Career Enhancement Program

The goal of the Career Enhancement Program (CEP) of the MSK Pancreas SPORE is to support and mentor the most promising and motivated early-career investigators to prepare them for independent careers in translational research focused on malignancies arising in the pancreas. The CEP leadership team has a strong publication record, a history of successful mentorship, and a sustained commitment to education/training. The CEP will: 1) recruit early-career investigators to the field of translational research in pancreatic cancer to enhance the overall translational research capability of the SPORE and bring fresh ideas and new talent to our program, and 2) provide these individuals the scholarly basis and mentorship needed for effective translational research in pancreatic cancer. CEP funds, supplemented by institutional funds, will allow us to support up to two exceptional candidates each year. Early-career investigators (applied and basic scientists, clinicians, and physician-scientists within 2 years of their faculty appointment) with a demonstrated interest in pancreatic cancer research from MSK, from institutions within the Tri-Institutional Program (Weill Cornell Medical College or Rockefeller University), or institutions within and outside of New York City will be eligible to apply. Applications will be peer-reviewed by the CEP/DRP Selection Committee, which is composed of the SPORE PDs, DRP and CEP Leaders, as well as select MSK Departmental and Divisional Chairs. The most promising candidates, with the most meritorious mentored research projects based on defined review criteria, will be selected. CEP awardees will prepare an individualized development plan with their clinical and/or laboratory mentor(s), and take part in various educational programs, conferences, and curricula at MSK that support their career development. CEP awardees will have full access to all SPORE Core facilities and expertise, and will be an integral part of monthly SPORE meetings, where they will present their research. CEP recipients will be formally evaluated annually, and training will be modified when appropriate. Metrics of success for CEP awardees include presentation/publication of original research, successful competition for independent research support, establishment of new collaborations, and institutional recognition by academic promotion.