NCI Research Specialist (Laboratory-based Scientist) Award (R50 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)

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Description

This opportunity supports laboratory-based scientists seeking stable, long-term research careers within the context of existing National Cancer Institute (NCI)-funded cancer research programs. The award is designed for exceptional, non-tenure track researchers who contribute significantly to NCI-funded basic, translational, clinical, or population science cancer research, but do not serve as independent investigators. The goal is to provide salary support and professional autonomy, reducing dependence on the grant funding of others and fostering career continuity for highly skilled research staff.

The award is not intended for those seeking to become independent investigators, but rather for those who wish to continue making substantial contributions as part of a research team. Clinical trials are not permitted under this funding opportunity.

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Due Dates

• Letter of Intent: October 4, 2025 (30 days prior to application deadline; optional but encouraged)
• Application Deadline: November 3, 2025 (by 5:00 PM local time of applicant organization)
• Expiration Date: November 4, 2025

Applicants are encouraged to apply early to allow time for corrections.

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Funding Amount

• Salary Support: Commensurate with the applicant’s level of effort (minimum 6 person-months per year) on NCI-funded research grants.
• Travel: Up to $2,500 per year for research meetings/conferences.
• Project Period: Up to 5 years.
• Research Expenses: Not covered; must be supported by other sources (e.g., R01, P01, P50 grants).

The number of awards is contingent on NIH appropriations and the submission of a sufficient number of meritorious applications.

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Eligibility

• Eligible Individuals:

  • Must be laboratory-based, non-tenure track scientists (e.g., staff scientists, core facility leaders).
  • Must have an advanced degree (e.g., PhD, MD, DVM, DDS, or equivalent) in biomedical science or engineering.
  • Must have contributed to the Unit Director’s NCI-funded research for at least the previous 2 years.
  • Must have a full-time, non-tenure track position at an eligible institution.
  • Must not have held or applied for independent investigator grant support (e.g., R00, R01, R03, R21, R43, R44) within the past 5 years.

• Eligible Institutions:

  • U.S.-based higher education institutions (public or private)
  • Nonprofits (with or without 501(c)(3) status)
  • For-profit organizations (including small businesses)
  • State, local, and tribal governments
  • Independent school districts, public housing authorities, and certain other organizations

• Ineligible:

  • Foreign institutions and non-U.S. components of U.S. organizations
  • Clinical trials

• Unit Director Requirements:

  • Must be the PD/PI of an NCI-funded research grant with at least 1 full funding year remaining at the time of award.
  • Must have an established working relationship with the Research Specialist.

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Application Process

• Letter of Intent: Optional, but helps NCI plan the review process. Should include project title, applicant and key personnel names, institutions, and funding opportunity number. Email to Kelly Crotty, Ph.D. (Kelly.crotty@nih.gov).
• Application Submission: Use NIH ASSIST, Grants.gov Workspace, or institutional system-to-system solutions.
• Required Registrations: SAM, eRA Commons, Grants.gov (can take 6+ weeks).
• Application Components:
  • No Specific Aims section.
  • Research Strategy describing the applicant’s role and contributions to the NCI-funded program.
  • Letters of Support:
    • From the Unit Director (detailing research program, funding, and applicant’s role).
    • At least three letters of recommendation from other PDs/PIs.
  • NIH Biosketches for both the applicant and Unit Director.
  • Budget for salary and travel only.
• Review Criteria: Emphasis on applicant’s accomplishments, role in the research program, and commitment from the Unit Director.

For full instructions, see the NIH Application Guide and the funding announcement.

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Additional Information

• The Research Specialist must maintain at least 6 person-months of effort on NCI-funded research grants throughout the award.
• The award is portable with NCI approval if the Research Specialist moves to another eligible NCI-funded program.
• The R50 must be relinquished if the recipient obtains independent investigator grant support.
• No research expenses are provided; only salary and travel are covered.
• Applications missing required letters of support or biosketches will not be reviewed.

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External Links

• Full Funding Opportunity Announcement (PAR-23-242)
• NIH Application Guide
• NCI Research Specialist Award (R50) Overview
• Grants.gov Opportunity Listing

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Contact Information

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