Membership Policy

science membership

Eligibility Criteria for JAX Cancer Center Membership

The purpose of our membership policy is to facilitate JAX’s transdisciplinary scientists’ transition into cancer research and to foster their research projects in the field of cancer. We value a diversity of ideas and perspectives. To become a member of the JAX Cancer Center (JAXCC) and support our research mission, you must meet at least one of the following criteria:

  • Research Grant Involvement: Serve as Principal Investigator (PI) or key personnel on an externally funded, peer-reviewed research grant related to cancer.
  • Publication Record: Be an author of publication(s) that meet or exceed the minimum criteria for cancer relevance, as determined by grant cancer relevance assignments.
  • Resource Development: Hold a leadership role in developing essential resources, reagents, instruments, or methodologies that contribute to cancer-focused research goals.
  • Educational Outreach: Develop and/or lead grant-supported programs for educational outreach to cancer research and care communities at regional and/or national levels, including basic and translational researchers and clinicians.
  • Trainees Working on Cancer Projects: JAX-affiliated trainees actively working on cancer-related projects.

To be considered Program Members individuals must have an independent faculty appointment as an Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, or Professor and serve as a Principal Investigator (PI) on grants that meet NCI's criteria for peer-reviewed research funding. The Co-Program Leaders will assess the grants for cancer relevance, alignment with the research program's objectives and compliance with Cancer Center Support Grant guidelines to determine eligibility for Program membership.

Non-faculty staff who significantly contribute to the Program's strategic goals may be considered for membership on a case-by-case basis.

All Program members are expected to fulfill the funding criteria within three years of joining the program. Membership is reviewed annually. If a member appears unlikely to meet this criterion, the Co-Program leaders and/or the Director will meet with them to discuss their interest in continuing as a full member and assist in developing and implementing a grant strategy.

Membership Application Process:

Candidates for membership can be nominated by the Director, Co-Program Leaders, other JAXCC members, or may self-nominate. To initiate the request, please contact the Office of the JAX Cancer Center (jaxccadmin@jax.org).

The Center’s Co-Program Leaders will review all applications for program membership eligibility and provide recommendations to the Director for final approval. Invitations to new members or notifications of changes in membership status will be communicated through letters or emails from the Director, co-signed by the Co-Program Leaders. New members who meet the requirements can be added at any time.

Membership Responsibilities:

All members are expected to fulfill the following responsibilities:

  • Provide a current NIH-formatted Biosketch and a brief description of their cancer-related research and activities for use on the Cancer Center website and in other cancer center related communications.
  • Participate in Cancer Center program meetings and interest groups.
  • Engage in collaborative cancer research with internal and external colleagues.
  • Participate in JAXCC educational programs and activities.
  • Acknowledge JAXCC affiliation and NCI CCSG (P30CA034196) in publications, presentations, posters and patents as appropriate.
  • Serve as scientific reviewers for JAXCC pilot project applications when requested.

Membership Review

Membership status will be reviewed at least every two years by the Director and Co-Program leaders. If the individual continues to meet the initial appointment criteria, their membership can be maintained.

Membership Benefits

Members enjoy the following benefits:

  • Opportunity to apply for CCSG sponsored pilot and/or new investigator awards as applicable.
  • Opportunity to apply for the Brooks Scholar Award, which provides up to two years of funding for a post-doctoral fellow working at the interface of aging and cancer.
  • Invitations to participate in Cancer Center sponsored seminars, workshops, and retreats.
  • Free registration for the Cancer Short Course and other JAX sponsored cancer-related courses and conferences.
  • Access to the Shared Resources.
  • Enhanced opportunities to develop collaborative research efforts.
  • Access to JAX CC administrative resources and personnel.

Benefits for Trainee Members of the JAX Cancer Center

Trainee members may receive the following JAXCC benefits:
  • Invitation to the JAXCC Trainee Symposium.
  • Eligibility for JAXCC-funded travel awards.
  • Free registration for the Cancer Short Course.
  • Invitation to act as a session host at the Cancer Research Forum.
  • Access to JAXCC-facilitated translational/clinical oncology experiences, including the Genomic Tumor Board (GTB) program.
  • Registration support to attend virtual conferences with a mentor.
  • Receive a Certificate of Achievement as a JAX Cancer Scholar upon meeting specific requirements, including maintaining good academic standing, fulfilling the Ethics course requirement, participating in the Cancer Short Course, attending Introduction to the GTB, and giving a cancer-relevant presentation at an extramural regional or national conference.

JAXCC Trainee Membership Application Process

After discussing potential membership with their mentors, interested trainees can email jaxccadmin@jax.org to state they interest in joining the JAXCC. They should include their CV, the name of their faculty mentor, and a brief summary of their current work in cancer and/or cancer and aging research.

Applications are reviewed by the JAXCC’s Research Program leadership on an as needed basis.