NCI Pathway to Independence Award (K99/R00 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)

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Description

This opportunity, administered by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) at NIH, is designed to help outstanding postdoctoral researchers with a research and/or clinical doctorate transition from mentored, postdoctoral positions to independent, tenure-track (or equivalent) faculty positions. The award provides up to five years of support in two phases: an initial mentored phase (K99) and a subsequent independent phase (R00). The program aims to foster the development of competitive, independent research programs in areas relevant to the NCI mission, including cancer biology, prevention, treatment, diagnosis, survivorship, and outcomes research.

Note: This funding opportunity does not allow applicants to lead independent clinical trials, but gaining experience in a clinical trial led by a mentor is permitted.

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Due Dates

• June 17, 2025: New, Renewal, Resubmission, Revision
• October 15, 2025: New, Renewal, Resubmission, Revision
• June 15, 2026: New, Renewal, Resubmission, Revision
• October 14, 2026: New, Renewal, Resubmission, Revision
• June 15, 2027: New, Renewal, Resubmission, Revision
• October 14, 2027: New, Renewal, Resubmission, Revision

All applications are due by 5:00 PM local time of the applicant organization.

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Funding Amount

• K99 Phase (Mentored):

  • Up to 2 years
  • Up to $100,000/year for salary
  • Up to $30,000/year for research development costs
  • Indirect costs: 8% of modified total direct costs

• R00 Phase (Independent):

  • Up to 3 years
  • Up to $249,000/year (total costs, including salary, fringe, research, and indirect costs)
  • Indirect costs: at the institution’s negotiated rate

• Total Project Period: Maximum 5 years (2 years K99 + 3 years R00)

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Eligibility

• Eligible Individuals:

  • Must have a clinical or research doctorate (e.g., PhD, MD, DO, DDS, DVM, etc.)
  • Must be in a mentored, postdoctoral, non-independent research position (e.g., Postdoctoral Fellow, Research Fellow, Staff Scientist, Instructor)
  • Must have no more than 6 years of postdoctoral research experience at the time of application or resubmission
  • No citizenship requirement (U.S. and non-U.S. citizens eligible)
  • Not eligible if you have held or currently hold an independent research faculty or tenure-track position, or have been a PD/PI on major NIH or equivalent grants

• Eligible Organizations:

  • U.S. public or private institutions of higher education
  • Nonprofits (with or without 501(c)(3) status)
  • For-profit organizations (including small businesses)
  • State, local, and tribal governments
  • NIH Intramural Programs (K99 phase only)
  • Foreign organizations and non-U.S. components of U.S. organizations are not eligible to apply; however, foreign components as defined by NIH policy are allowed

• Other Requirements:

  • Must have a primary mentor with a strong track record in research and mentoring
  • Must commit at least 75% full-time professional effort (9 person-months) to research and career development during both phases

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Application Process

• Application Guide: Follow the NIH Career Development (K) Application Guide (Forms Version H)

• Submission: Applications must be submitted electronically via Grants.gov using ASSIST, institutional S2S, or Grants.gov Workspace

• Reference Letters: Required and must be submitted via eRA Commons by the application due date

• Required Registrations: Applicant organizations must be registered in SAM, eRA Commons, and Grants.gov; PD/PI must have an eRA Commons account and ORCID iD

• Key Attachments:

  • Candidate’s background, career goals, and career development plan
  • Research plan spanning both K99 and R00 phases
  • Mentor’s statement and biosketch
  • Institutional commitment letter
  • Data Management and Sharing Plan

• Review Criteria: Emphasis on candidate’s potential for independence, quality of career development plan, research plan, mentor’s qualifications, and institutional environment

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Additional Information

• Clinical Trials: Applicants may not propose to lead an independent clinical trial, but may gain experience in a trial led by a mentor.
• Transition to R00 Phase: Requires securing an independent, tenure-track (or equivalent) faculty position and NCI approval.
• Extensions: One-year extension for childbirth within the 6-year eligibility window is available; other well-justified leave may be excluded from the 6-year limit.
• No cost sharing required.
• See the full funding announcement for detailed requirements and instructions.

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External Links

• Full Funding Opportunity Announcement (PAR-25-135)
• NCI K99/R00 Program Page
• NIH Career Development (K) Application Guide (PDF)
• NIH Data Management and Sharing Policy
• NIH Grants Policy Statement

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Contact Information

For additional details, see Section VII. Agency Contacts in the full announcement.

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