DoD Peer Reviewed, Career Development Award

· The PRCRP is seeking to advance cancer research through development of early-career investigators. Dependent on the accomplishments of candidates, the PRCRP will offer two distinct early-career development options: the Fellow Option (CDA-FO) and the Virtual Cancer Center Scholar Option (CDA-SO). Under this award mechanism, the early-career investigator is considered the Principal Investigator (PI), and the application should focus on the PI’s research and career development. Preliminary data are not required. However, logical reasoning and a sound scientific rationale for the proposed research must be demonstrated. This award supports impactful research projects with an emphasis on discovery. ○ Fellow Option: The PI must be an early-career researcher or physician-scientist (referred to as a Fellow) within 7 years after completion of their terminal degree by the time of the application deadline (excluding time spent in residency, clinical training, or on family medical leave). Principal Investigators suitable for the Fellow Option include investigators who may not be on a tenure track and may only have laboratory space but not a completely separate laboratory from a more established investigator. The intention of the Fellow Option is to support the early-career investigators toward wider independence and success. ○ Virtual Cancer Center Scholar Option: Supports an independent, highly accomplished early-career investigator (referred to as a Scholar) to conduct impactful research under the guidance of an experienced cancer researcher (i.e., Career Guide). Scholars will commit to participate in the FY20 PRCRP Virtual Cancer Center (VCC) (CSVCC – Convergent Science Virtual Cancer Center). The unique, interactive VCC focuses on fostering the next generation of cancer researchers. This award provides intensive mentoring, national networking, and a peer group for junior faculty. Scholars are required to interact with the VCC Director, Deputy Director, and fellow Scholars in addition to their Career Guide. The intention of the Scholar Option is to support the highly accomplished investigator toward the goal of leadership in cancer. It is the responsibility of the PI to select the option that best aligns with their current career stage. The option should be selected based on the eligibility defined in the program announcement, and not on the amount of the budget. It is incumbent upon the early-career investigator to select the suitable option. The critical components of the Career Development Award: · Principal Investigator ○ Fellow Option: The PI must be an early-career researcher or physician-scientist within 7 years after completion of their terminal degree by the time of the application deadline (excluding time spent in residency, clinical training, or on family medical leave). Time spent as a postdoctoral fellow is not excluded. Postdoctoral fellows are not eligible for this award mechanism. The PI’s record of accomplishments and the proposed research will be evaluated regarding their potential for contributing to at least one of the FY22 PRCRP Topic Areas in Section II.A.1. Previous and/or current career development funding outside of institutional startup funds will be taken into consideration when evaluating the need for further developmental funds. The Fellow Option is intended for candidates that have been named on only nominal career development funding. Because career development is the focus of this award, the PI’s organization must demonstrate a commitment to the PI through confirmation of laboratory space and at least 50% protected time for cancer research. For more information on the eligibility criteria for the Fellow Option, refer to Section II.C.1. ○ Scholar Option: The PI must be an early-career researcher or physician-scientist within 7 years after completion of their terminal degree by the time of the application deadline (excluding time spent in residency, clinical training, or on family medical leave). Time spent as a postdoctoral fellow is not excluded. Postdoctoral fellows are not eligible for this award mechanism. The PI’s record of accomplishments and the proposed research will be evaluated regarding their potential for contributing to at least one of the FY22 PRCRP Topic Areas in Section II.A.1. The Scholar must be in a tenure-track position or equivalent position. The Scholar must demonstrate significant accomplishments, including first-author publications, extramural funding (beyond nominal), and show excellence in cancer research as supported by letters of recommendation. The Scholar must have independent laboratory space separate from the Career Guide’s laboratory or other mentor’s laboratory. The Scholar and Career Guide are required to attend a biennial multi-day VCC workshop and, in alternate years, a VCC 1-day workshop. For more information on the eligibility criteria for the Virtual Cancer Center Scholar Option, refer to Section II.C.1. · Career Guide: Both the Fellow and the Scholar must designate a Career Guide. The Career Guide must be an experienced cancer researcher, as demonstrated by a strong record of funding and publications. In addition, the Career Guide must demonstrate a commitment to advancing the PI’s career in cancer research. The Career Guide for applications submitted to the CDA-SO must also be committed to fully participating in the VCC and potentially serving on the VCC’s Advisory Board as requested by VCC Leadership. · Career Development Plan ○ Fellow Option: A career development plan is required and should be prepared with appropriate guidance from the Career Guide. The career development plan should include a clearly articulated strategy for acquiring the necessary skills, competence, further independence, and expertise to advance their career at the forefront of cancer research in at least one of the FY22 PRCRP Topic Areas. ○ Scholar Option: In addition to the requirements of the Fellow Option, the Scholar must show career milestones and pathways toward achieving the milestones. The Scholar should demonstrate clear commitment to at least one of the FY22 PRCRP Topic Areas through a career development plan designed to enhance further networking and collaboration. The Scholar must also articulate interaction with the VCC. · Impact: The applicant must articulate the potential impact the proposed work will have on cancer research and/or patient care. Impactful research will accelerate the movement of promising ideas in cancer research into clinical applications. · Preliminary data are not required. Any preliminary data included in the application is subject to evaluation and review. Research proposed should be based on strong scientific reasoning and relevant literature.
Categories: Science and Technology and other Research and Development.