OpenFederal grantOpen to for-profit businessesPAR-23-287

NCI Pathway to Independence Award for Early-Stage Postdoctoral Researchers (K99/R00 - Independent Clinical Trial Required)

National Institutes of HealthCloses Oct 14, 2026(1 day left)

Does this fit your business?

This is an NIH/NCI career-development award for early-stage postdoctoral researchers with research or clinical doctorates who are transitioning to independent tenure-track faculty positions and will lead an independent clinical trial. It is not a business grant; small-business owners, retailers, manufacturers, and construction firms should not bother applying. The award sponsors an individual candidate through an eligible institution, not a company.

Best for
Early-stage postdoctoral researchers with research or clinical doctorates moving toward tenure-track faculty roles, Cancer research scientists in cancer control, prevention, or data sciences, Researchers planning to lead an independent clinical trial, Institutions able to sponsor a mentored-to-independent transition (universities, nonprofits, small businesses, tribes,)
Not for
Small-business owners looking for operating capital, Researchers not planning to lead an independent clinical trial, Anyone past the postdoc-to-faculty transition stage
Estimated fit by industry, best first
IndustryEstimated fit
Healthcare & BiotechMatches your industry (clinical)
75
Strong Match
Education & TrainingMatches your industry (training)
66
Good Match
Arts & CultureLimit: Closes in 26 days
54
Possible Match
Energy & Clean TechLimit: Closes in 26 days
54
Possible Match
Environment & ConservationLimit: Closes in 26 days
54
Possible Match
Finance & BankingLimit: Closes in 26 days
54
Possible Match
Show all 15 industries
Estimated fit by industry, best first
IndustryEstimated fit
Food & BeverageLimit: Closes in 26 days
54
Possible Match
Housing & Real EstateLimit: Closes in 26 days
54
Possible Match
Social Services & NonprofitLimit: Closes in 26 days
54
Possible Match
Technology & SoftwareLimit: Closes in 26 days
54
Possible Match
Transportation & LogisticsMatches your industry (transit)
54
Possible Match
Agriculture & FarmingLimit: Closes in 26 days
52
Possible Match
ManufacturingLimit: Closes in 26 days
52
Possible Match
Retail & E-CommerceLimit: Closes in 26 days
51
Possible Match
Construction & InfrastructureLimit: Closes in 26 days
50
Possible Match

These are our matcher’s estimates for a typical business in each industry. A real match depends on your size, your state and what you need the money for — check your own fit.

What this funds

Money can be used for
Research, R&D, Training
Who can apply
Small businesses, For-profit companies, Nonprofits, Individuals, State and local governments, Tribal governments and organizations, Colleges and universities, Other applicants (see eligibility)

Questions about this grant

When is the application deadline?
October 14, 2026.
Who can apply for this grant?
The candidate must be an early-stage postdoctoral researcher with a research or clinical doctorate, and the application is submitted by a sponsoring institution such as a university, nonprofit, small business, government, or tribal organization. U.S. entities only; foreign institutions are not eligible, though foreign components of U.S. organizations are allowed.
Can a sole proprietor or single-member LLC apply?
The facts do not say. Small businesses are listed as eligible applicants, but the notice does not break down business structures like sole proprietorships or single-member LLCs.
Can a nonprofit apply?
Yes. Nonprofits with or without 501(c)(3) status (other than institutions of higher education) are listed as eligible applicants, and faith-based or community-based organizations are also named.

Summary

NIH/NCI K99/R00 career-development award for early-stage postdoctoral researchers (with research or clinical doctorates) transitioning to independent tenure-track faculty positions; requires the candidate to lead an independent clinical trial. The applicant institution (universities, nonprofits, small businesses, governments, tribes, etc.) sponsors the individual candidate; funds support mentored-

About this grant

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 to serve as the lead investigator of an independent clinical trial, a clinical trial feasibility study, or a separate ancillary clinical trial, as part of their research and career development. Those not planning an independent clinical trial, or proposing to gain research experience in a clinical trial led by another investigator, must apply to the 'Independent Clinical Trial Not Allowed' companion NOFO (PAR-23-286).

Who can apply

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.

Topics and uses of funds

Topics

  • Health
  • Science

Program contact

National Institutes of Healthgrantsinfo@nih.gov301-402-2541

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