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NCI Pathway to Independence Award for Early-Stage Postdoctoral Researchers (K99/R00 - Independent Clinical Trial Not Allowed)

Federal funding opportunity PAR-23-286 from National Institutes of Health (Department of Health and Human Services).

Apply on Grants.gov →Application closes October 14, 2026

Posted: November 8, 2023
Closes: October 14, 2026
Cost sharing: No
Instrument: Grant
Assistance listing: 93.398
Category: Education, Health
Archives: November 19, 2026

Program funding history

Awards made under Assistance Listing 93.398 across FY2024–FY2026, from public federal spending records.

FY2024 obligated: $216.8M
FY2025 obligated: $202.6M
FY2026 (to date) obligated: $131.5M
Awards in window: 2,746

Top recipients: Sloan-kettering Institute for Cancer Research, The General Hospital Corporation, The Univeristy of Texas M.d. Anderson Cancer Center, Dana-farber Cancer Institute, Inc., The Johns Hopkins University

Source: USAspending.gov · refreshed August 2026

Synopsis

The purpose of the NCI Pathway to Independence Award for Early-Stage Postdoctoral Researchers (K99/R00) program is to increase and maintain a strong cohort of new and talented, NCI-supported, independent investigators. This program is designed for postdoctoral fellows with research and/or clinical doctoral degrees who do not require an extended period of mentored research training beyond their doctoral degrees. The objective of this award is to facilitate a timely transition of these fellows from their mentored, postdoctoral research positions to independent tenure-track (or equivalent) faculty positions. The program will provide independent NCI research support during this transition to help awardees to launch competitive, independent research careers. Researchers in the scientific areas of cancer control, cancer prevention and cancer data sciences are especially encouraged to work with their institutions to apply. This Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) is designed specifically for candidates proposing research that does not involve leading an independent clinical trial, a clinical trial feasibility study, or an ancillary clinical trial. Under this NOFO candidates are permitted to propose a research experience in a clinical trial led by a mentor or co-mentor. Those proposing a clinical trial or an ancillary clinical trial as lead investigator, should apply to the companion NOFOs (PAR-23-287 or PAR-23-288).

Who can apply

Special district governments
Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments)
Independent school districts
Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized)
City or township governments
For profit organizations other than small businesses
Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education
State governments
Small businesses
Others (see text field entitled "Additional Information on Eligibility" for clarification)
Public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities
County governments
Public and State controlled institutions of higher education
Nonprofits that do not have a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education
Private institutions of higher education

Other Eligible Applicants include the following: Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions; Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AANAPISISs); Eligible Agencies of the Federal Government; Faith-based or Community-based Organizations; Hispanic-serving Institutions; Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs); Indian/Native American Tribal Governments (Other than Federally Recognized); Non-domestic (non-U.S.) Entities (Foreign Organizations); Regional Organizations; Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs) ; U.S. Territory or Possession; Non-domestic (non-U.S.) Entities (Foreign Institutions) are not eligible to apply. Non-domestic (non-U.S.) components of U.S. Organizations are not eligible to apply. Foreign components, as defined in the NIH Grants Policy Statement, are allowed.

How to apply

Applications go through the official government listing. Grants Radar links you straight to the source — applying is free.

View on Grants.gov Full announcement

Agency contact: National Institutes of Health · [email protected] · 301-402-2541

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