OCRA’s Early Career Investigator Grant supports junior faculty who are building independent research careers specifically in ovarian and related gynecologic cancers. This grant is designed to help promising investigators transition toward full independence while conducting creative, original, and high-impact research. OCRA intends to prioritize at least one clinician-scientist in this cycle. There are no citizenship restrictions, and researchers worldwide are encouraged to apply. Like the CRDG, applications go through SmartSimple.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Must be at the Assistant Professor level (or equivalent) within 7 years of first academic appointment
- Associate Professors are not eligible
- Investigators with clinical responsibilities: at least 50% of professional time dedicated to ovarian or gynecologic cancer research
- Investigators without clinical responsibilities: at least 75% effort in this research area required
- Must not hold or have had similar early career investigator awards from other funding agencies/foundations
- Must not currently hold, or have previously held, a NIH R01 (or equivalent independent grant)
- No citizenship restrictions; international applicants welcome
- Applicants must be at an accredited university, medical school, or recognized non-profit research institution
- Only one LOI per applicant per grant cycle; cannot currently hold an active OCRA grant
Funding Details:
- Up to $150,000/year for 3 years ($450,000 total)
- Award is made to the PI’s institution
- Anticipated grant start date: February 1, 2027
Deadline:
- LOI deadline: March 25, 2026, 5:00 PM Eastern Time (via SmartSimple — no extensions)
- All applicants notified of LOI status: mid-May 2026
- Full proposals (by invitation only): mid-June 2026
Where to Go for Further Information: