Research Specialist Award for Core and Laboratory-based Scientists (R50 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)
🏛 National Institutes of Health (HHS-NIH11)
✓ Free, no account · Source: Grants.gov · Last verified Jul 16, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for advanced-degree-holding scientists who work in research laboratories and core facilities supporting cancer research. Applicants must have contributed to an NCI-funded cancer research program for at least two years and dedote at least 50% of their time to NCI-funded research. You cannot have sought independent investigator funding in the past five years. This award recognizes non-tenure-track research specialists who are committed to long-term research careers within existing programs rather than as independent leaders.
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Key dates
- May 6, 2026 Applications open
- Nov 20, 2026 Application deadline in 126 days
- Jul 1, 2027 Award announced
- Jul 1, 2027 Project start
Program description
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.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- SF-424 (Federal Grant Application)
- Research Specialist position description and research narrative
- Letters of support from principal investigator
- Curriculum vitae highlighting technical expertise
- Evidence of contributions to NCI-funded research program
Program contact
- 👤 R50 Mailbox
- 📧 NCIR50@mail.nih.gov
- 📞 240-255-0917
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 93.397 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
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$263,969,536
-
$235,803,541
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$221,888,292
-
$203,145,019
-
$163,189,642
-
$148,203,722
-
$130,529,611
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$127,756,828
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$127,128,807
-
$122,762,660
Top States by Funding
- CA 13 awards $902.3M
- NY 6 awards $623.7M
- MA 5 awards $450.5M
- PA 6 awards $445.6M
- TX 7 awards $435.0M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 93.397). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2024 | $608,105,052 | |
| 2025 | $607,075,632 | |
| 2026 est. | $338,673,000 |
FAQ
Who is eligible for the R50 Award?
You need an advanced degree (PhD, MD, DVM, etc.) and must have worked in an NCI-funded cancer research program for at least two years. You must spend at least 50% of your time on NCI-funded research.
Can I apply if I've pursued independent investigator grants recently?
No. You cannot have sought independent investigator funding in the past five years to remain eligible.
What does this award support?
The R50 provides salary support and travel funds for research specialists working in labs, core facilities, and shared resources who contribute essential expertise to cancer research.
What if I'm already a tenure-track investigator?
This award is specifically for non-tenure-track scientists. It's designed for those committed to bench or dry lab research careers without independent investigator status.
When is the application deadline?
The fixed deadline is November 20, 2026. Check the NIH grants portal for any timeline updates closer to the date.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Highlight your technical expertise and contributions to the NCI-funded research program. Describe specific accomplishments that strengthen the lab's research infrastructure.
- Demonstrate stability and commitment to your current role. Explain why you chose to remain a research specialist rather than pursue independent investigator status.
- Include strong letters of support from your program's principal investigator. They should detail how essential you are to the research team's productivity.
- Document at least two years of contributions to NCI-funded research. Use publications, presentations, and collaborative projects as evidence.
- Show how your work enables others' research success. Emphasize your role in core facilities or labs, not your own independent research agenda.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Not clearly demonstrating why you're committed to a non-independent role. Downplaying your technical leadership and its impact on lab productivity. Failing to show continuous involvement in NCI-funded research for the required two years.
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