NCI is taking applications for its Research Specialist Award, which is designed to encourage the development of stable research career opportunities for scientists who want to pursue research within the context of an existing cancer research program, but not serve as independent investigators.
These scientists include researchers within a research program, core facility managers, and data scientists. The Research Specialist Award is intended to provide desirable salaries and sufficient autonomy so that individuals are not solely dependent on grants held by Principal Investigators for career continuity.
According to the announcement, before submitting the application, the research specialist must identify a primary support unit director who, together with the research specialist, is responsible for planning, directing, monitoring, and executing the proposed research. The unit director should be an active NCI-funded investigator in the area of the proposed research and be committed both to the research specialist and the specialist’s research.
Letters of Intent are due by Jan. 9, 2016, with final applications due Feb. 9, 2016. The earliest start date for the grant is October 2016. The full text of the Funding Opportunity Announcement and details on how to apply are available on the NIH grants website.