Request for Applications

Application deadline: November 15, 2026, by 11:59 p.m. EST

Wake Forest University School of Medicine is now accepting applications for the 2027 Qualitative Training Institute for Enhancing Cancer Research (CancerQTI), a hybrid skills development program designed to strengthen the use of rigorous, state-of-the-science qualitative methods in cancer research.

CancerQTI, funded by NCI (R25CA302442), consists of three virtual sessions, followed by an intensive weeklong, in-person training course in Winston-Salem, NC from April 5–9, 2027, and five months of structured group mentorship designed to support skill development and practical application.

Participants will engage in hands-on learning, receive mentorship from experts in qualitative methods and cancer research, and apply skills directly to their own research projects.

CancerQTI provides clinician scientists and oncology researchers with the foundational knowledge and applied skills needed to integrate qualitative methodological approaches into research across the cancer care continuum, including prevention, screening, treatment, rehabilitation, and survivorship.

The program aims to expand the use of high-quality qualitative research methods to better understand patient experiences, inform intervention design, and enhance the overall impact of cancer research programs.

Through this cancer specific training experience, participants will develop the capacity to design, conduct, and apply a qualitative study in ways that improve research relevance and ultimately contribute to better outcomes for cancer patients and their families.

CancerQTI is funded by the National Cancer Institute (R25CA302442). Travel, lodging, and per diem are all included for accepted applicants.

Join our Informational Webinar

October 13, 2026 at 12 p.m. EST

CancerQTI Program Consisting of Four Components

Virtual Pre-Sessions

Three synchronous (live) 60 to 90-minute virtual sessions via Microsoft Teams.

Session 1: Week of March 15 - 19, 2027; day and time to be determined
Session 2: Week of March 22 - 26, 2027; day and time to be determined
Session 3: Week of March 29 - April 2, 2027; day and time to be determined

Note: Although synchronous participation is strongly encouraged, these sessions will be recorded and can be viewed asynchronously.

In-Person Intensive Training

A five-day in-person intensive training to be held at the Graylyn Estate April 5 – 9, 2027 in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.

Note: CancerQTI's intensive training is best experienced in person and in-person attendance is strongly encouraged. However, virtual participation may be allowed based on extenuating circumstances.

Group Mentoring

Monthly 60- to 90-minute virtual group mentoring sessions for five months with a CancerQTI faculty mentor matched to participants' research interests

Training Evaluation

Assessments to document knowledge of and confidence in qualitative research methods will be conducted at the beginning and end of the program.
Evaluations of each component of the program will be conducted throughout the program.
One 30-minute interview within three months of program completion and annual reporting of scholarly products resulting from CancerQTI training for up to 5 years following program completion.

Program Eligibility

We invite applicants who:

Have completed an MD, DO, PhD, DrPH, or another research- or health-related doctoral degree. Postdoctoral trainees, residents, fellows, and faculty members at any rank will be considered eligible.
Have a current project or research concept that uses qualitative methods.
Are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident of the United States.
Are willing to complete all components of the training program.

Training Topics Included

Introduction to qualitative methods	Data collection environments	Coding and codebook development
Rigor in qualitative research	Interviewing skills	Qualitative data analysis software
Data collection methods	Cancer-related stigma	Code summaries and theme development
Assessment tool development	Focus group moderation	Mixed-methods study design and analysis
Sampling and recruitment	Documentation and data management	Disseminating qualitative findings
Research with patients and families facing serious illnesses	Analytic approaches
Rapid analysis techniques	Grant writing for qualitative studies

Application Requirements

Applicants must submit:

A current curriculum vitae.
Personal statement (2 pages max) describing your career goals in cancer research, how participation in this program will support those goals, and why the training is important for your professional development. Please also describe any previous qualitative research training or experience, if applicable. Prior qualitative training is not required.
An NIH-style Specific Aims page (1 page max) for an existing or proposed research project that uses qualitative methods to address a cancer-related research question. Projects may also include quantitative methods; however, at least one aim must incorporate qualitative methods.

Evaluation Criteria

Meeting the eligibility criteria
Describing goals that align with the training program and interest in and need for the qualitative training program
Demonstrating a cancer-related research project or research idea that incorporates qualitative methods
Agreement to participate fully in all program elements

Program Logistics

Virtual sessions will be held live through Microsoft Teams. The in-person training will be held at Graylyn Estate and Conference Center in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, from April 5-9, 2027.

Program acceptance includes costs for the in-person intensive training, including:

Travel reimbursement to Winston-Salem of up to $2,000
Lodging at Graylyn Estate
Breakfast and lunch each day
Up to $60 per diem for dinner and other incidentals

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a cost for CancerQTI?

CancerQTI is fully supported by the National Cancer Institute (R25CA302442). Travel, lodging, and per diem are all included for accepted participants.

Do I need to have an existing dataset?

You do not need any qualitative data already collected to participate in CancerQTI. The program utilizes several example research projects to help you learn in lieu of your own data.

Do I need institutional approval to attend?

Participants should ensure that they have sufficient time and institutional support to participate in all required components of the program.

What level of qualitative experience is expected?

CancerQTI is designed for researchers with little to no experience with qualitative research methods.

Can I apply to CancerQTI if I am not a U.S. citizen or permanent resident of the United States?

In accordance with requirements of the award, participant support costs should be used for the training of individuals who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents of the U.S. Applicants selected for participation in the training will need to confirm eligibility.

How many researchers will be invited to participate in CancerQTI?

Up to 25 cancer researchers will be accepted to participate in CancerQTI each year.

Can I apply with a project that is still in the idea or design phase?

Yes, although an NIH-style Specific Aims page is required as part of the CancerQTI application, so your project must be thought out enough to write this document. You can apply with a project that has not yet started or one that is in progress.

What if my research is not specifically cancer research but is cancer-adjacent?

To be eligible for CancerQTI, your research topic can focus on any area of the cancer care continuum, including prevention, screening, treatment, rehabilitation, and survivorship. This includes research on cancer risk factors such as obesity, nutrition, tobacco, alcohol, etc.

Who leads CancerQTI?

This training program is led by the Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Comprehensive Cancer Center's Qualitative and Patient-Reported Outcomes (Q-PRO) Shared Resource, under the direction of Erin Sutfin, PhD. For more information, visit: Qualitative and Patient-Reported Outcomes - Comprehensive Cancer Center Shared Resource | Wake Forest University School of Medicine.

When will I hear back about my application?

All applicants will be notified about the status of their application by early January, 2027. Accepted applicants will need to confirm their intent to participate in the program by mid-February, 2027.

Can I participate in part or all of CancerQTI virtually?

CancerQTI’s intensive training is best experienced in person and is strongly encouraged. However, virtual participation may be allowed based on circumstances. Please indicate your need for virtual participation in your application.

How will I be paired with a CancerQTI faculty mentor?

CancerQTI faculty members have expertise in qualitative research and across NCI’s cancer care continuum, including etiology, prevention, detection and diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship. Mentees will be assigned a mentor based on where their research falls along this continuum.

What is the expected time commitment for CancerQTI?

Participants will be expected to participate in (1) three 60 to 90-minute virtual pre-sessions over the course of the three weeks prior to the in-person intensive training; (2) the five-day in-person intensive training; (3) monthly mentoring virtual meetings for 5 months post training; (4) one 30-minute evaluation interview post program completion; and (5) annual reporting of scholarly output.

Will I receive feedback on my study design, instruments, or analysis?

There is time built into each day of the in-person intensive training for group meetings with CancerQTI faculty mentors, which may allow feedback on your project. You may also receive feedback on your project during the monthly mentoring sessions with CancerQTI faculty.

What happens if I cannot attend all the virtual pre-sessions?

While live participation is encouraged, virtual pre-sessions will also be available via recordings for those who are unable to attend.

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