The National Cancer Institute (NCI) Pathway to Independence K99/R00 Award supports postdoctoral researchers as they transition from mentored training to independent, tenure-track or equivalent faculty positions in cancer research.
This PAR-25-135 mechanism is specifically for candidates whose proposed research does not involve leading an independent clinical trial. The award provides up to five years of combined support, including a mentored K99 phase of up to two years followed by an independent R00 phase of up to three years. The next application deadline is October 14, 2026.
Eligibility Criteria
- Applicants must hold a clinical or research doctoral degree, such as PhD, MD, DO, DDS, DMD, DVM, ScD, PharmD, or equivalent.
- Applicants may have no more than 6 years of postdoctoral research experience by the relevant application deadline.
- Candidates must require at least 12 months of additional mentored research and career development before transitioning to independence.
- Candidates must devote at least 75% of full-time professional effort, equivalent to 9 person-months, to research and career development.
- There is no U.S. citizenship requirement; eligible non-U.S. citizens may apply.
- Applicants with temporary U.S. visas must have visa status allowing them to complete both the K99 and R00 phases at eligible U.S. institutions.
- Applicants must identify an appropriate primary mentor with relevant research expertise and resources.
Funding Details
- Total project period: Up to 5 years.
- K99 mentored phase: Up to 2 years.
- R00 independent phase: Up to 3 years.
- K99 salary support: Up to $100,000 per year, plus applicable fringe benefits.
- K99 research development support: Up to $30,000 per year.
- R00 funding: Up to $249,000 in total costs per year.
Deadline
- Next application deadline: October 14, 2026.
- Applications are due by 5:00 PM local time of the applicant organization.
- Scientific merit review: March 2027.
- Advisory Council review: May 2027.
- Earliest start date: July 2027.
Further Information
- The R00 institution must provide sufficient protected research time, space, resources, salary support, and start-up support comparable to that provided to other newly hired independent investigators.
- Candidates must continue to devote at least 75% effort to research during the R00 phase.
- Official NIH program page: View PAR-25-135
- Simpler.Grants.gov: View the funding opportunity