Staff scientists in labs, core facilities, and data science centers are essential workers. They're often responsible for many of the services and technologies needed to support the principal investigator's work in cancer research. The NCI Research Specialist (R50) Award encourages the development of stable research career opportunities for exceptional scientists who want to pursue research within the context of an existing cancer research program, but not serve as independent investigators. The NCI R50 Award provides financial support to individuals that allows them to work autonomously and to advance their careers, without fully depending on NCI grants held by others.

Grant applications for the R50 Award are invited for all areas of research funded by NCI. Letters of Intent are due December 4, 2020, and applications are due January 4, 2021, by 5:00 p.m. (local time of applicant). For more information about the award and to read testimonials from previous award recipients, visit the R50 Award webpage.