NCI Pathway to Independence Award (K99/R00 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)

Background
The NCI Pathway to Independence Award (K99/R00) program, issued by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) under the National Institutes of Health (NIH), aims to facilitate the transition of talented postdoctoral researchers with a research and/or clinical doctorate degree from mentored positions to independent faculty roles.

The program provides independent NIH research support during this transition, helping awardees launch competitive, independent research careers. This funding opportunity is specifically for candidates proposing research that does not involve leading an independent clinical trial.

Grant Details
The K99/R00 award consists of two phases:

- The K99 phase provides up to 2 years of mentored postdoctoral research training and career development.
- The R00 phase offers up to 3 years of independent research support contingent on satisfactory progress during the K99 phase and acceptance of a tenure-track or equivalent faculty position.

Candidates must propose a well-conceived plan for 1-2 years of substantive mentored research and career development. The proposed project should be highly relevant to NCI's mission, including areas such as cancer biology, prevention, treatment, diagnosis, prognosis, control, population sciences, survivorship, and outcomes research.

The total project period may not exceed 5 years.

Eligibility Requirements
Eligible applicants include individuals with no more than 6 years of postdoctoral research experience at the time of application who are in mentored postdoctoral training positions. Candidates must hold a clinical or research doctorate (e.g., PhD, MD).

Individuals who have previously held an independent faculty position or have been independent PIs on NIH grants are not eligible. There is no citizenship requirement; both U.S. citizens and non-citizens may apply.

Period of Performance
The total project period may not exceed 5 years, with the K99 phase lasting up to 2 years and the R00 phase lasting up to 3 years.

Grant Value
NCI will contribute up to $100,000 per year toward the salary of the candidate during the K99 phase and up to $249,000 per year during the R00 phase for salary and other program-related expenses.

Place of Performance
The grant will be performed at institutions that can provide appropriate mentoring and resources for candidates pursuing cancer-related research.