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

Source: https://welltoldgrants.com/grants/par-27-088-nci-research-specialist-award-for-core-and-laboratory/  
Official notice: https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/362276

> National Institutes of Health plans to offer grants to nonprofits, colleges and universities, state and local governments, tribes, small businesses and businesses. It expects to make about 18 awards. It is a forecast: the notice is expected around September 17, 2026, with applications due around November 20, 2026.

| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Opportunity number | PAR-27-088 |
| Agency | National Institutes of Health |
| Status | Forecast |
| Deadline | expected November 20, 2026 |
| Award ceiling | not stated |
| Award floor | not stated |
| Expected awards | 18 |
| Total funding | not stated |
| Cost sharing | not required |
| Assistance Listings | 93.393, 93.394, 93.395, 93.396, 93.397, 93.398, 93.399 |

## Who can apply

- State governments
- County governments
- City or township governments
- Special district governments
- Independent school districts
- Public and State controlled institutions of higher education
- Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized)
- Public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities
- Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments)
- Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education
- Nonprofits that do not have a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education
- Private institutions of higher education
- For profit organizations other than small businesses
- Small businesses
- Others (see text field entitled "Additional Information on Eligibility" for clarification)

Other Eligible ApplicantsFaith-based or Community-based Organizations;Regional Organizations.

## What the grant funds

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.

## Questions people ask

### Who can apply for NCI Research Specialist Award for Core and Laboratory-based Scientists (R50 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)?

National Institutes of Health accepts applications from nonprofits, colleges and universities, state and local governments, tribes, small businesses and businesses. The notice adds further conditions, so read its eligibility section.

### What is the deadline for NCI Research Specialist Award for Core and Laboratory-based Scientists (R50 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)?

Expected deadline November 20, 2026. Confirm the date and time in the official notice on Grants.gov.