The National Cancer Institute (NCI) Research Specialist Award (R50) is a funding opportunity designed to support laboratory-based scientists engaged in cancer research within NCI-funded projects. The R50 Award specifically targets experienced laboratory scientists who wish to pursue research in the context of an existing program without becoming independent investigators. The primary objective is to secure stable career paths for these scientists, whose contributions to NCI-funded basic, translational, clinical, or population science research are essential to the broader biomedical research enterprise.

Eligible applicants are laboratory-based research specialists with a record of significant research contributions, including those in roles requiring extensive expertise in specialized areas such as bioinformatics, biochemistry, and data science. Applicants must have an advanced degree in biomedical science or engineering and at least two years of experience supporting an NCI-funded project led by a Unit Director, who also serves as the Program Director/Principal Investigator (PD/PI) for the associated NCI grant. Both the research specialist and Unit Director must be employed at a U.S.-based institution, which must include an established NCI-funded laboratory where the research specialist contributes to cancer research efforts.

This award provides up to five years of salary support based on the level of effort (minimum of six person-months) the research specialist dedicates to NCI-funded research. Additionally, up to $2,500 per year is available for travel to conferences and meetings relevant to the research focus. No separate funds for other research expenses are provided through this award; these expenses must be covered by the Unit Director’s NCI grant. The award is structured to enable research specialists to transition to other NCI-funded projects or institutions, subject to NCI approval, in case of laboratory or institutional changes.

Application submission requires a comprehensive proposal including a Research Strategy document detailing the research program that the specialist supports, their role within the program, and their professional accomplishments. The Unit Director must provide a letter of support confirming the research specialist’s contributions, commitment to the NCI research program, and demonstrating adequate NCI-funded resources for continued project support. Additionally, at least three recommendation letters from other program directors or PIs are required to endorse the specialist’s qualifications and achievements in cancer research.

To ensure compliance, applicants must submit materials via NIH-approved portals (e.g., ASSIST, Grants.gov Workspace), and adherence to the SF424 (R&R) Application Guide is mandatory. Applications will be evaluated based on criteria including the significance of the research program, the research specialist’s accomplishments and fit within the program, innovation in the research contributions, and the institutional support for sustained NCI-funded work. The review process includes a scientific merit review and secondary assessment by the National Cancer Advisory Board, with final award decisions based on scientific merit, available funds, and program priorities.

Key dates include an annual application deadline each November through 2025, with earliest start dates for awards set for the following July. For renewal applications, a progress report is required that summarizes achievements, innovations, and contributions to the NCI-funded program during the prior funding period. Applications missing required documentation or not meeting program requirements will not be reviewed.