NCI Pathway to Independence Award for Early-Stage Postdoctoral Researchers
National Cancer Institute (NCI), National Institutes of Health (NIH)
Up to $100,000 per year for the K99 phase and up to $249,000 per year for the R00 phase.
Total project period may not exceed 5 years.
To increase and maintain a strong cohort of new and talented, NCI-supported, independent investigators.
Facilitate timely transition from mentored postdoctoral positions to independent faculty positions.
Early-stage postdoctoral researchers in cancer-related fields.
Institutions supporting these researchers.
Part of NIH's efforts to foster the transition of new investigators to research independence.
Federal funding from the National Institutes of Health.
Grant mechanism.
Addresses the need for independent researchers in cancer research.
Recurring grant opportunity with multiple application deadlines.
Higher Education Institutions
Public/State Controlled Institutions of Higher Education
Private Institutions of Higher Education
Nonprofits (with and without 501(c)(3) status)
For-Profit Organizations
Governments (State, County, City, Tribal)
Other (e.g., Independent School Districts, Public Housing Authorities)
Candidates must have a clinical or research doctorate (PhD, MD, etc.).
Not specified.
U.S. institutions are eligible; foreign institutions are not.
Candidates must have no more than 2 years of postdoctoral research experience.
Not specified.
Encouragement for recruiting individuals from underrepresented groups as mentors.
Not specified.
The applicant institution must have a strong record of research and career development activities.
Cancer control, cancer prevention, and cancer data sciences.
Biomedical, behavioral, and clinical research.
Early-stage postdoctoral researchers.
U.S.-based institutions only.
Research involving leading independent clinical trials is not allowed.
Transition to independent tenure-track faculty positions.
Research must align with NCI's mission.
Enhancement of research capabilities in cancer-related fields.
K99 phase supports up to 2 years of mentored training; R00 phase supports up to 3 years of independent research.
Not specified.
Candidates must have a strong background in biomedical, behavioral, or clinical research.
The institution must provide sufficient research support and facilities.
Candidates must identify a mentor with relevant expertise.
Not specified.
Research must be scientifically sound and significant.
Applications must follow the SF424 (R&R) Application Guide.
Not specified.
Not specified.
Not specified.
Not specified.
Not specified.
Must comply with NIH Grants Policy Statement.
K99 phase: up to $100,000 per year; R00 phase: up to $249,000 per year.
Salary and research-related expenses are eligible; salary for mentors is not allowed.
Not specified.
Not specified.
Not specified.
Must comply with NIH Grants Policy Statement.
Not specified.
Not specified.
Not required.
8% for K99 phase; R00 phase reimbursed at the institution’s indirect cost rate.
Not specified.
Not specified.
Earliest submission date: January 14, 2024.
Multiple application deadlines until October 14, 2026.
Total project period may not exceed 5 years.
K99 phase supports up to 2 years; R00 phase supports up to 3 years.
Annual progress reports required.
Transition to independent faculty position by the end of the K99 phase.
Evaluation of progress during the K99 phase.
Continuous transition from K99 to R00 phases.
Limited exceptions may be possible.
Must include a detailed career development plan.
Annual evaluations by mentors.
Not specified.
Must comply with NIH Grants Policy Statement.
Not specified.
Not specified.
Not specified.
Must adhere to ethical standards in research.
Not specified.
Not specified.
Not specified.
Not specified.
Must comply with NIH reporting requirements.
Not specified.
Must comply with federal regulations.
Institutional nomination letter, project summary, budget information, and mentor statements.
Applications must be submitted electronically via Grants.gov.
Applications evaluated based on scientific merit and potential for independent research.
Applications undergo peer review and advisory council review.
Focus on candidates' potential for independent research careers.
Candidates are encouraged to confirm eligibility with NCI.
Use NIH ASSIST or Grants.gov Workspace for submission.
Mentor statements and letters of support from collaborators.
Not specified.
Contact NCI for assistance.
Resubmissions allowed under specific conditions.
Focus on early-stage postdoctoral researchers.
Limited to candidates with minimal postdoctoral experience.
Aligns with NCI's mission to advance cancer research.
Strong mentorship and institutional support are critical.
Encouragement for diversity in mentorship.
Encouraged to propose creative research.
Research must not involve leading independent clinical trials.
Not specified.
Not specified.
Not specified.
Not specified.
Not specified.
Not specified.
Not specified.
Not specified.
Not specified.
Focus on cancer-related research.
Not specified.
Not specified.
Not specified.