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

The NCI Research Specialist Award for Core and Laboratory-based Scientists (R50 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) is a forecasted federal funding opportunity issued by the National Cancer Institute within the National Institutes of Health under the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The program is designed to support highly skilled non-tenure track scientists who provide essential scientific and technical contributions to cancer research programs without functioning as independent investigators. The opportunity specifically recognizes the importance of long-term laboratory and core facility personnel who maintain continuity, technical expertise, and operational leadership across cancer research environments. The funding opportunity number is PAR-27-088, and it is expected to support approximately 18 awards during fiscal year 2027. The purpose of the R50 mechanism is to strengthen the cancer research enterprise by stabilizing and supporting experienced research specialists who work within NCI-funded laboratories, shared resources, and core facilities. According to the forecast notice, eligible scientists are expected to contribute substantially to ongoing cancer research activities in areas such as basic science, translational research, clinical science, population science, cancer prevention, cancer diagnosis, and cancer treatment. The program specifically targets exceptional bench or dry-lab scientists who are committed to remaining in research support and technical leadership roles rather than pursuing independent investigator status. The award is intended to reinforce institutional research capacity by supporting personnel who provide highly specialized expertise that improves productivity and continuity within research programs. The funding announcement states that the R50 mechanism provides salary support and travel funds for eligible research specialists. While the forecast notice does not specify exact award ceilings, floors, or total program funding amounts, the intent of the award is to provide recognition and career stability for scientists whose work is essential to NCI-funded cancer research. The opportunity explicitly states that clinical trials are not allowed under this mechanism. The notice also indicates that applicants must devote at least half of their professional effort to NCI-funded research activities and must have already contributed to their cancer research program for a minimum of two years before application submission. The opportunity does not require cost sharing or matching contributions from applicants or recipient organizations. Eligibility for this opportunity is broad and includes public and private institutions of higher education, nonprofit organizations, tribal governments, state and local governments, small businesses, for-profit organizations, independent school districts, public housing authorities, and regional organizations. Faith-based and community-based organizations are also identified as eligible applicants. However, the actual candidate applying for support must meet additional scientific eligibility criteria outlined in the notice. Applicants must possess an advanced degree, demonstrate a record of substantial contributions to an NCI-funded research program, and must not have sought independent investigator funding within the previous five years. The award is specifically intended for non-independent scientists embedded within existing research environments rather than principal investigators establishing independent laboratories. The application timeline reflects the fact that this is currently a forecasted opportunity rather than an active solicitation. The forecasted release date is May 6, 2026. The estimated posting date for the full funding opportunity announcement is September 17, 2026, and the estimated application due date is November 20, 2026. The anticipated award date and project start date are both July 1, 2027. The notice does not identify any required letters of intent, concept papers, pre-proposals, or phased submission requirements. No recurring cycle language is explicitly provided in the forecast notice, although the use of a PAR funding mechanism may indicate the possibility of future reissuance. Because no explicit recurrence language is included, the opportunity should currently be treated as a forecasted single-cycle opportunity until additional NIH guidance is released. The funding opportunity is administered by the National Institutes of Health through the National Cancer Institute. The official program contact listed in the forecast notice is the R50 Mailbox. Interested applicants may direct questions to NCIR50@mail.nih.gov or by telephone at 240-255-0917. The notice appears on Grants.gov as a federal discretionary grant opportunity associated with multiple Assistance Listings related to cancer research, including cancer biology, cancer treatment, cancer diagnosis, cancer prevention, cancer control, cancer centers support, and cancer research manpower programs. The forecast notice does not currently provide a direct downloadable PDF link to a NOFO document, indicating that the complete solicitation materials are expected to be released closer to the estimated posting date in September 2026.

Demonstrate sustained technical expertise and long-term contributions to NCI-funded cancer research programs. Emphasize laboratory or core facility leadership, continuity contributions, and commitment to remaining a non-independent research specialist rather than pursuing independent investigator status.