DoD Peer Reviewed Cancer Career Development Award

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The PRCRP Career Development Award supports independent, early-career investigators to conduct impactful research with the mentorship of an experienced cancer researcher (i.e., the Designated Mentor) as an opportunity to obtain the funding, guidance, and experience necessary for productive, independent careers at the forefront of cancer research. This award supports impactful research projects with an emphasis on discovery. 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. It should be clear that the proposed research is intellectually designed by the PI and not a product of the Designated Mentor. Preliminary data are not required. However, logical reasoning and a sound scientific rationale for the proposed research must be demonstrated. Key elements of the award are as follows: • Principal Investigator: The PI must be an independent, early-career research- or physician-scientist within 7 years of his/her first faculty appointment (or equivalent). The PI’s record of accomplishments and the proposed research will be evaluated regarding his/her potential for contributing to the FY14 PRCRP Topic Area(s). 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 a minimum of 30% protected time for the proposed research, though more protected time is highly desirable. • Designated Mentor: The Designated Mentor must be an experienced cancer researcher as demonstrated by a strong record of funding and publications. In addition, the Designated Mentor must demonstrate a commitment to advancing the PI’s career in cancer research. The Designated Mentor’s record of accomplishments should include documentation on significant contribution to the relevant FY14 PRCRP Topic Area(s) and in at least one of the FY14 PRCRP Military Relevance Focus Areas. The Designated Mentor must not have a major research focus in breast, prostate, lung (excluding mesothelioma), or ovarian cancer. • Career Development Plan: A career development plan is required and should be prepared with appropriate guidance from the Designated Mentor. The application should include a clearly articulated strategy for acquiring the necessary skills, competence, and expertise to advance an independent career at the forefront of cancer research in at least one of the FY14 PRCRP Topic Areas.

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