Opportunity Information: Apply for RFA CA 18 001
The NCI Predoctoral to Postdoctoral Fellow Transition Award (F99/K00), listed under Funding Opportunity Number RFA-CA-18-001, is a National Cancer Institute (NCI) grant program designed to help exceptional graduate students move smoothly from the final phase of their doctoral training into strong, cancer-focused postdoctoral positions. Its central goal is to keep highly promising trainees in the cancer research pipeline and to accelerate their development into future independent investigators. In practical terms, the award is meant for graduate students who have already been recognized by their institutions as having unusually high potential and a clear commitment to building long-term careers as independent cancer researchers.
This opportunity supports two connected stages of training. The first stage takes place during the applicant's remaining predoctoral period (the F99 phase), and the second stage supports the transition into a postdoctoral appointment (the K00 phase). By linking these phases, the program aims to reduce common bottlenecks that can slow career progression, such as gaps between finishing a PhD and securing a productive postdoctoral placement, or limited access to structured professional development during the transition. Alongside research support, the award emphasizes career development activities that align with the trainee's longer-term goals, such as building specialized expertise, strengthening research independence, and developing skills that are important for launching an independent research program in cancer.
The FOA includes a specific restriction related to clinical trials. Applicants are not permitted to propose that they will lead an independent clinical trial as part of this award. However, they may propose gaining research experience within a clinical trial environment as long as the trial is led by a sponsor or co-sponsor, meaning the applicant is participating in a clinical trial-directed research experience rather than serving as the primary trial leader.
Administratively, this is a discretionary grant funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services through the National Institutes of Health, specifically the National Cancer Institute. The activity categories are listed as Education and Health, and the CFDA number is 93.398. Eligibility is broad and includes public and state-controlled institutions of higher education, private institutions of higher education, nonprofit organizations (both 501(c)(3) and non-501(c)(3)), for-profit organizations (other than small businesses), small businesses, and other entities as described in the full eligibility language. The opportunity record indicates an expected number of 24 awards. The posting shows a creation date of November 14, 2017, with an original closing date of February 21, 2018, and an award ceiling listed as 0, which typically indicates the ceiling was not specified in the summarized listing and applicants should refer to the full FOA for detailed budget limits and allowable costs.
Overall, the F99/K00 mechanism is structured as an investment in researchers at a pivotal career stage, combining late-stage graduate research support with a built-in bridge to postdoctoral training. The emphasis is on developing the next generation of independent cancer researchers by supporting both the research trajectory and the professional development steps needed to compete successfully for future independent funding and faculty-level or equivalent research positions.Apply for RFA CA 18 001
- The Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health in the education, health sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "The NCI Predoctoral to Postdoctoral Fellow Transition Award (F99/K00)" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 93.398.
- This funding opportunity was created on Nov 14, 2017.
- Applicants must submit their applications by Feb 21, 2018. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 24 candidate(s).
- Eligible applicants include: Public and State controlled institutions of higher education, 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).
[Watch] Creating a grant proposal using the step-by-step wizard inside the applicant portal:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the NCI Predoctoral to Postdoctoral Fellow Transition Award (F99/K00)?
The NCI Predoctoral to Postdoctoral Fellow Transition Award (F99/K00) is a National Cancer Institute (NCI) grant program that supports exceptional graduate students as they move from the final stage of doctoral training into strong, cancer-focused postdoctoral positions. The program is designed to accelerate career progression and help retain highly promising trainees in the cancer research pipeline as they develop toward becoming independent investigators.
What is the Funding Opportunity Number (FOA number) for this program?
The Funding Opportunity Number is RFA-CA-18-001.
What is the main purpose of this award?
The central purpose is to provide a structured, connected pathway from late-stage PhD training to a postdoctoral appointment, helping reduce common transition bottlenecks (such as gaps between finishing the PhD and starting a productive postdoc) and supporting research plus career development activities aligned with long-term independence in cancer research.
Who is this award intended for?
This award is intended for graduate students who are in the final phase of their doctoral training and who have been recognized by their institutions as having unusually high potential and a clear commitment to long-term careers as independent cancer researchers.
How is the award structured?
The award supports two connected stages: (1) the remaining predoctoral period (the F99 phase) and (2) the transition into and support during a postdoctoral appointment (the K00 phase). The linked structure is meant to create continuity from dissertation-stage training into postdoctoral research and development.
What does the F99 phase support?
The F99 phase supports the applicant during the remaining portion of their predoctoral training. It is intended to help the trainee complete late-stage doctoral research while also preparing for the transition to a cancer-focused postdoctoral role.
What does the K00 phase support?
The K00 phase supports the trainee as they transition into a postdoctoral appointment. It is designed to help ensure the trainee has a strong, structured postdoctoral experience with continued emphasis on cancer research and professional development toward independence.
What types of activities are emphasized besides research?
In addition to research support, the award emphasizes career development activities tied to the trainee's longer-term goals. Examples described in the opportunity include building specialized expertise, strengthening research independence, and developing skills important for launching an independent cancer research program.
How does this program help reduce career transition bottlenecks?
By linking predoctoral support (F99) with a built-in bridge to postdoctoral support (K00), the program is designed to reduce delays and gaps that can occur when trainees finish a PhD and then seek postdoctoral positions or structured development opportunities.
Are independent clinical trials allowed under this FOA?
No. Applicants are not permitted to propose that they will lead an independent clinical trial as part of this award.
Can a trainee participate in a clinical trial environment under this award?
Yes. The FOA allows applicants to propose gaining research experience in a clinical trial environment as long as the clinical trial is led by a sponsor or co-sponsor. In this case, the applicant is participating in a clinical trial-directed research experience rather than serving as the primary trial leader.
Which federal agency and institute fund this opportunity?
This is a discretionary grant funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services through the National Institutes of Health (NIH), specifically the National Cancer Institute (NCI).
What are the activity categories associated with this grant?
The activity categories listed are Education and Health.
What is the CFDA number for this opportunity?
The CFDA number listed is 93.398.
What types of organizations are eligible to apply, based on the summary?
The eligibility summary includes: public and state-controlled institutions of higher education, private institutions of higher education, nonprofit organizations (both 501(c)(3) and non-501(c)(3)), for-profit organizations (other than small businesses), small businesses, and other entities as described in the full eligibility language.
How many awards are expected?
The opportunity record indicates an expected number of 24 awards.
What are the posting and closing dates shown in the opportunity record?
The record shows a creation date of November 14, 2017, and an original closing date of February 21, 2018.
Is there a maximum award amount (award ceiling) listed?
The summarized listing shows an award ceiling of 0, which typically indicates the ceiling was not specified in the summary. Applicants are expected to refer to the full FOA for detailed budget limits and allowable costs.
What is the overall program goal for trainees?
The overall goal is to invest in researchers at a pivotal career stage by combining late-stage graduate support with a bridge to postdoctoral training, with an emphasis on developing the next generation of independent cancer researchers who can compete for future independent funding and progress into faculty-level or equivalent research roles.
Browse more opportunities from the same category: Education, Health
Next opportunity: Impacts of Salinity and Turbidity on Early-Life Stage Longfin Smelt
Previous opportunity: NOFO Annual Program Statement (APS) PARTNERSHIPS with MCC Program
Applicant Portal:
Are you interested in learning about about how to apply for this government funding opportunity? You can create a free applicant account and receive instant access to our applicant portal that many business owners like you have benefited from.
Apply for RFA CA 18 001
Applicants also applied for:
Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (RFA CA 18 001) also looked into and applied for these:
| Funding Opportunity |
|---|
| Innovative Molecular and Cellular Analysis Technologies for Basic and Clinical Cancer Research (R21 - Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for RFA CA 18 002 Funding Number: RFA CA 18 002 Agency: Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health Funding Amount: $200,000 |
| Advanced Development and Validation of Emerging Molecular and Cellular Analysis Technologies for Basic and Clinical Cancer Research (R33 - Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for RFA CA 18 003 Funding Number: RFA CA 18 003 Agency: Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health Funding Amount: $300,000 |
| Innovative Biospecimen Science Technologies for Basic and Clinical Cancer Research (R21 - Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for RFA CA 18 004 Funding Number: RFA CA 18 004 Agency: Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health Funding Amount: $200,000 |
| Advanced Development and Validation of Emerging Biospecimen Science Technologies for Basic and Clinical Cancer Research (R33 - Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for RFA CA 18 005 Funding Number: RFA CA 18 005 Agency: Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health Funding Amount: $300,000 |
| Fast-Track Development of Medications to Treat Cannabis Use Disorders (UG3/UH3 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for PAR 18 221 Funding Number: PAR 18 221 Agency: Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health Funding Amount: $1,000,000 |
| Revisions for Incorporation of Novel NCI-Supported Technology to Accelerate Cancer Research (P01 Clinical Trials Optional) Apply for RFA CA 18 009 Funding Number: RFA CA 18 009 Agency: Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health Funding Amount: $150,000 |
| Revisions for Incorporation of Novel NCI-Supported Technology to Accelerate Cancer Research (P50 Clinical Trials Optional) Apply for RFA CA 18 010 Funding Number: RFA CA 18 010 Agency: Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health Funding Amount: $150,000 |
| Revisions for Incorporation of Novel NCI-Supported Technology to Accelerate Cancer Research (U54 Clinical Trials Optional) Apply for RFA CA 18 008 Funding Number: RFA CA 18 008 Agency: Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health Funding Amount: $150,000 |
| Revisions for Incorporation of Novel NCI-Supported Technology to Accelerate Cancer Research (U01 Clinical Trials Optional) Apply for RFA CA 18 007 Funding Number: RFA CA 18 007 Agency: Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health Funding Amount: $150,000 |
| Revisions for Incorporation of Novel NCI-Supported Technology to Accelerate Cancer Research (R01 Clinical Trials Optional) Apply for RFA CA 18 006 Funding Number: RFA CA 18 006 Agency: Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health Funding Amount: $150,000 |
| NIDA Translational Avant-Garde Award for Development of Medication to Treat Substance Use Disorders (UG3/UH3, Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for RFA DA 18 020 Funding Number: RFA DA 18 020 Agency: Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health Funding Amount: $1,000,000 |
| Administrative Supplements to NCI Grant and Cooperative Agreement Awards to Support Collaborations with the PDX Development and Trial Centers Research Network (PDXNet)(Admin Suppl - Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for PA 18 496 Funding Number: PA 18 496 Agency: Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health Funding Amount: $125,000 |
| Identification of Biomarkers of HIV-1 Pathogenesis and Substance Abuse Comorbidity (R01- Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for RFA DA 18 023 Funding Number: RFA DA 18 023 Agency: Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grant Program Apply for RUS 18 01 DLT Funding Number: RUS 18 01 DLT Agency: Department of Agriculture, Utilities Programs Category: Education, Health Funding Amount: $500,000 |
| Administrative Supplements to NCI Grant and Cooperative Agreement Awards to Support Collaborations with the Drug Resistance and Sensitivity Network (DRSN)(Admin Supp Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for PAR 18 752 Funding Number: PAR 18 752 Agency: Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health Funding Amount: $250,000 |
| NCI Community Oncology Research Program (NCORP) Community Sites (UG1 Clinical Trial Required) Apply for RFA CA 18 016 Funding Number: RFA CA 18 016 Agency: Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| NCI Community Oncology Research Program (NCORP) Minority/Underserved Community Sites (UG1 Clinical Trial Required) Apply for RFA CA 18 017 Funding Number: RFA CA 18 017 Agency: Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| NCI Community Oncology Research Program (NCORP) Research Bases (UG1 Clinical Trial Required) Apply for RFA CA 18 015 Funding Number: RFA CA 18 015 Agency: Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Approaches to Identify and Care for Individuals with Inherited Cancer Syndromes (U01 Clinical Trial Required) Apply for RFA CA 19 017 Funding Number: RFA CA 19 017 Agency: Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| HIV/AIDS High Priority Drug Abuse Research (R01 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for PAS 18 915 Funding Number: PAS 18 915 Agency: Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
Grant application guides and resources
It is always free to apply for government grants. However the process may be very complex depending on the funding opportunity you are applying for. Let us help you!
Apply for Grants
Inside Our Applicants Portal
Access Applicants Portal
- Grants Repository - Access current and historic funding opportunities with ease. Thousands of funding opportunities are published every week. We can help you sort through the database and find the eligible ones to apply for.
- Applicant Video Guides - The grant application process can be challenging to follow. We can help you with intuitive video guides to speed up the process and eliminate errors in submissions.
- Grant Proposal Wizard - We have developed a network of private funding organizations and investors across the United States. We can reach out and submit your proposal to these contacts to maximize your chances of getting the funding you need.
Premium leads for funding administrators, grant writers, and loan issuers
Thousands of people visit our website for their funding needs every day. When a user creates a grant proposal and files for submission, we pass the information on to funding administrators, grant writers, and government loan issuers.
If you manage government grant programs, provide grant writing services, or issue personal or government loans, we can help you reach your audience.
Learn More
Request more information:
Would you like to learn more about this funding opportunity, similar opportunities to "RFA CA 18 001", eligibility, application service, and/or application tips? Submit an inquiry below:
Don't forget to subscribe to our grant alerts mailing list to receive weekly alerts on new and updated grant funding opportunities like this one in your email.