NIH HEAL Initiative PainCare Clinician Training Program (PCTP)
National Institutes of Health (NIH)
Up to $125,000 salary per year per K08 recipient
$50,000 per year for research development costs
Total project period may not exceed 5 years
Support career development of individuals with clinical doctoral degrees
Create a group of new and well-trained, independent investigators in pain management
Early-career clinician-scientists
Patients suffering from chronic pain
Federal funding from the NIH
Grant funding mechanism
Recurring funding opportunity with multiple application deadlines
Higher Education Institutions
Public/State Controlled Institutions of Higher Education
Private Institutions of Higher Education
Nonprofits Other Than Institutions of Higher Education
For-Profit Organizations
Small Businesses
Local Governments
State Governments
County Governments
City or Township Governments
Indian/Native American Tribal Governments (Federally Recognized)
Federal Governments
Clinical doctoral degree (e.g., MD, DO, DDS, DMD, PharmD, PhD in clinical disciplines)
U.S. based organizations only; foreign organizations are not eligible
Candidates must demonstrate prior research experience and commitment to pain management
Mentorship from experienced investigators in the field of clinical pain management
Clinical pain management research
Biopsychosocial research related to pain
Patients with chronic pain
Clinicians and healthcare systems
Development of independent research programs in pain management
Experience in conducting clinical trials
Adherence to NIH standards for rigor and transparency in research
Salary up to $125,000 per year
Research development costs of $50,000 per year
Indirect costs reimbursed at 8% of modified total direct costs
Latest application deadline: February 12, 2027
Total project period may not exceed 5 years
Compliance with NIH Grants Policy Statement
Application must follow the Career Development (K) Instructions in the How to Apply - Application Guide
Participation in annual meetings and networking events