NCI Research Specialist (Laboratory-based Scientist) Award (R50) | PAR 18 341

Opportunity Information: Apply for PAR 18 341

The NCI Research Specialist (Laboratory-based Scientist) Award (R50) is a National Institutes of Health funding opportunity from the National Cancer Institute that supports laboratory-based scientists working in any area of NCI-funded cancer research. It is designed as a grant mechanism to sustain and develop the careers of research specialists whose primary contributions are hands-on, lab-centered scientific and technical expertise that advances cancer research programs. In practical terms, the opportunity targets individuals who play key roles in keeping research moving forward at the bench, often through specialized experimental skills, development or optimization of laboratory methods, stewardship of complex research workflows, and continuity of expertise within a research group or core setting.

This announcement is identified as PAR 18 341 and falls under the discretionary grant category, with a funding activity category that is listed under education and health. It is associated with multiple CFDA numbers (93.393 through 93.399), reflecting alignment with a range of NCI program areas within the broader NIH cancer research portfolio. The opportunity was created on November 2, 2017, and the original closing date listed for this specific announcement was January 17, 2018.

Eligibility is broad across U.S.-based organizations that commonly participate in NIH funding, including state, county, city or township governments; special district governments; independent school districts; public and state-controlled institutions of higher education; and private institutions of higher education. It also includes Native American tribal governments that are federally recognized, as well as tribal organizations that are not federally recognized tribal governments. Both nonprofit organizations (including those with 501(c)(3) status and those without 501(c)(3) status) and for-profit organizations (other than small businesses), along with small businesses, may apply, provided they meet standard NIH applicant eligibility requirements.

The FOA also explicitly notes additional eligible applicant types, including Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions; Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AANAPISI); Hispanic-serving Institutions; Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs); Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs); eligible federal government agencies; faith-based or community-based organizations; regional organizations; and U.S. territories or possessions. These categories underscore NIH and NCI interest in ensuring that a wide range of institutional settings, including those serving historically underrepresented communities and regions, can compete for and administer these awards.

At the same time, the announcement is clear about restrictions related to foreign involvement. Non-domestic (non-U.S.) entities are not eligible to apply, and non-domestic components of U.S. organizations are not eligible to apply. In addition, foreign components, as defined under the NIH Grants Policy Statement, are not allowed under this FOA. In other words, the applicant organization must be U.S.-based and the funded work must not include a foreign component as NIH defines it for grant activities under this specific mechanism.

Overall, this R50 opportunity can be understood as NCI support for stable, lab-focused research specialist roles that strengthen cancer research teams by retaining high-value experimental and technical talent. It is not framed as a general training fellowship or a typical independent investigator award; instead, it centers on sustaining laboratory-based scientific contributions that are essential to the productivity, rigor, and continuity of NCI-relevant cancer research programs.

• The National Institutes of Health in the education, health sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "NCI Research Specialist (Laboratory-based Scientist) Award (R50)" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 93.393, 93.394, 93.395, 93.396, 93.397, 93.398, 93.399.
• This funding opportunity was created on 2017-11-02.
• Applicants must submit their applications by 2018-01-17. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• Eligible applicants include: 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.

Apply for PAR 18 341

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