The NCI Pathway to Independence Award (K99/R00) supports exceptional early‑stage postdoctoral researchers transitioning from mentored postdoctoral training to an independent, tenure‑track (or equivalent) faculty position. This posting notes that only two scientific areas remain open for this cycle: Cancer Data Science and Molecular/Precision Cancer Prevention. The award combines a mentored K99 phase with an independent R00 phase, designed to accelerate independence for highly promising researchers.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Must be in a mentored, postdoctoral training position at the time of application (if independence is achieved before award, neither K99 nor R00 will be issued).
- Must have no more than 2 years of postdoctoral research experience as of the application due date.
Funding Details:
- Total project period: up to 5 years (combined phases).
- Mentored Phase (K99):
- Up to $100,000 per year for salary
- Up to $30,000 per year for research development costs
- Indirect costs capped at 8%
- Independent Phase (R00):
- Up to $249,000 total costs per year
- Institutional indirect cost policy applies (per posting)
- Intent: support transition into an independent faculty role with resources for both training and launch of an independent program.
Deadline:
- Internal submission deadline: Tuesday, February 3, 2026.
- Sponsor (NIH) deadline: Tuesday, February 17, 2026.
- Anticipated award start date: December 2026.
- Internal note: nomination approvals may be first‑come, first‑served due to imminent deadline (per posting).
Where to go for further information: