Funder: National Institutes of Health
Due Dates: April 8, 2025 (New/Renewal/Resubmission/Revision) | May 7, 2025 (AIDS) | August 8, 2025 (New/Renewal/Resubmission/Revision) | September 7, 2025 (AIDS)
Funding Amounts: Stipend, tuition/fees, and institutional allowance for up to 3 years; amounts set annually by NIH policy.
Summary: Supports mentored postdoctoral research training for promising scientists in health-related fields, with the goal of fostering independence as investigators.
Key Information: Applicants may not propose to lead an independent clinical trial but may gain experience in a trial led by their sponsor.
Description
This fellowship supports highly promising postdoctoral researchers in scientific health-related fields relevant to the missions of participating NIH Institutes and Centers. The program aims to enhance the research and professional skills of postdoctoral fellows, preparing them to become independent investigators. The fellowship emphasizes exceptional mentorship and a strong, individualized training plan that integrates rigorous research design, experimental methods, and quantitative approaches.
Applicants may not propose to lead an independent clinical trial, a clinical trial feasibility study, or an ancillary clinical trial, but may gain research experience in a clinical trial led by their sponsor or co-sponsor.
Due Dates
- April 8, 2025: New, Renewal, Resubmission, Revision applications
- May 7, 2025: AIDS-related New, Renewal, Resubmission, Revision applications
- August 8, 2025: New, Renewal, Resubmission, Revision applications
- September 7, 2025: AIDS-related New, Renewal, Resubmission, Revision applications
All applications are due by 5:00 PM local time of the applicant organization. Applicants are encouraged to apply early to allow time for corrections.
Funding Amount
- Support Duration: Up to 3 years of postdoctoral support (aggregate limit for NRSA postdoctoral support)
- Budget: Includes stipend (subsistence allowance), tuition and fees, and an institutional allowance (for health insurance, research supplies, travel, etc.)
- Amounts: Set annually by NIH; see NIH NRSA stipend and allowance levels
- Indirect Costs: Not separately reimbursed; covered by the institutional allowance
Eligibility
Eligible Applicants (Institutions)
- Public and private institutions of higher education
- Nonprofits (with or without 501(c)(3) status)
- For-profit organizations (including small businesses)
- State, local, and tribal governments
- Federal agencies
- Foreign (non-U.S.) institutions and components
- Other eligible organizations (see full eligibility details)
Eligible Individuals (Fellows)
- Must have a PhD, MD, or equivalent doctoral degree from an accredited institution by the time of award
- Must be a U.S. citizen, non-citizen national, or permanent resident
- Must show evidence of high academic performance and commitment to a research career
- Must identify a qualified sponsor and a suitable training environment
- May not exceed the aggregate NRSA postdoctoral support limit (3 years)
Additional Notes
- The sponsoring institution is typically different from the doctoral institution, unless new training experiences are clearly justified.
- Training abroad is allowed with strong justification.
Application Process
- Identify a Sponsor: Applicants must secure a primary sponsor (and optionally a sponsor team) with a strong track record in research and mentorship.
- Develop a Training Plan: The plan should address research goals, skill development, mentorship, and career transition.
- Prepare Application: Follow the NIH Fellowship (F) Application Guide and the specific instructions in the funding announcement.
- Register: Ensure all required registrations (eRA Commons, SAM, Grants.gov, ORCiD) are complete.
- Submit Application: Use NIH ASSIST, Grants.gov Workspace, or an institutional system-to-system solution.
- Reference Letters: Must be submitted directly through eRA Commons by the deadline.
- Review: Applications are peer-reviewed for scientific merit, training potential, and institutional environment.
Additional Information
- Clinical Trials: Applicants may not propose to lead an independent clinical trial but may gain experience in a trial led by their sponsor.
- Service Payback: The first 12 months of postdoctoral NRSA support incur a service payback obligation.
- Renewals: Individual fellowships are generally not renewable; rare exceptions may apply.
- Foreign Training: Allowed with strong justification for scientific advantage.
- IC-Specific Requirements: Institutes and Centers may have additional requirements; consult the IC-specific table and contacts.
External Links
Contact Information