While the eligibility submission phase for the 2024/2025 cycle is now closed, the LLS Career Development Program remains a vital resource for researchers looking to make a significant impact in the field. The program’s continued investment ensures a robust pipeline of dedicated experts working towards breakthroughs in blood cancer research.
Click here to explore the active portfolio of LLS Career Development Program awardees and discover the groundbreaking research being supported.
2024-2025 Program Timeline
Please note that the 2024-2025 cycle is closed for eligibility submissions. The timeline below is for informational purposes and provides an overview of the typical phases and key dates for the LLS Career Development Program. For the most up-to-date information and future cycles, please refer to the official LLS website.
| Phase | Date |
|---|---|
| Eligibility Phase deadline | October 18, 2024, 3:00 PM (ET) |
| Letter of Intent Phase deadline | November 1, 2024, 3:00 PM (ET) |
| Reference letters deadline | November 15, 2024, 3:00 PM (ET) |
| Full Application Phase deadline | November 15, 2024, 3:00 PM (ET) |
| Award Start Date | July 1, 2025 |
*For detailed timelines and program-specific information, please consult the Guidelines & Instructions document available for download within each award category section below.
LLS Career Development Program Award Categories
The Career Development Program offers several subcategories to support researchers at different stages of their career paths and with varying research focuses. These categories are broadly divided into Basic/Translational and Clinical research tracks. The program provides salary support, enabling awardees to dedicate their efforts to their research programs. Applicants should carefully review the Guidelines & Instructions for each subcategory to determine the most appropriate fit for their research and career stage, paying close attention to the Eligibility Outline provided.
Download the comprehensive LLS Policies and Procedures applicable to all grant programs:
Research Programs Policies & Procedures (Revised April 2020)
Fellow Award: Launching Postdoctoral Careers in Blood Cancer Research
The Fellow Award is designed to support exceptional postdoctoral researchers who have demonstrated significant potential during their graduate studies and early postdoctoral training. Applicants must have no more than 3 years of postdoctoral research experience by the award start date. While prior experience in blood cancer research is not mandatory, the proposed research must be directly relevant to hematologic malignancies or related pre-malignant conditions.
This award encourages promising postdocs to pursue academic careers focused on basic or translational blood cancer research under the guidance of an experienced mentor. The mentor, or Sponsor, must have a strong track record in mentoring and expertise in the proposed research area.
The Fellow Award provides up to $70,000 per year for 3 years, with a minimum annual stipend of $65,000 for the awardee. Fellow award recipients may also be eligible for a childcare stipend of up to $3,600 annually.
*For complete program details, application instructions, and funding agreement templates, please download the documents below:
2024-2025 Guidelines & Instructions – Fellow
CDP Funding Agreement Template – FY24
Special Fellow Award: Bridging to Independence in Blood Cancer Research
The Special Fellow Award targets postdoctoral researchers and instructors with 3 to 5 years of postdoctoral experience by the award start date. This award supports those who have already shown significant achievements in their postdoctoral positions and require additional mentored training to become competitive for independent faculty positions.
The Special Fellow Award provides a crucial bridge, allowing researchers to further develop their research programs and enhance their competitiveness for independent positions by the end of the funding period. Applicants must remain in a mentored research position and continue a research program directly related to hematologic malignancies or pre-malignant conditions. Similar to the Fellow Award, a qualified Sponsor (mentor) with expertise in blood cancer research is essential.
This award offers up to $75,000 per year for 2 or 3 years, based on eligibility, with a minimum annual stipend of $70,000 for the awardee. Special Fellow awardees may also qualify for a childcare stipend of up to $3,600 per year.
*For comprehensive program information, application guidelines, and funding agreement templates, please download the documents below:
2024-2025 Guidelines & Instructions – Special Fellow
CDP Funding Agreement Template – FY24
Scholar Award: Supporting Independent Investigators in Basic and Translational Blood Cancer Research
The Scholar Award recognizes and supports outstanding investigators who are emerging leaders in blood cancer research. Applicants must hold an independent, tenure-track faculty position (below full professor) and have a proven track record of independent, sustained, and original research in hematologic malignancies or related pre-malignant conditions. Substantial research support from a national agency is also required. The Scholar Award is primarily intended for basic and translational researchers. Clinical researchers should consider the Scholar in Clinical Research subcategory.
A significant change to the Scholar Award application and review process is that it is now program-based rather than project-based. Therefore, the application format differs from traditional research grants.
The Scholar Award provides up to $120,000 per year for 5 years.
*For complete program details, application instructions, and funding agreement templates, please download the documents below:
2024-2025 Guidelines & Instructions – Scholar
CDP Funding Agreement Template – FY24
Scholar in Clinical Research Award: Advancing Clinical Blood Cancer Research and Patient Care
The Scholar in Clinical Research Award supports exceptional clinical researchers dedicated to improving patient outcomes in blood cancers. Applicants must hold an independent faculty-level appointment and conduct independent clinical research, often involving early-stage clinical trials. The research should focus on advancing the prevention, diagnosis, or treatment of hematologic malignancies or pre-malignant conditions and must directly involve patients. This award is not intended for laboratory-based researchers or those primarily working with blood cancer model systems; they should consider the general Scholar Award instead.
Similar to the Scholar Award, the Scholar in Clinical Research application and review process has transitioned to a program-based approach, making it distinct from standard research grant applications.
The Scholar in Clinical Research Award offers up to $125,000 per year for 5 years.
*For comprehensive program details, application instructions, and funding agreement templates, please download the documents below:
2024-2025 Guidelines & Instructions – Scholar in Clinical Research
CDP Funding Agreement Template – FY24
How to Apply for the LLS Career Development Program
For detailed application instructions and requirements, please refer to the specific Guidelines & Instructions document for each award category (linked above).
New applicants to LLS Research grants will need to create an account in the LLS Research Portal. You can begin the process by clicking here.
Do You Have More Questions?
For further information about the LLS Career Development Program, including detailed answers to frequently asked questions and contact information, please consult the downloadable Guidelines & Instructions documents provided within each award category section.
