Midcareer Investigator Award in Patient-Oriented Research (Parent K24 Independent Clinical Trial Not Allowed)

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Description

The NIH Midcareer Investigator Award in Patient-Oriented Research (K24) provides mid-career clinician-scientists with protected time to enhance their patient-oriented research (POR) programs and to mentor junior clinical investigators, such as clinical residents, fellows, and junior faculty. The award is designed for individuals at the Associate Professor level (or equivalent) who have an established record of independent, peer-reviewed patient-oriented research funding and experience mentoring clinical researchers.

This opportunity is specifically for applicants who do not propose to lead an independent clinical trial. However, candidates may propose a research experience within a clinical trial led by a mentor or co-mentor. Those wishing to lead a clinical trial should apply to the companion funding opportunity.

The K24 aims to increase the pool of well-trained clinical researchers by supporting established investigators in their dual roles as researchers and mentors.

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Due Dates

• Standard NIH due dates apply:
  • New Applications: June 12, October 12, February 12 (annually)
  • Renewal/Resubmission/Revision: July 12, November 12, March 12 (annually)
  • AIDS-related: September 7, January 7, May 7 (annually)
• Final application deadline: May 7, 2027
• 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

• Salary Support: Covers 3–6 person-months (25–50% full-time effort) of the PI’s institutional salary, up to the NIH salary cap.
• Research Expenses: Up to $50,000 per year for research costs, including supplies, equipment, technical personnel, travel to research-related meetings, and statistical services.
• Indirect Costs: 8% of modified total direct costs.
• Project Period: Up to 5 years; one-time renewal for an additional 3–5 years may be possible, subject to IC policy and continued eligibility.

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Eligibility

• Eligible Individuals:

  • Must have a health-professional doctoral degree (e.g., MD, DO, DDS, DMD, PharmD, PhD in clinical disciplines, etc.).
  • Typically at the Associate Professor level or equivalent.
  • Must have independent, peer-reviewed patient-oriented research funding at the time of application and throughout the award.
  • Must have a record of mentoring junior clinical investigators.
  • U.S. citizens, non-citizen nationals, or permanent residents only.

• Eligible Organizations:

  • U.S. higher education institutions (public or private)
  • Nonprofits (with or without 501(c)(3) status)
  • For-profit organizations (including small businesses)
  • State, local, and tribal governments
  • Independent school districts, public housing authorities, and certain other organizations
  • Note: Non-domestic (non-U.S.) entities and non-domestic components of U.S. organizations are not eligible to apply. Foreign components are allowed as defined by NIH policy.

• Other Requirements:

  • Must demonstrate the need for protected time (3–6 person-months) for research and mentoring.
  • Cannot have another concurrent NIH career development award.
  • Must register with eRA Commons and ORCID.

See full eligibility details

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Application Process

• Application Submission:

  • Submit electronically via NIH ASSIST, institutional system-to-system, or Grants.gov Workspace.
  • Follow the NIH Career Development (K) Application Guide.
  • All required registrations (SAM, eRA Commons, Grants.gov, ORCID) must be complete prior to submission.

• Key Application Components:

  • Candidate’s background, career goals, and mentoring experience
  • Research plan (must not propose an independent clinical trial)
  • Mentoring plan for junior clinical investigators
  • Institutional commitment letter detailing protected time and support
  • Budget and justification
  • Data Management and Sharing Plan
  • Plan for instruction in the Responsible Conduct of Research

• Review Criteria:

  • Quality and impact of candidate’s research and mentoring record
  • Appropriateness of the research and mentoring plans
  • Institutional environment and commitment
  • Feasibility and justification for protected time

• Consultation Required:

  • Applicants must consult the Table of IC-Specific Information, Requirements, and Staff Contacts to ensure alignment with the participating NIH Institute/Center’s priorities and requirements.

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Additional Information

• Clinical Trials:

  • This opportunity does not allow independent clinical trials. Candidates may participate in a clinical trial led by a mentor/co-mentor.
  • For those wishing to lead a clinical trial, see the companion NOFO PA-24-187.

• Renewals:

  • One-time renewal for an additional 3–5 years may be possible, subject to continued eligibility and IC policy.

• Mentoring:

  • Strong emphasis on mentoring junior clinical investigators in patient-oriented research.

• IC Participation:

  • Not all NIH Institutes and Centers participate. Carefully review IC-specific requirements and contact the relevant program officer before applying.

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External Links

• NIH Funding Opportunity Announcement (PA-24-188)
• Table of IC-Specific Information, Requirements, and Staff Contacts
• NIH Career Development (K) Application Guide
• Grants.gov Opportunity Listing
• NIH Salary Cap Information
• NIH Research Training and Career Development

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Contact Information

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