NIDCD Research Dissertation Fellowship for Au.D. Audiologists (F32)

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Description

This opportunity provides support for Au.D. audiologists pursuing a research doctorate (Ph.D. or equivalent) in the biomedical, behavioral, or clinical sciences. The program is designed to foster comprehensive, mentored research training and dissertation research, with the goal of developing independent research scientists in fields relevant to the mission of the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD). Research areas include hearing, balance, smell, taste, voice, speech, and language, with a focus on the etiology, pathology, detection, treatment, and prevention of communication disorders.

The fellowship provides up to three years of postdoctoral-level support for dissertation research and training, including stipends, tuition and fees, and an institutional allowance. The program does not permit applicants to lead independent clinical trials, but allows participation in clinical trial research under the supervision of a sponsor.

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Due Dates

• Standard NIH due dates apply:
  • August 8, 2025 (New, Renewal, Resubmission, Revision)
  • September 7, 2025 (AIDS-related applications)
  • December 8, 2025
  • January 7, 2026 (AIDS)
  • April 8, 2026
  • May 7, 2026 (AIDS)
  • August 10, 2026
  • September 7, 2026 (AIDS)
  • December 8, 2026
  • January 7, 2027 (AIDS)
  • April 8, 2027
  • May 7, 2027 (AIDS)
  • August 9, 2027
  • September 7, 2027 (AIDS)
  • December 8, 2027
  • January 7, 2028 (AIDS)
• All applications are due by 5:00 PM local time of the applicant organization.
• See full schedule and details

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Funding Amount

• Award Components: Stipend, tuition and fees, and institutional allowance, as set annually by NIH for NRSA fellowships (current levels).
• Duration: Up to 3 years of postdoctoral-level support for dissertation research and training.
• Budget: No separate indirect costs; institutional allowance covers administrative costs.
• Number of Awards: Contingent on NIH appropriations and the number of meritorious applications.

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Eligibility

• Citizenship: U.S. citizens, non-citizen nationals, or permanent residents.
• Degree Requirements:
  • Must have an Au.D. (Doctor of Audiology) degree from an accredited institution by the time of award activation.
  • Must be currently enrolled in a Ph.D. or equivalent research doctoral program in the biomedical, behavioral, or clinical sciences.
  • Must be at the dissertation research stage at the time of award.
• Other Requirements:
  • Must identify a qualified sponsor (or sponsor team) for mentored research training.
  • May not propose to lead an independent clinical trial, but may participate in a clinical trial led by a sponsor.
• Eligible Organizations: U.S. higher education institutions, nonprofits, for-profits, and certain government and tribal organizations. Foreign organizations are not eligible to apply as the applicant institution, but foreign training may be considered with strong justification.

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Application Process

• Application Guide: Follow the NIH Fellowship (F) Application Guide and the specific instructions in the funding announcement.
• Submission: Applications must be submitted electronically via ASSIST, Grants.gov Workspace, or an institutional system-to-system solution.
• Reference Letters: Required and must be submitted directly through eRA Commons.
• Required Registrations: Applicant organizations must be registered in SAM, Grants.gov, and eRA Commons. Applicants must have an eRA Commons account linked to an ORCID iD.
• Application Components:
  • Project summary/abstract
  • Research training plan (including specific aims and research strategy)
  • Sponsor and co-sponsor statements
  • Institutional environment and commitment
  • Training in the responsible conduct of research
  • Letters of support from collaborators/consultants (if applicable)
  • Biographical sketches
  • Budget (stipend, tuition/fees, institutional allowance)
• Review Criteria: Scientific merit, candidate’s potential, quality of training environment, sponsor’s qualifications, and alignment with NIDCD mission.

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Additional Information

• Clinical Trials: Applicants may not propose to lead an independent clinical trial but may gain experience in a clinical trial led by their sponsor.
• Service Payback: Recipients incur a service payback obligation for the first 12 months of postdoctoral NRSA support.
• Data Management: Data Management and Sharing Plan is not required for this fellowship.
• Foreign Training: Training abroad is allowed only with strong scientific justification.
• Renewals: Not allowed; only new and resubmission applications are accepted.
• Reporting: Annual progress reports (RPPR) and final termination notice required.

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External Links

• Full Funding Announcement (NIH Guide)
• NIH Research Training and Career Development (NRSA F32)
• NIH Fellowship Application Guide (PDF)
• Grants.gov Opportunity Listing
• NIDCD Home Page

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Contact Information

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