National Institutes of Health · Department of Health and Human Services
NCI Research Specialist Award for Core and Laboratory-based Scientists (R50 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)
Key facts
- Deadline
- Due about Nov 20, 2026 Estimate, not confirmed by the funder ?
- Award size
- Not stated: see the official notice
- Match ?
- Not required · Work out your budget and match
- Who can apply
- State government, Tribal government, Larger business, City or town government, County government, Public college or university, Tribal organization, Nonprofit without 501(c)(3), Private college or university, Special district (utility, fire, etc.), Nonprofit with 501(c)(3), Small business, School district, and others named in the official notice
- Where
- Anywhere in the U.S., including Tennessee
Opening soon: the funder has announced this grant, but you can't apply yet. Use the time to get ready and check whether it fits.
Before you apply: federal grants require an active SAM.gov registration (Unique Entity ID) and a Grants.gov account. Registration is free but can take weeks, so start now, not when the deadline is close. Get-ready checklist
How this fits you
- Available in Rhea County (nationwide program)
- No match required
- Past Tennessee awards on file: 510
Tell us who you are to see whether you're eligible.
Official notice: https://simpler.grants.gov/opportunity/328db24c-35c9-42ea-91b0-acfcb3aeb6de · Printed from grantme.click/grants/f817fbe8-85dc-449a-9148-98ba9610ce62
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About this grant
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, from the official notice
Other Eligible ApplicantsFaith-based or Community-based Organizations;Regional Organizations.
Writing the need statement? Rhea County facts with citations.
Who in Tennessee has won this program
140 awards to Tennessee groups in 3 counties since 1978 · 0 in Rhea County. Largest shown:
| Past winner | Where | Amount | Fiscal year |
|---|---|---|---|
| St Jude Children's Research Hospital Inc | Memphis, Shelby County | $127.8M | 1997 |
| St Jude Children's Research Hospital Inc | Memphis, Shelby County | $81.5M | 1993 |
| St Jude Children's Research Hospital Inc | Memphis, Shelby County | $41.4M | 1999 |
| Vanderbilt University Medical Center | Nashville, Davidson County | $36M | 2003 |
| St Jude Children's Research Hospital Inc | Memphis, Shelby County | $31.4M | 2003 |
| Vanderbilt University Medical Center | Nashville, Davidson County | $25.8M | 2009 |
| Meharry Medical College | Nashville, Davidson County | $18.8M | 2011 |
| Vanderbilt University Medical Center | Nashville, Davidson County | $17.3M | 2019 |
| St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Inc. | Memphis, Shelby County | $14.7M spent that year | 2025 |
| Vanderbilt University Medical Center | Nashville, Davidson County | $14.4M spent that year | 2025 |
| St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Inc. | Memphis, Shelby County | $14.2M spent that year | 2025 |
| Vanderbilt University Medical Center | Nashville, Davidson County | $14M | 2016 |
Source: USAspending.gov; Federal Audit Clearinghouse. Past awards show who this program funds. They don't guarantee future awards.
Tennessee groups that got this money through a state agency or another organization
This federal money also reaches local groups as pass-through grants. 370 pass-through grants on file · 0 in Rhea County. Largest shown:
| Past winner | Where | Through | Amount | Fiscal year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| St Jude Children's Research Hospital Inc | Memphis, Shelby County | University of Southern California | $2.8M | 2023 |
| Vanderbilt University | Nashville | Vumc | $2.6M spent that year | 2024 |
| Vanderbilt University | Nashville | Vanderbilt University Medical Center | $2.5M spent that year | 2025 |
| Vanderbilt University | Nashville, Davidson County | Vanderbilt University Medical Center | $2.5M | 2023 |
| Vanderbilt University | Nashville, Davidson County | Vanderbilt University Medical Center | $2.3M | 2023 |
| Vanderbilt University | Nashville, Davidson County | Vanderbilt University Medical Center | $2.2M | 2023 |
| St Jude Children's Research Hospital Inc | Memphis, Shelby County | The Johns Hopkins University | $1.4M | 2025 |
| St Jude Children's Research Hospital Inc | Memphis, Shelby County | Baylor College of Medicine | $1.4M | 2025 |
| Vanderbilt University Medical Center | Nashville, Davidson County | Health Research, Inc. | $1.3M | 2025 |
| Vanderbilt University | Nashville, Davidson County | Vanderbilt University Medical Center | $1.2M | 2026 |
| St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Inc. | Memphis, Shelby County | Public Health Institute | $1.1M spent that year | 2023 |
| St Jude Children's Research Hospital Inc | Memphis, Shelby County | Ohio State University, the | $1M | 2023 |
Source: USAspending.gov pass-through reports (the first recipient reports each one of $30,000 or more).
About the federal program
Cancer Cause and Prevention Research
Program number 93.393 (the federal Assistance Listing number) · U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health · Cooperative agreement (a grant with close agency involvement), project grant
How applications are judged
The major elements in evaluating proposals include assessments of: (1) The scientific merit and general significance of the proposed study and its objectives; 2) the technical adequacy of the experimental design and approach; (3) the competency of the proposed investigator or group to successfully pursue the project; (4) the adequacy of the available and proposed facilities and resources; (5) the necessity of the budget components requested in relation to the proposed project; and (6) the relevance and importance to announced program objectives. The following criteria will be used in considering the scientific and technical merit of SBIR/STTR Phase I grant applications: (1) The soundness and technical merit of the proposed approach; (2) the qualifications of the proposed principal investigator, supporting staff, and consultants; (3) the technological innovation of the proposed research; (4) the potential of the proposed research for commercial application; (5) the appropriateness of the budget requested; (6) the adequacy and suitability of the facilities and research environment; and (7) where applicable, the adequacy of assurances detailing the proposed means for (a) safeguarding human or animal subjects, and/or (b) protecting against or minimizing any adverse effect on the environment. Phase II grant applications will be reviewed based upon the following criteria: (1) The degree to which the Phase I objectives were met and feasibility demonstrated; (2) the scientific...
Match
None required (federal program listing).
About the federal program
Cancer Detection and Diagnosis Research
Program number 93.394 (the federal Assistance Listing number) · U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health · Cooperative agreement (a grant with close agency involvement), project grant
How applications are judged
The major elements in evaluating proposals include assessments of: (1) The scientific merit and general significance of the proposed study and its objectives; 2) the technical adequacy of the experimental design and approach; (3) the competency of the proposed investigator or group to successfully pursue the project; (4) the adequacy of the available and proposed facilities and resources; (5) the necessity of the budget components requested in relation to the proposed project; and (6) the relevance and importance to announced program objectives. The following criteria will be used in considering the scientific and technical merit of SBIR/STTR Phase I grant applications: (1) The soundness and technical merit of the proposed approach; (2) the qualifications of the proposed principal investigator, supporting staff, and consultants; (3) the technological innovation of the proposed research; (4) the potential of the proposed research for commercial application; (5) the appropriateness of the budget requested; (6) the adequacy and suitability of the facilities and research environment; and (7) where applicable, the adequacy of assurances detailing the proposed means for (a) safeguarding human or animal subjects, and/or (b) protecting against or minimizing any adverse effect on the environment. Phase II grant applications will be reviewed based upon the following criteria: (1) The degree to which the Phase I objectives were met and feasibility demonstrated; (2) the scientific...
Match
None required (federal program listing).
About the federal program
Cancer Treatment Research
Program number 93.395 (the federal Assistance Listing number) · U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health · Cooperative agreement (a grant with close agency involvement), project grant
How applications are judged
The major elements in evaluating applications include assessments of: (1) The scientific merit and general significance of the proposed study and its objectives; (2) the technical adequacy of the experimental design and approach; (3) the competency of the proposed investigator or group to successfully pursue the project; (4) the adequacy of the available and proposed facilities and resources; (5) the necessity of the budget components requested in relation to the proposed project; and (6) the relevance and importance to announced program objectives. The following criteria will be used in considering the scientific and technical merit of SBIR/STTR Phase I grant applications: (1) The soundness and technical merit of the proposed approach; (2) the qualifications of the proposed principal investigator, supporting staff, and consultants; (3) the technological innovation of the proposed research; (4) the potential of the proposed research for commercial application; (5) the appropriateness of the budget requested; (6) the adequacy and suitability of the facilities and research environment; and (7) where applicable, the adequacy of assurances detailing the proposed means for (a) safeguarding human or animal subjects, and/or (b) protecting against or minimizing any adverse effect on the environment. Phase II grant applications will be reviewed based upon the following criteria: (1) The degree to which the Phase I objectives were met and feasibility demonstrated; (2) the...
Match
None required (federal program listing).
About the federal program
Cancer Biology Research
Program number 93.396 (the federal Assistance Listing number) · U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health · Cooperative agreement (a grant with close agency involvement), project grant
How applications are judged
The major elements in evaluating applications include assessments of: (1) The scientific merit and general significance of the proposed study and its objectives; (2) the technical adequacy of the experimental design and approach; (3) the competency of the proposed investigator or group to successfully pursue the project; (4) the adequacy of the available and proposed facilities and resources; (5) the necessity of the budget components requested in relation to the proposed project; and (6) the relevance and importance to announced program objectives. The following will be considered in making funding decisions: 1) Scientific and technical merit of the proposed project as determined by scientific peer review; 2) Availability of funds; and 3) Relevance of the proposed project to program priorities.
Match
None required (federal program listing).
About the federal program
Cancer Centers Support Grants, also called “Cancer Centers”
Program number 93.397 (the federal Assistance Listing number) · U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health · Cooperative agreement (a grant with close agency involvement), project grant
How applications are judged
The major elements in evaluating applications include the following: (1) An adequate base of established programs of high quality in laboratory and clinical cancer research; (2) research activity in a variety of disciplines, and evidence of high degree of interdisciplinary coordination, interaction and cooperation among center members; (3) appropriate and adequate organization and facilities for the conduct and evaluation of center activities; (4) a qualified director with adequate authority; and (5) an adequate commitment of the parent institution or institutions to the cancer center. The center should be recognized as a major element within the organizational structure.
Match
None required (federal program listing).
About the federal program
Cancer Research Manpower, also called “Cancer Manpower Grants”
Program number 93.398 (the federal Assistance Listing number) · U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health · Project grant
How applications are judged
The major elements in evaluating proposals include the assessment of: (1) The scientific merit and general significance of the proposed study and its objectives; (2) the technical adequacy of the experimental design and approach; (3) the competency of the proposed investigator or group to successfully pursue the project; (4) the adequacy of the available and proposed facilities and resources; (5) the necessity of the budget components requested in relation to the proposed project; and (6) the relevance and importance to announced program objectives.
Match
None required (federal program listing).
About the federal program
Cancer Control, also called “Cancer Control Grants”
Program number 93.399 (the federal Assistance Listing number) · U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health · Project grant
How applications are judged
The major elements in evaluating proposals include assessments of: (1) The scientific merit and general significance of the proposed study and its objectives; (2) the technical adequacy of the experimental design and approach; (3) the competency of the proposed investigator or group to successfully pursue the project; (4) the adequacy of the available and proposed facilities and resources; (5) the necessity of the budget components requested in relation to the proposed project; and (6) the relevance and importance to announced program objectives.
Match
None required (federal program listing).