August 8, 2005

Cancer Center Update is sent to Cancer Center members and staff every Tuesday at 10 a.m. To submit an item for publication, send the information to Sandi Sherman by noon the Friday before publication.

In This Issue:

Today's Cancer Center Seminar

News

Events

Professional Education and Seminars

Grant Information & Announcements

Reminders

NEWS

SPECIAL SEMINAR – PEDIATRIC HEMATOLOGY/ ONCOLOGY/BLOOD AND MARROW TRANSPLANT PROGRAM
Thursday, August 11, 2005, Time: 1:15-2:15 p.m.. 450 Cancer Center Research Building

"Pharmacogenetics and Pediatric ALL"
Richard Aplenc, MD, MSCE, Pediatric Oncology/Stem Cell Transplant, Center for Clinical Epidemiology & Biostatistics, University of Pennsylvania

Sponsored by John E. Wagner, MD, Division Director Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Blood and Marrow Transplant Program
Light Refreshments will be served
For further information contact Joyce S. at 626-2961

CANCER CENTER PEOPLE IN THE NEWS

Michael Garwood, Ph.D., Cancer Center member and Associate Director for Magnetic Resonance Research, was quoted in the Arizona Republic and Atlanta Journal Constitution about his most recent research on the use of MRI/MRS for breast cancer, published in the August issue of the journal Radiology.

GRANT ANNOUNCEMENTS

THE OVARIAN CANCER RESEARCH FUND, INC.
The Liz Tilberis Scholars Program
Application Deadline: September 15, 2005

This announcement is directed towards junior faculty with a strong commitment to an investigative career in the field of ovarian cancer research. The intent of these awards is to support a substantial time commitment to research and academic endeavors in ovarian cancer.

Liz Tilberis scholarships will be awarded to three individuals working in institutions with strong existing ovarian cancer research programs. Proposals should have enough depth to allow the Liz Tilberis Scholar to compete for additional funding in the future. Candidates must have an M.D. or Ph.D degree and should be in their first academic appointment after having completed their fellowship or post-doctoral training. Each of the three Liz Tilberis Scholars will receive a three-year grant of $100,000 per annum. Individuals already in a faculty position and those who will begin such a position by July 2006 are eligible for this award. Funding is for direct costs only. The investigators and the institution must certify that at least 75% of the scholar’s time will be dedicated to ovarian cancer research. Recipients of the awards will be required to submit annual progress reports to update the status of their research throughout the award cycle.  For more information visit the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund website at www.ocrf.org. Applications are available from Roxy McCann at doni0007@umn.edu

THE OVARIAN CANCER RESEARCH FUND, INC.
The Ovarian Cancer Research Training Programs of Excellence
Application Deadline: September 15, 2005

The Ovarian Cancer Research Training Programs of Excellence award provides funding for trainees who are working under the supervision of a mentor who is a recognized leader in the field of ovarian cancer research. Trainees may be involved in either laboratory, clinical or epidemiology research. Eligible applicants are clinical fellows or post-doctoral fellows. Awards will be made to approximately four to five individuals working in institutions with well-developed ovarian cancer research programs. In addition to the strength of the research environment and project proposal, selection criteria include the trainee’s prior academic track record and the likelihood of them pursuing a research career. Although the trainee may take part in some non-research activities (e.g. class work, clinical) at least 90% effort should be devoted to research during the tenure of the OCRF award.

The OCRF research training programs of excellence award provides $75,000. For more information visit the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund website at www.ocrf.org. Applications are available from Roxy McCann at doni0007@umn.edu

AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY REQUEST FOR APPLICATIONS
Pathogenesis and Treatment of Lymphedema Secondary to the Management of Breast Cancer
RFA-02-2005,
Letter of Intent due August 15th, 2005
Applications due October 15th, 2005

The American Cancer Society, supported by the Longaberger® Company is announcing this RFA to investigate the incidence, etiology and new treatments for secondary lymphedema in human subjects. The purpose of this RFA is to stimulate research on the modification of morbidity from lymphedema secondary to treatment for breast cancer and to gain some understanding of the natural history and effective interventions aimed at minimizing that morbidity. The scope of this research includes attempts to improve early diagnosis of affected individuals, the choice and timing of treatment, the pathophysiology of the disorders of skin and subcutaneous tissue secondary to chronic lymphedema resulting from breast cancer treatment.

This RFA will use the American Cancer Society targeted Research Scholar Grant (RSG) award mechanism. The applicant will be solely responsible for the planning, direction, and execution of the proposed project, which is not to exceed $150,000 direct plus indirect costs per year a period of 3 years. It is anticipated that a total of $1,500,000 will be available for 4 3-4applications selected through the Society’s peer review system.
http://www.cancer.umn.edu/page/docs/Lymphedema-RFA-FINAL-June05.pdf

CANARY FUND AND THE AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY POSTDOCTORAL PROGRAM IN THE EARLY DETECTION OF CANCER
Letter Of Intent: N/A
Application Due Date: October 15, 2005

Canary Fund in partnership with the American Cancer Society has created a postdoctoral fellowship program focused on studies in the tools and technologies for developing strategies for the early detection of cancer. Research should be directed at new approaches to improve clinical methods for the screening of primary tumors and/or metastases including, but not limited to research focused in the following areas:
• Minimally invasive strategies for early detection
• Biomarker identification or discovery
• Imaging, including novel molecular imaging strategies

Awards will be 3 years in duration with progressive stipends of $40,000, $42,000, and $44,000 per year, plus $4,000 per year for institutional allowance. Based upon the availability of funds and the scientific merit of the applications, it is anticipated that up to 2 awards will be made. To restrict funding to full 3 year fellowships, applications will only be accepted from scientists who, at the time of application, have had no more than 2 years of research experience beyond their terminal degree (MD or PhD). Applicants must be US citizens or permanent residents working with an accomplished mentor at a non-profit institution.
http://www.cancer.umn.edu/page/docs/Canary-F05-RFA-final.pdf

NOTICE OF EXTENSION: PAR-03-148 — CANCER EDUCATION AND CAREER DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM
NOT-CA-05-024
Release Date: July 29, 2005
The purpose of this Notice is to inform potential applicants that the expiration date for program announcement PAR-03-148, “ Cancer Education and Career Development Program” (http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PAR-03-148.html), has been extended. The new expiration date is July 5, 2006.
http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-CA-05-024.html

ESTABLISHED INVESTIGATOR AWARD IN CANCER PREVENTION & CONTROL
PAR-05-145
This is a reissuance of PAR-03-149, which was previously released July 8, 2003.
Letters of Intent Receipt Date(s): Not applicable
Application Submission Dates: February1, June 1, October 1

The NCI Established Investigator Award (K05) provides qualified cancer research scientists in the fields of cancer prevention, control, behavioral, and/or population sciences with protected time to devote to research and to mentoring of new investigators. Candidates must justify their request for K05 support in terms of need for protected time to devote to research and mentoring. Candidates must have track records of successful independent research funding and mentoring. At the time of the K05 award, candidates must have independent R01 research funding or its equivalent in a research area related to cancer prevention and control. Candidates for the K05 award may not concurrently apply for or have pending another NIH career development award. Up to two revisions of a K05 application will be accepted.

The award provides the recipient with annual salary support (up to the current Federal salary limit) for 25 percent to 50 percent effort, plus fringe benefits. The award also provides $25,000 per year in research-related expenses. It is expected that most applicants for the K05 award will request 5 years of funding; requests for K05 support must be for at least 3 years. The K05 award is renewable one time and for up to an additional 5-year period. The total amount of funds and the number of K05 grants awarded will depend upon the quality of applications as determined by the peer review process, their costs, and available funds.
http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PAR-05-145.html

POSITIONS AVAILABLE

To apply for either position below, submit application or resume to the University Job Center or contact Melissa Daufelt at cchr@umn.edu or Masonic Cancer Center, MMC 806, 420 Delaware St. SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455.

Proposal Coordinator

(Job Class 8201, Requisition 131641)

A position is available for coordination and production of grant applications by faculty directly supported by the Masonic Cancer Center. Job responsibilities include: 50% — Initial submittals (NIH and other federal agencies, foundations, industry and internal applications); 10% — Continuation applications; 25% — Cancer Center Support Grant and other multi-project competitive and non-competitive applications; 5% — Oversee Grant Opportunities announcements and web section; 5% — Coordinate internal grants programs; 5% — Identify, develop and supervise staff and tools required to facilitate grant application process.

Required qualifications: Bachelor's degree in Business Administration or a related field and one year of administrative experience, or a combination of education and relevant administrative experience to total five years.

Preferred qualifications: Demonstrated excellent communication skills in both written and verbal formats, demonstrated ability to develop & implement a timeline / work plan, demonstrated ability to work efficiently and in a timely manner, extensive organizational skills. Experience with leadership. Contact Melissa Daufelt to request a complete job description.

Community Program Associate

(Job Class 8316, Requisition 131394)

A Community Program Associate position is available working in Cancer Center Outreach. Job responsibilities include: 30% Provide outreach to organizations within and outside of the Twin Cities Metro area to generate interest in Cancer Plan Minnesota and recruit members for the comprehensive cancer control (CCC) partnership; 20% Provide lead staff support for coordinating Annual CCC Summit and other educational programs as needed; 20% Serve on the CCC Partnership core team and provide staff support for one or more Action Teams and/or committees; 15% Serve as Cancer Center liaison to statewide CCC partnership; provide staff support to Cancer Center members working with the partnership and its committees; 10% Engage stakeholders within the Masonic Cancer Center to participate in activities to implement Cancer Plan Minnesota; 5% Develop flyers, materials and presentations to support and promote the CCC partnership and Cancer Plan Minnesota.

Qualifications: Master's degree in health-related field such as Public Health, Nursing, Social Services or Health Education and a minimum of 2 years experience in developing, organizing and delivering community health education and outreach programs to diverse groups, and coordinating complex health- related programs. Additional equivalent work experience may be substituted for the degree. This position requires excellent written and oral communication skills for lay and medical professional audiences, the ability to work independently and as a member of a team, and knowledge of software such as MS Word, Excel, and Power Point. Applicants must have access to reliable transportation as this position requires travel within Minnesota, including locations not accessible via bus routes. Cancer-related experience preferred. Additional years of experience preferred. Applicants with current licensure to practice as a Registered Nurse may be eligible for hire in Nursing Professional classification, job code 3522.