Completed applications should include the following:

• Completed online application, and abstract, and mentor biosketches (Due January 17, 2025) – Contact MEDK12Applications@mskcc.org for the link
• A full curriculum vitae (not an NIH biosketch)
• A 1-page career plan from the applicant demonstrating a commitment to academic translational research and how the K12 program will help the applicant achieve this goal.
• A research proposal (limit to 7 pages) including:
  • Abstract and specific aims (1 page) (Due January 17, 2025)
  • Research Strategy (6 pages)
    • Significance
    • Innovation
    • Preliminary studies
    • Approach
    • Impact statement
    • Literature cited, figures, and information regarding human subjects research and vertebrate animal research (these items are NOT included in the 7-page limit).
• Letters of recommendation from both the applicant’s primary mentor (laboratory or clinical) including statements of commitment to the applicant, a summary of the mentor/applicant’s jointly developed training program, and a discussion of the mentor’s previous training record.
• After applications are reviewed but before the award decisions are made, the selection committee will ask the applicant’s Department Chair to provide a signed commitment addressing the Department’s assurance:
  • At least 70-80% protected time (50% for surgeons) for research as a K12 scholar
  • Commitment to cover the portion of the scholar’s salary not supported by the K12. On average scholars should expect to receive approximately $76,000 in annual salary support from the K12 award ($100,000 with fringe), depending on the yearly K12 budget. (MSK applicants only).
  • If the applicant is a senior fellow, the department’s assurance that the applicant will be promoted to a junior level faculty position, with clinical privileges, by August 31, 2027, which is the end of their second year in the program. (MSK applicants only).
  • Applicants from institutions outside of MSK will be required initially to submit a letter from the respective Department Chair at their current institution regarding the applicant’s prospect for developing into an independently funded academic translational cancer investigator.
• External applicants should establish relationships with the proposed mentors prior to submission of the K12 Career Development application. External applicants should contact these mentors well in advance of the application deadline. For assistance identifying mentors, please contact the program administrator at MedK12Applications@mskcc.org.

Dates and Deadlines

Complete applications should be submitted electronically via Microsoft Teams. For the application link, please contact the K12 program manager via email: MEDK12Applications@mskcc.org

• Online application, abstract, and mentor biosketches due: January 17, 2025
• Remaining application materials due: February 14, 2025, at 5 p.m. (Eastern time)
• Notification of awards: Early April 2025
• Appointment start date: September 1, 2025