NCI Pathway to Independence Award for Early-Stage Postdoctoral Researchers (Early K99/R00) FAQs
How does the R00 activation work?
Transition from the mentored phase (K99) to the independent phase (R00) is not automatic. To activate the R00 phase, K99 PD(s)/PI(s) must have been offered and accepted a tenure-track, full-time assistant professor position (or equivalent) at an eligible domestic institution with the appropriate infrastructure to support the proposed research program and a history of external research funding. Further details on R00 activation for those who have active NCI K99 awards can be found in the instructions for the R00 application.
How many Early K99/R00 applications can each eligible institution submit?
Each eligible institution (defined as having a unique UEI number or NIH IPF number) may submit up to a combined total of four applications (one in Cancer Data Science, one in Cancer Control Science, one in Molecular/Precision Cancer Prevention, and one in Other Cancer Research) to any companion PAR or any combination of companion PARs for the Early K99 program. Each application must include an institutional nomination letter that defines which of the four scientific areas is the candidate’s proposed area of research expertise and must affirm that the candidate is the institution’s sole nominee in this scientific area for the specified application due date. The letter should affirm the candidate’s near-readiness to transition to independence and describe the main factors that identify the nominee as likely to obtain a tenure-track or equivalent research position at an early career stage.
Who is responsible for determining and documenting that the applicant investigator’s visa will allow them to remain in this country long enough to complete the K99 and R00 phases of the award?
The applicant institution is responsible for determining and documenting the candidate’s visa status for the duration of the award. For awards with more than one phase or a change in institution, it is the responsibility of the institution where the research will be performed (e.g., R00 phase, new institution) to visa status.
What is the extension of eligibility for the early K99/R00 award due to childbirth?
Eligible Early K99/R00 applicants should submit a request for a 1-year extension of the Early K99/R00 eligibility window for childbirth to the relevant NCI program official. The request must include the child’s date of birth. Please do not send personal documents such as birth certificates. NOT-OD-20-011
Are men, those who have adopted children, and same-sex partners of individuals giving birth eligible for the automatic one-year extension of the early K99/R00 application eligibility due to childbirth? The one-year extension will automatically apply to women giving birth. Men, those adopting children, as well as same-sex partners of individuals giving birth, can send a request for an extension to the relevant NCI program official.
Does the automatic extension of 12 months for childbirth apply for each childbirth or in total? For the Early K99 extension process, the automatic 12-month extension for childbirth is in total. However, if there are other extenuating circumstances (e.g., illness, military service, natural disaster, etc.) that necessitate a longer extension, those should be submitted to the relevant NCI program official. Each request is reviewed on a case-by-case basis.