NCI Pathway to Independence Award (K99/R00 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)
NCI's K99/R00 award helps postdocs with doctorates transition to independent faculty positions by providing research support, but doesn't allow clinical trials.
Funder: National Institutes of Health
Due Dates: June 17, 2025 (New/Renewal/Resubmission) | October 15, 2025 (New/Renewal/Resubmission) | June 15, 2026 (New/Renewal/Resubmission) | October 14, 2026 (New/Renewal/Resubmission) | June 15, 2027 (New/Renewal/Resubmission) | October 14, 2027 (New/Renewal/Resubmission)
Funding Amounts: K99 phase: up to $100,000/year salary + $30,000/year research costs (up to 2 years); R00 phase: up to $249,000/year total costs (up to 3 years); max 5 years total.
Summary: Supports postdoctoral researchers in transitioning from mentored positions to independent, tenure-track (or equivalent) faculty roles in cancer research; clinical trials not allowed.
Key Information: Applicants must have ≤6 years postdoc experience and be in mentored, non-independent positions; no citizenship requirement; clinical trial leadership not permitted.
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.
