Mentored Clinical Scientist Research Career Development Award (Parent K08 Independent Clinical Trial Not Allowed)

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Description

The NIH Mentored Clinical Scientist Research Career Development Award (K08) provides protected time and support for individuals with clinical doctoral degrees to pursue intensive, supervised research career development in biomedical and behavioral research, including translational research. The program aims to prepare qualified clinical scientists for impactful research careers that address the nation’s health-related research needs. This opportunity is specifically for applicants who do not propose to lead an independent clinical trial, though mentored experience within a clinical trial led by a mentor is permitted.

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Due Dates

• Standard NIH due dates apply:
  • New Applications: June 12, 2025 | October 12, 2025 | February 12, 2026 | June 12, 2026 | October 12, 2026 | February 12, 2027
  • Renewal/Resubmission/Revision: July 12, 2025 | November 12, 2025 | March 12, 2026 | July 12, 2026 | November 12, 2026 | March 12, 2027
  • AIDS-related: September 7, 2025 | January 7, 2026 | May 7, 2026 | September 7, 2026 | January 7, 2027 | May 7, 2027
• All applications are due by 5:00 PM local time of the applicant organization.
• The final application deadline is May 7, 2027.

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Funding Amount

• Award Duration: Up to 5 years.
• Budget: Composed of salary and other program-related expenses (e.g., tuition, research supplies, travel, statistical services).
• Salary: NIH Institutes and Centers (ICs) provide salary and fringe benefits; specific amounts and caps vary by IC (see IC-specific details).
• Indirect Costs: 8% of modified total direct costs.
• Number of Awards: Contingent on NIH appropriations and the number of meritorious applications.

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Eligibility

• Eligible Individuals: Must have a clinical doctoral degree (e.g., MD, DO, DDS, DMD, OD, DC, PharmD, ND, DVM, or PhD in a clinical discipline such as clinical psychology, nursing, clinical genetics, speech-language pathology, audiology, or rehabilitation).
• Citizenship: By the time of award, must be a U.S. citizen, non-citizen national, or permanent resident.
• Career Stage: Intended for those at various stages of mentored career development; not for established independent investigators.
• Ineligible: Current/former PDs/PIs of major NIH research or career development awards (e.g., R01, P01, P50, K08, K23, K99/R00, etc.).
• Effort: Minimum 75% full-time professional effort (9 person-months) must be devoted to the award.
• Mentor Requirement: Must identify a primary mentor with a strong track record in the proposed research area.
• Eligible Organizations:
  • U.S. higher education institutions (public/private)
  • Nonprofits (with/without 501(c)(3) status)
  • For-profit organizations (including small businesses)
  • State, local, and tribal governments
  • Independent school districts, public housing authorities, faith-based/community-based organizations, regional organizations
  • Note: Non-U.S. organizations and non-U.S. components of U.S. organizations are not eligible; foreign components as defined by NIH policy are allowed.

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Application Process

• Consult IC-Specific Requirements: Not all NIH Institutes and Centers participate; applicants must review IC-specific requirements and contacts and are strongly encouraged to contact NIH staff before applying.
• Submission: Applications must be submitted electronically via Grants.gov, NIH ASSIST, or institutional system-to-system solutions.
• Required Registrations: Applicant organizations must register with SAM, Grants.gov, and eRA Commons; PD/PI must have an eRA Commons account and an ORCID iD.
• Application Guide: Follow the NIH Career Development (K) Application Guide and program-specific instructions.
• Reference Letters: Required and must be submitted directly through eRA Commons.
• Review Criteria: Scientific merit, candidate’s potential, career development plan, research plan, mentor qualifications, and institutional environment.

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Additional Information

• Clinical Trials: This opportunity does not allow applicants to lead an independent clinical trial. However, gaining experience in a clinical trial led by a mentor is permitted.
• Level of Effort: At least 75% of full-time professional effort must be devoted to the award.
• Institutional Commitment: The sponsoring institution must demonstrate a strong commitment to the candidate’s career development and provide necessary resources.
• Data Management: All applications must include a Data Management and Sharing Plan.
• Cost Sharing: Not required.

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External Links

• NIH Funding Opportunity Announcement (PA-24-182)
• IC-Specific Information, Requirements, and Staff Contacts
• NIH Career Development (K) Application Guide
• Grants.gov Opportunity Listing

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Contact Information