NCI Research Specialist Award for Core and Laboratory-based Scientists (R50 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)

Forecasted opportunity (not yet open for applications; expected to be posted around 2026-09-17; estimated application due date 2026-11-20). This notice of funding opportunity (NOFO) will invite applications for the Research Specialist Award (R50), which provides salary support for exceptional, non-tenure track scientists working in research laboratories and core facilities who make essential contributions to cancer research. The R50 is intended to support stable, long-term research careers for highly skilled scientists who contribute to NCI-funded research programs but do not serve as independent investigators. Research specialists are highly trained, highly productive scientists who are committed to a research career at the bench or dry lab. Working within laboratories, core facilities, and shared resources, they provide critical expertise, technical leadership, and continuity that strengthen the research infrastructure and enhance the productivity of cancer research across basic, translational, clinical, and population sciences. Eligible applicants must have an advanced degree, have contributed to their cancer research program for at least two years, and devote at least half their time to NCI-funded research. Applicants must not have sought independent investigator funding in the last five years.The R50 offers salary support and travel funds to provide both recognition and stability for research specialists whose contributions are essential to the cancer research enterprise. It is anticipated that only outstanding scientists who are committed to a research career within the context of an existing NCI-funded research program, but not serve as independent investigators, will be competitive for this award.