CRI IGNITE Award

About this program

The Cancer Research Institute’s CRI IGNITE Award supports outstanding postdoctoral researchers pursuing independence in cancer immunology through up to two years of Foundation Phase funding at $150,000 annually and up to three years of Independence Phase funding at $250,000 annually. Phase 1 provides salary, research support, mentorship, and career development, while Phase 2 supports newly appointed faculty launching independent research programs. Applicants must be in mentored postdoctoral positions, generally have no more than five years of postdoctoral experience, commit to at least 12 months of mentored research, and have no prior independent faculty appointment; the program is open to U.S. and international researchers without citizenship restrictions. Phase 2 requires completion of Phase 1, an accepted full-time tenure-track assistant professor position or equivalent, at least 65% protected research effort, and a qualifying institutional startup package and commitment; the Phase 1 application deadline is January 11, 2027.