor at an academic, medical, or research institution in the United States of America.
There are no citizenship requirements. However, by submitting an application for this grant, the applicant who is not a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident assures that the visa status will provide sufficient time to complete the project and grant term.
Applicants must be AACR members in good standing (dues paid for the current year). Annual dues are not required for early-career researchers interested in Associate membership. Please be informed that no dues are required for members located in countries building cancer research capacities (view list of eligible countries here). Nonmembers interested in this grant opportunity must submit a satisfactory application for AACR membership by the application deadline. Nonmembers can apply for membership online. Please review the Membership Categories for the category that best fits your qualifications. Nonmembers must obtain a statement of support from a nominator with is an Active AACR member in good standing (dues paid for the current year). Nonmembers requiring assistance with finding a nominator may email [email protected] and include your geographical location to receive a list of members in your area to contact for nominations. For more information check the membership FAQ. Members can renew their membership through myAACR. You will need your logon (email address) and password to access the member portal. If you require assistance logging in, please submit a help form. Lapsed members must be members in good standing by the application deadline and should contact the Membership Department at [email protected] for assistance.
The AACR requires applicants to complete an online Application submission by 1:00 p.m. U.S. Eastern Time on Tuesday, January 14, 2025, using the ProposalCentral website at https://proposalcentral.com.
Program Guidelines and Application Instructions are available in PDF format.