Skip to main content
Independent federal grant matching. Not affiliated with any government agency. Get free access and see which open grants fit your organization.
Closed on Oct 14, 2026

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

National Institutes of Health · Opportunity number PAR-23-286

Details summarized from the official notice as of Oct 15, 2026. Always confirm eligibility, deadlines and requirements in the official notice before applying.

Independent platform. Not affiliated with or endorsed by any government agency. Data from public federal sources.

This opportunity is closed as of Oct 14, 2026. It is kept here for reference. See the related open opportunities below, or check the official listing in case the agency posts a new cycle.

Key facts

Opportunity numberPAR-23-286
AgencyNational Institutes of Health
Department of Health and Human Services
Assistance listing (ALN, formerly CFDA)93.398
PostedNov 8, 2023
DeadlineOct 14, 2026
Cost sharing or matching requiredNo
Funding typeGrant
CategoryHealth
Last updated hereOct 15, 2026

Summary from the notice

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

The official notice lists these applicant types as eligible:

  • City or township governments
  • Other Native American tribal organizations
  • Nonprofits without 501(c)(3) status (other than colleges)
  • Others named in the notice (see the eligibility text)
  • State governments
  • Small businesses
  • Special district governments
  • For-profit organizations other than small businesses
  • Public and Indian housing authorities
  • Independent school districts
  • Federally recognized tribal governments
  • Private colleges and universities
  • Public and state colleges and universities
  • Nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status (other than colleges)
  • County governments

Who should take a closer look

  • Small businesses
  • Nonprofits
  • Colleges and universities
  • State governments
  • Local governments
  • Tribal governments and organizations
  • Larger for-profit companies

Not listed as eligible

  • Individuals

Unless the eligibility text in the notice names you, this opportunity is probably not for you.

Eligibility details from the notice

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.

Registrations you will likely need

Most applications submitted through Grants.gov need the following. Registration can take several weeks, so start early. The notice lists the exact requirements.

Related open opportunities

Limited Competition: Small Grant Program for the NCATS Clinical and Translational Science Award (CTSA) Program (R03 Clinical Trial Optional)

National Institutes of Health · PAR-25-155

Deadline: Oct 19, 2026 (3 days left) Up to: $50,000 Health

Sustained Support for Informatics Technologies for Cancer Research and Management (U24 Clinical Trial Optional)

National Institutes of Health · RFA-CA-27-021

Deadline: Oct 19, 2026 (3 days left) Up to: $600,000 Health

Advanced Development of Informatics Technologies for Cancer Research and Management (U24 Clinical Trial Optional)

National Institutes of Health · RFA-CA-27-020

Deadline: Oct 19, 2026 (3 days left) Up to: $600,000 Health