NCI Transition Career Development Award (K22) FAQs
What is expected of a competitive K22 application?
The K22 research plan should be innovative, hypothesis-driven, cancer-focused, supported by convincing preliminary data and should have high potential impact.
The career development plan should describe research training and career development activities proposed after the start of the K22 award (i.e., early research independence) and could include courses appropriate for an independent investigator such as laboratory management, leadership, grant writing, etc., and research training.
The application should be supported by exceptionally strong reference letters that attest the PI’s potential for research independence.
The PI should identify appropriate collaborators and include letters of support that are tailored to the needs of the K22 PI and include NIH biosketches for collaborators, if any, and a letter from the Department Chair or Dean of the institution at which the PI is currently employed describing the institution’s environment/facilities and commitment to your transition to independence.
Can my current mentors serve as collaborators on the K22 award?
It is not recommended that current/past mentors serve as collaborators. However, current/past mentors can submit reference letters that evaluate the candidate’s strengths, research experience and potential for research independence.
Should I include the section “Plans and Statements of Mentor and Co-mentor(s)” in a K22 application?
The “Plans and Statements of Mentor and Co-mentor(s)” section is not allowed in a K22 application. Instead, candidates should upload a brief statement indicating that this is an independent award with no mentor or co-mentor.
What is the extension of eligibility for the NCI K22 award due to childbirth?
Eligible K22 applicants should submit a request for a 1-year extension of the K22 eligibility window for childbirth to the relevant NCI program official. The request must include the child’s date of birth. Please do not send personal documents such as birth certificates. NOT-OD-20-011
Are men, those who have adopted children, and same-sex partners of individuals giving birth eligible for the automatic one-year extension of the K22 application eligibility due to childbirth?
The one-year extension will automatically apply to women giving birth. Men, those adopting children, as well as same-sex partners of individuals giving birth can send a request for an extension to the relevant NCI program official.
Does the automatic extension of 12 months for childbirth apply for each childbirth or in total?
For the K22 extension process, the automatic 12-month extension for childbirth is in total. However, if there are other extenuating circumstances (i.e., illness, military service, natural disaster) that necessitate a longer extension, those should be submitted to the relevant NCI program official. Each request is reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
Can I already have an independent position and still be eligible for a K22 award?
Candidates cannot have currently or previously held an independent research faculty or tenure-track faculty position, or its equivalent, in academia, industry or elsewhere.
Are multiple PDs/PIs allowed to apply for a K22 award?
No, multiple PDs/PIs are not allowed.