The National Cancer Institute (NCI) Transition Career Development Award (K22) aims to assist early-stage cancer researchers in transitioning from mentored, non-independent roles to independent faculty positions in cancer research. This program provides three years of financial support for eligible individuals, focusing on developing their research skills and generating preliminary data for future grant applications, such as the NIH R01. The program seeks to encourage new independent investigators who can make significant contributions to cancer research, with an emphasis on preparing them for independent roles in academic or equivalent research institutions.

The K22 award offers salary support of up to $100,000 per year, along with up to $50,000 annually for research development costs, which may cover tuition, supplies, technical support, and travel for research purposes. These funds are intended to support the transition period as candidates establish their research programs. To be eligible, candidates must secure a tenure-track faculty position or its equivalent within 12 months of receiving a Letter of Intent to Commit Funds from NCI. Candidates must be in a non-independent, mentored research position with 2-8 years of postdoctoral cancer research experience and must not have held independent faculty positions or significant grants previously.

Applicants may propose research projects with or without clinical trial components. For projects involving clinical trials, applicants should demonstrate their capacity for trial management, data handling, and methodological rigor. Application requirements include a detailed research plan aligned with career development goals, a data management plan, and an institution's commitment to the candidate's development as an independent investigator. Applications must include reference letters from senior scientists attesting to the candidate's potential.

The review process evaluates applicants based on scientific merit, prior training, productivity, commitment to cancer research, and the proposed research plan’s suitability for career development. Reviewers assess factors such as research significance, feasibility, and innovation, along with the candidate’s potential to establish a productive research career. Institutional support is critical and must include a commitment to providing resources such as lab space, salary, and mentorship necessary for the candidate’s growth as an independent investigator.

Eligible institutions include higher education institutions, various non-profit organizations, and federal entities (though NIH intramural laboratories may only participate under specific conditions). Applicants must submit their proposals through Grants.gov, observing standard NIH submission protocols. Required registrations include SAM, eRA Commons, and Grants.gov, and applicants should plan well in advance to complete these prerequisites.

Applications are accepted on NIH standard due dates through 2027, with the next deadline on June 12, 2024. Selected candidates receive feedback from peer reviews, with potential funding beginning as early as April 2025. This award has no cost-sharing requirement but encourages institutional support to enhance the project's success.