The CRI IGNITE Award supports promising postdoctoral researchers as they transition from mentored training to independent research careers in cancer immunology and immunotherapy.
The award combines up to two years of postdoctoral support with up to three additional years of funding after the researcher secures an independent faculty position. The program emphasizes protected research time, mentorship, career development, and institutional support needed to establish a successful independent research program.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Applicants must be in a mentored postdoctoral position at the time of application.
- Applicants should have no more than five years of postdoctoral experience when applying.
- Applicants must commit to at least 12 months of mentored research before transitioning to the independence phase.
- There are no citizenship restrictions.
- The program is intended for researchers pursuing careers relevant to cancer immunology and immunotherapy.
- To enter Phase 2, awardees must first have received support through the IGNITE Foundation Phase.
- Phase 2 applicants must secure and accept a full-time tenure-track Assistant Professor position or equivalent.
Funding Details:
- Maximum combined support: USD 1.05 million over up to five years.
- Phase 1 – Foundation Phase: up to USD 150,000 per year for two years, or USD 300,000 total.
- Phase 1 includes USD 90,000 per year in salary support and USD 60,000 per year for independent research activities.
- Phase 2 – Independence Phase: up to USD 250,000 per year for three years, or USD 750,000 total.
- Phase 2 funding begins after the awardee secures an eligible independent faculty appointment.
- Phase 2 support is contingent on the hiring institution providing an adequate start-up package.
Deadline:
- Application deadline: January 11, 2027, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time.
- Applicants are expected to receive committee decisions approximately 10–12 weeks after the application deadline.
Further Information:
- Applications require a CV and bibliography, research background and accomplishments, selected publications, career goals, and a structured Career Development Plan describing the applicant’s pathway toward research independence.
- Applicants must submit a research plan covering both the mentored and independent phases, including the significance, innovation, approach, expected outcomes, and how Phase 1 research will enable development of an independent program.
- The primary mentor must provide a detailed support statement describing mentorship, professional-development activities, supervision, and plans to help the applicant transition to an independent position.
- Two additional letters of recommendation are required from individuals other than the applicant’s primary mentor, along with mentor biosketches and information on current research support.
- Official program information and application details: Visit the CRI IGNITE Award page for eligibility requirements, application materials, funding details, and access to the application portal.