Early Career Scientist (ECS) Committee

The Early Career Scientist (ECS) Committee oversees the activities of the organization specifically for those in the early stages of their career as well as activities directed to entice others to consider a career in cancer immunotherapy basic and translational research. The committee provides recommendations about how the society can provide opportunities to meet the needs of these early career professionals as well as develop those early in their career into the future leaders of the organization and of the scientific community.

Educational Resources

The Early Career Scientist Committee has curated these enduring materials from past SITC programming to advance your learning in three key areas: Career Paths, Grantsmanship and Managing Your Lab.

Career Paths

The Future of Cancer Immunotherapy (2022 CIWS)

Careers in Industry (2022 CIWS)

Spinning Your Lab into a Small Business/Startup Company

Women in IO

Careers in Government (2021 CIWS)

Careers in Government

Careers in Industry

CV and Cover Letter Writing: Academia vs Industry

Negotiation

Grantsmanship

Grantsmanship (2022 CIWS)

NCI Officer Grant Writing Tips and Tricks

Grant Opportunities overview

Granstmanship (2021 CIWS)

Development of a Grant/Translational Idea (2021 CIWS)

What Happens After the Study Section?

How to Write a Specific Aims Page: The Key to a Successful Grant

K Awards and R01 Grants

Grant Opportunities and Principles of Grant Writing

Managing Your Lab

Presenting your Data in Talks and Manuscripts

How to Avoid Burnout

Annual Meeting & Pre-Conference Program Activities

SITC knows the future of the cancer immunotherapy field relies on the contributions of early career scientists. From access to grants, fellowships and professional development opportunities, to invitations to present at high-profile meetings; as well as the mentoring and networking opportunities at our Annual Meeting listed below, a SITC membership is an invaluable resource for any young investigator.

An annual Student/Scientist-in-Training Membership is available for only $50. Join today at sitcancer.org/join.

Speed Mentoring

The ECS Speed Mentoring Event will provide early career scientists the opportunity to receive mentorship from an expert in the field of cancer immunotherapy in a one-on-one setting. Mentees will be matched with an expert mentor in one of the following three categories: industry/non-academic careers, basic/translational science, or clinical science. SITC membership is required for this in-person mentoring event and mentees will be accepted on a first come, first serve basis.

Networking Reception

This event will allow all early career scientist attendees to meet colleagues and make early connections that can be fostered throughout the rest of the conference. Join us to learn about the yearly activities of the Early Career Scientist Committee, the society’s year-round commitment to young investigators, and how you can get involved.

Meet the Expert Lunch

The Meet-the-Expert Lunch will focus on unique issues related to early career scientist career development and will give the opportunity to in-person attendees to interact with experts in key fields of immunotherapy. Information will be provided on different relevant topics in a setting that fosters attendee/expert interactions and provides networking opportunities with leaders in the field. Experts will answer questions and lead informal dialogue during a one-hour roundtable lunch to help provide guidance and direction.

The Node

SITC's Early Career Scientist Hub, The Node, is specifically designed for early career attendees to network, collaborate and relax during the Annual Meeting.

Grant Writing Workshop

This program features two sessions. The first session will open with an overview of the grant submission process, briefly outlining funding opportunities and how to navigate those. Session one will also address critical points of government and private sector grant submissions. The second session will consist of a “mini-study section,” allowing attendees to experience how a study section evaluates a grant proposal, which will help attendees identify points that determine the success or failure of a grant proposal and help them optimize the process of grant re-submission.