The NCI Pathway to Independence Award (K99/R00) provides funding to transition postdoctoral researchers from mentored research positions to independent, tenure-track or equivalent faculty roles. Below is a detailed summary of the funding opportunity.

The program offers up to five years of support divided into two phases: a mentored K99 phase (up to two years) and an independent R00 phase (up to three years). The K99 phase includes up to $100,000 per year for salary and $30,000 annually for research development costs. During the R00 phase, the total annual funding is capped at $249,000, covering salary, research costs, and indirect costs. The program is designed for postdoctoral researchers who require mentored training to prepare for independent research roles, with an emphasis on developing a competitive, innovative research program aligned with the mission of the National Cancer Institute (NCI).

Eligibility requires applicants to have a research or clinical doctorate (e.g., PhD, MD) and no more than six years of postdoctoral research experience at the time of application. Applicants must currently hold mentored positions (e.g., postdoctoral fellow, research fellow) and may not have held an independent research or tenure-track faculty position. U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and non-citizens with appropriate visa statuses are eligible. Candidates with experience in cancer biology, prevention, treatment, or related fields are encouraged to apply. Applications must include a detailed research and career development plan, mentor commitment, and institutional support documentation.

Key dates include application submission deadlines in February, June, and October annually, with reviews conducted in the subsequent months. Applications are submitted electronically through NIH ASSIST or Grants.gov. Applicants must be registered in SAM.gov, eRA Commons, and have an ORCID ID linked to their eRA Commons account. The program provides additional support to clinician-scientists and encourages individuals from underrepresented groups to apply.

Applications will be evaluated on the candidate's potential to transition to an independent research career, the merit of the research plan, and the quality of mentorship and institutional commitment. Scored criteria include the significance, innovation, and feasibility of the research, as well as the candidate's career development plan. Non-responsive applications include those unrelated to NCI's mission or submitted by individuals in non-mentored, independent positions.

Selected awardees must devote at least 75% of their professional effort to the program. The transition to the R00 phase requires an independent faculty position and a plan to sustain the research beyond the award period. This program aims to equip researchers to secure R01 or equivalent NIH funding and establish impactful, independent careers in cancer research.

For further guidance or specific queries, applicants are encouraged to contact NCI program staff or peer review officers.