Grant Details

GRANT OVERVIEW

Grant Name and Funding Organization

NIAID Physician-Scientist Pathway to Independence Award (K99/R00)

National Institutes of Health (NIH)

Total Funding Amount and Duration

Up to 4 years of support

K99 phase: up to 2 years of mentored research training

R00 phase: up to 2 years of independent research support

Primary Objective and Mission Statement

To increase and maintain a strong cohort of new and talented independent physician-scientists.

To facilitate the transition of postdoctoral researchers from mentored positions to independent faculty roles.

Key Stakeholders and Beneficiaries

Postdoctoral researchers with clinical doctorate degrees.

The biomedical research community.

Patients benefiting from improved clinical interventions.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

Organization Requirements

Eligible organization types include higher education institutions, nonprofits, for-profit organizations, and government entities.

Non-domestic (non-U.S.) entities are not eligible to apply.

Geographic Scope

U.S. institutions are eligible; non-domestic components of U.S. organizations are not eligible.

Project Requirements

Research must not involve leading an independent clinical trial.

Proposals must focus on clinical and/or translational research.

Financial Requirements

NIAID will contribute up to $75,000 plus fringe benefits per year during the K99 phase.

The total cost for the R00 phase may not exceed $249,000 per year.

Timeline Requirements

Applications are due by 5:00 PM local time of the applicant organization.

The first standard due date for this FOA is February 12, 2023.

Previous Funding Considerations

Applicants must not have previously held an independent research faculty position.

Candidates must have no more than 4 years of total aggregate postdoctoral research experience.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Required Documentation and Materials

Applications must follow the Career Development (K) Instructions in the SF424 (R&R) Application Guide.

Evaluation Criteria and Scoring System

Applications will be evaluated based on scientific and technical merit, candidate's potential, and the feasibility of the proposed research.

Review Process and Timeline

Applications will undergo peer review and will be evaluated for completeness and compliance.

Selection Criteria and Priorities

Priority will be given to applications that demonstrate a strong potential for independent research careers.

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS

Unique Aspects or Requirements

Candidates must be in mentored, postdoctoral training positions to be eligible.

Potential Challenges or Limitations

Applications proposing new clinical trials will not be accepted.

Strategic Alignment Opportunities

Aligning research proposals with NIH priorities may enhance competitiveness.

Competitive Advantages or Disadvantages

Strong mentorship and institutional support are critical for success.

KEY INSIGHTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Critical Success Factors

A well-conceived plan for mentored research training is essential.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Proposing clinical trials as lead investigator will lead to disqualification.

Strategic Recommendations for Applicants

Seek confirmation of eligibility from NIAID before application preparation.

Competitive Positioning Advice

Highlight unique contributions to clinical and translational research.

Grant Details

biomedical research clinical research physician-scientist career development postdoctoral research NIH funding K99 R00 research training independent research
NIAID Physician-Scientist Pathway to Independence Award (K99/R00 Independent Clinical Trial Not Allowed)
PAR-23-071
NIAID Career Development Program
UNIVERSITY NGO PUBLIC ENTERPRISE OTHER
US
TRAINING_EDUCATION RESEARCH_DEVELOPMENT
False
None
None
249000.00
USD
None
True
True
To enhance the pool of physician-scientists capable of conducting impactful biomedical research.
Successful transition from mentored to independent research positions.
Jan. 7, 2026, 10 p.m.
Standard dates apply.
Follow the SF424 (R&R) Application Guide.
True
Peer review based on scientific and technical merit.
Proposals must demonstrate innovative approaches to clinical and translational research.
Feasibility of the proposed research plan will be assessed.
Impact on the field of biomedical research and potential for independent funding.
False
False
Grant
Recipients must comply with NIH Grants Policy Statement.
Annual progress reports and financial statements are required.
Payments will be made according to NIH policies.
NIH Grants Policy Statement applies.
None