NCI Pathway to Independence Award for Early-Stage Postdoctoral Researchers (K99/R00 - Independent Clinical Trial Not Allowed)
Program supporting early-stage postdoctoral researchers in transitioning to independent faculty positions, providing NCI research support. Researchers in cancer control, prevention, and data sciences encouraged to apply. Clinical trial involvement allowed as co-lead, but not as independent lead investigator.
Funder: National Institutes of Health
Due Dates: June 16, 2025 | October 14, 2025 | February 17, 2026 | June 15, 2026 | October 14, 2026
Funding Amounts: Up to $100,000/year (K99 phase, salary) + $30,000/year (research costs); up to $249,000/year (R00 phase, total costs); max 5 years (2 years K99, 3 years R00)
Summary: Supports early-stage postdocs in cancer research to transition rapidly to independent, tenure-track faculty positions; clinical trial leadership not allowed.
Key Information: Each institution may nominate only one candidate per scientific area per cycle; strict 2-year postdoc eligibility window; no independent clinical trials permitted.
Description
This program, administered by the National Cancer Institute (NCI), is designed to help early-stage postdoctoral researchers in cancer-related fields transition quickly to independent, tenure-track (or equivalent) faculty positions. The award provides up to 2 years of mentored postdoctoral support (K99 phase) followed by up to 3 years of independent research support (R00 phase) upon securing a qualifying faculty position. The program is specifically for candidates who do not require extended mentored training and are ready to launch independent research careers in areas such as cancer control, prevention, and data sciences.
Note: This opportunity does not allow applicants to lead independent clinical trials. However, candidates may propose research experiences within clinical trials led by their mentor or co-mentor.
