Overview:
VU and VUMC may each submit one application per scientific focus area to the NCI Pathway to Independence Award for Outstanding Early Stage Postdoctoral Researchers (K99/R00) programs. The scientific focus areas are Data Science, Cancer Control Science, and Other Sciences. There are three separate RFAs, which allow different types of proposed research (e.g. basic, clinical): RFA-CA-21-060, RFA-CA-21-061, and RFA-CA-21-062. Each institution may select up to a total of 3 applicants (1/focus area), who may apply to whichever RFAs best suit their research proposals.
The objective of the NCI Pathway to Independence Award is to help outstanding postdoctoral researchers complete needed, mentored career development and transition in a timely manner to independent tenure-track (or equivalent) faculty positions. The K99/R00 award is intended to foster the development of a creative, independent research program that will be competitive for subsequent independent funding and that will help advance the mission of the NCI.
This program is designed for outstanding postdoctoral fellows with research and/or clinical doctoral degrees who do not require extended periods of mentored research career development beyond their original doctoral degrees before transitioning to research independence. Researchers in the scientific areas of data science and cancer control science are especially encouraged to apply.
Individuals must be in mentored, postdoctoral positions to be eligible to apply to the K99/R00 program. The K99/R00 award will provide up to 5 years of support in two phases. The initial (K99) phase will provide support for up to 2 years of mentored postdoctoral research and career development. The second (R00) phase will provide up to 3 years of independent research support, which is contingent on satisfactory progress during the K99 phase and obtaining an approved, independent tenure-track (or equivalent) faculty position.
The award covers up to $100,000 per year toward the salary of the career award recipient, and up to $30,000 per year toward the research development costs of the award recipient.
See solicitations for full program and eligibility details:
- RFA-CA-21-060 – Independent Clinical Trial Not Allowed
- RFA-CA-21-061 – Independent Clinical Trial Required
- RFA-CA-21-062 – Independent Basic Experimental Studies with Humans Required
Internal Application Process:
Anyone interested in being considered to submit a proposal must submit the following materials to InfoReady by 5 p.m. on December 10.
- Brief (2-page maximum) research plan including summary budget;
- Statement of support from department chair/center director;
- NIH Biosketch or up to 5-page CV
An indication of which RFA and scientific focus area (data science, cancer control science, other sciences) you are applying for will be required.
Please email Faith Bishop (faith.t.bishop@vanderbilt.edu) with any questions.
