MCB offers two special opportunities for mid-to-late-career scientists looking to enhance their research programs. A brief comparative overview is provided below.
| Transitions to Excellence in Molecular and Cellular Biosciences Research (Transitions) | Mid-Career Advancement (MCA) |
| NSF 21-508 | NSF 21-516 |
| MCB-specific solicitation | NSF-wide solicitation |
| Open to all mid-career scientists, typically at Associate or Full Professor rank (or equivalent). | Open to Associate Professor rank, 4th year onward (or equivalent). |
| Enables mid-career or later-stage scientists to pursue exciting new avenues of inquiry and expand or transition their research toward greater impact. | Supports mid-career scientists to reinvest in their research amid high service and teaching responsibilities, through collaborative partnerships. |
| Offers PI salary for a sabbatical or similar professional development mechanism and additional 2 years of funding to continue building the research program. | Offers PI and mentor salary, and funding to support associated research and training activities. |
| Priority is given to proposals built on a strong record of prior accomplishment and a compelling plan for moving the research in new directions. Projects that explore cross-disciplinary dimensions are encouraged. | Priority is given to proposals demonstrating a substantive benefit to the PI’s research and career trajectory. Projects that explore cross-disciplinary dimensions are encouraged. |
| Deadline: Proposals are accepted at any time. | Target Date: February 01, 2021 and the first Monday in February, annually thereafter. |
| Budget: $750,000 total over 3 years, including PI salary (6 mo) | Budget: PI salary (6.5 mo), mentor salary (1 mo), and $100,000 total for research over 3 years. |
| Full list of requirements and funding priorities is in the solicitation, including Program Officer contacts, additional information can be found in the FAQs | Full list of requirements and funding priorities is in the solicitation, including Program Officer contacts. |
MCA will be hosting a webinar for more information and to answer any questions on Friday January 15 12PM EST. Register in advance here, a confirmation email will be sent which includes instructions on how to join.
