To stanch the growing loss of young talent in cancer research and help prepare a new generation of leaders in the field, the Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research has established a Leadership Fellows Program to enable exceptionally gifted young scientists to launch an independent research program immediately upon the completion of their graduate studies and provide them with the mentorship essential to success.
Specifically, the Ludwig Fellowship offers up to five years of support, including as much as $350,000 a year to cover all of the following: a salary set by the host institution, the engagement of one full-time equivalent employee and research and laboratory expenses. A total equivalent of $150,000 for equipment will also be available to the Fellows, who will additionally have full access to state-of-the-art equipment at the Branch. An academic title and laboratory space will be provided by the Ludwig Branch’s host institution.
Successful candidates will be appointed at one of three Ludwig Branches—in Princeton, Oxford or Lausanne—and provided their own laboratory space along with the resources required to establish an independent research program. A mentoring committee will guide and advise each Ludwig Leadership Fellow on a regular basis.
Applicants must indicate an area of interest compatible with one of the research areas at the Ludwig Branches. Click the links below for an overview of research areas at the three locations:
Applicants must be prepared to move to the location of a Ludwig Branch.
Leadership Fellows will be formally reviewed at the end of the third year, with continued participation in the Fellowship contingent upon a successful review. Those who leave after three years in the Program will be offered bridge funding to ease their transition to new positions. After the full five years, successful Fellows may be offered a position at the Branch on a Member track or in some other capacity.
Outstanding candidates who, at the time of application, are in graduate school or received a PhD or MD within the past year. Candidates still in graduate school will be expected to have obtained their degree before starting the Fellowship.
Application for the Ludwig Leadership Fellows Program is a two-step process. Letters of intent will be accepted on a rolling basis, with no set deadline. Candidates who are selected to move to the next phase will be asked to provide additional information regarding their research plans and will undergo an in-person or video interview.
Phase I: Letter of intent
Letters of intent should be submitted by email here (fellowships@lcr.org). Applicants will be notified whether they will proceed to the second phase within four to six weeks.
A complete letter of intent should include:
– The applicant’s information (Form 1).
– The applicant’s personal statement, previous scientific and academic accomplishments and proposed area of research (Form 2). The applicant should also suggest a Ludwig mentor, who must be a principal investigator or research scientist at one of the Ludwig Branches. Eligible mentors are listed on the Branch websites included above.
– The applicant’s biosketch or CV.
– A letter of recommendation from their graduate school mentor (Form 3).
Phase II: In depth review
Applicants selected for review will be asked to provide additional details on their proposed research and to participate in an in-person or video interview with the Ludwig Fellowship Review Committee, which includes Ludwig Branch Directors and is chaired by the Ludwig Scientific Director. The Ludwig Fellowship Advisory Board, composed of thought leaders in the field, will also provide input on the candidates.
Detailed budget and employment details will be discussed after acceptance.
Form 1
Applicant information
(PDF 156 KB)
Form 2
Personal statement and proposed research
(PDF 123 KB)
Form 3
Letter of recommendation
(PDF 160 KB)
Submissions
Click here submit by e-mail
Have any questions?
Click here.
1. Scientific and academic accomplishments
2. Strength of letter of recommendation
3. Quality and creativity of the proposed research program
4. Relevance of collaborations