DoD Peer Reviewed Cancer, Career Development Award- Scholar Option

The PRCRP is seeking to advance cancer research through development of early-career investigators. Under this award mechanism, the early-career investigator is considered the Principal Investigator (PI), and the application should focus on the PIs 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. The CDA-SO 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 are required to participate in the unique, interactive Virtual Cancer Center (VCC) focused on fostering the next generation of cancer researchers. The overarching goal of the VCC is to develop successful, highly productive Scholars in a collaborative research and career developmental environment. The VCC will give Scholars opportunities to operate in a collegial, highly dynamic, and cutting edge research organization to lead cancer research to a new frontier. It is the intention that, through the VCC, collaborations will foster new growth to ensure the research advancements across different cancers. The VCC directorship is awarded through a separate mechanism, the Virtual Cancer Center Directors Award (VCCDA). The VCCDA calls for two established investigators (Director and Deputy Director) to provide intensive mentoring, national networking, collaborations, and a peer group for Scholars. In addition to their Career Guide, Scholars are required to interact with the VCC Director, Deputy Director, and fellow Scholars to include required attendance at in-person meeting with VCC Members annually. The intention of the Scholar Option is to support highly accomplished investigators toward the goal of leadership in cancer. The critical components of the Career Development Award: Principal Investigator: 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 PIs record of accomplishments and the proposed research will be evaluated regarding their potential for contributing to at least one of the FY24 PRCRP Topic Areas. 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 Guides laboratory or other mentors laboratory. For more information on the eligibility criteria for the Virtual Cancer Center Scholar Option, refer to Section II.C.1. Career Guide: 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 PIs career in cancer research and be committed to fully participating in the VCC and potentially serving on the VCCs Advisory Board as requested by VCC Leadership. Career Development Plan: 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 FY24 PRCRP Topic Areas. Milestones: The Scholar must show career milestones and pathways toward achieving the milestones. The Scholar should demonstrate clear commitment to at least one of the FY24 PRCRP Topic Areas through a career development plan designed to enhance further networking and collaboration. 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.