Career Enhancement Program

The goal of the Career Enhancement Program (CEP) of the Iowa Neuroendocrine Tumor (NET) SPORE is to develop innovative translational scientists who are experienced in multidisciplinary research for future leadership in NET research. The provision of ample opportunities for training and career enhancement is a top priority of the University of Iowa (UI) scientific community. The CEP is a critical component of our long-term commitment to recruit bright, energetic new investigators into translational cancer research. Exceptional support for the SPORE CEP is provided by the well-established NET expertise of our multidisciplinary team, complementary basic, clinical, and translational expertise of the CEP co-Directors (Drs. Howe and Quelle), the high volume NET clinic at the UI that provides comprehensive care for NET patients, the extensive research and training base available in the Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center (HCCC), and the presence of the Iowa Clinical and Translational Sciences Award program. The primary objective of the Iowa Neuroendocrine Tumor SPORE CEP is to train early as well as seasoned investigators in translational, multidisciplinary basic, clinical or population-based research that is focused on neuroendocrine tumors. Two career development awardees will be chosen each year and supported for 1-2 years. The SPORE Career Enhancement award will provide up to $50,000 for one year ($25,000 from SPORE funds and a matching $25,000 from UI). A second year of support is possible based on progress and successful re-competition. For each awardee, the CEP co-directors will establish and maintain: (1) a broad advertisement and stringent candidate selection system, (2) comprehensive trainee guidance by a primary mentor, (3) an Individual Trainee Mentorship Committee comprised of investigators with expertise in the trainee’s area of interest, (4) interactive research courses and multi-disciplinary training activities such as the weekly HCCC Grand Rounds Seminar Series, Tumor Boards focused on Gastrointestinal-Neuroendocrine / Endocrine / Pediatric / Thoracic cancers and peptide receptor radiotherapy (PRRT), and the monthly Neuroendocrine Tumor scientific meetings, (5) attendance at the annual Neuroendocrine Tumor SPORE and HCCC retreats, (6) encouragement of collaboration with investigators at UI and outside institutions, and (7) training in scientific rigor and biostatistical considerations by the Biostatistics Core for basic and clinical research, as well as guidance on successful manuscript preparation and grant submission.