NIH HEAL Initiative PainCare Clinician Training Program (PCTP): Mentored Patient-Oriented Research Career Development award (K23 - Clinical Trial Required)

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Description

This NIH funding opportunity supports the career development of early-career clinician-scientists committed to patient-oriented research in pain management. The program is part of the NIH HEAL (Helping End Addiction Long-term) Initiative and is designed to foster a new generation of independent investigators capable of leading clinical trials and advancing the field of pain research. Awardees receive mentored support to develop research skills, conduct independent clinical trials, and transition to research independence.

The program specifically requires applicants to propose and lead an independent clinical trial, feasibility study, or ancillary study as part of their research and career development plan. The research focus should align with the NIH HEAL Initiative’s Clinical Research in Pain Management program, encompassing a broad range of biopsychosocial pain research topics.

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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 | June 12, 2027
  • Renewal/Resubmission/Revision: July 12, 2025 | November 12, 2025 | March 12, 2026 | July 12, 2026 | November 12, 2026 | March 12, 2027 | July 12, 2027
• Expiration date: July 13, 2027
• All applications are due by 5:00 PM local time of the applicant organization.

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Funding Amount

• Salary: Up to $125,000 per year for the candidate (not to exceed the NIH salary cap).
• Research Development Costs: Up to $50,000 per year for research-related expenses (e.g., supplies, tuition, travel, statistical services).
• Travel: Up to $2,000 per year for required attendance at the PURPOSE Annual Meeting.
• Indirect Costs: 8% of modified total direct costs.
• Project Duration: Up to 5 years.

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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).
  • Must be a U.S. citizen, non-citizen national, or permanent resident by the time of award.
  • Must have completed clinical training (specialty and, if applicable, subspecialty) before award (can apply before completion).
  • Must not have held major NIH independent research or career development awards (e.g., R01, K23, K08, K99/R00, etc.).
  • Must commit a minimum of 75% full-time professional effort to the award.

• Eligible Organizations:

  • U.S.-based higher education institutions (public/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, faith-based and community organizations
  • U.S. territories and possessions

• Ineligible:

  • Non-U.S. organizations and non-domestic components of U.S. organizations
  • Foreign components as defined by NIH

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Application Process

• Pre-Submission Consultation: Strongly encouraged to contact NIH program staff early to discuss fit and scope.
• Submission: Applications must be submitted electronically via NIH ASSIST, institutional system-to-system, or Grants.gov Workspace.
• Application Guide: Follow the NIH Career Development (K) Application Guide and all program-specific instructions in the funding announcement.
• Reference Letters: Required and must be submitted directly through eRA Commons.
• Mentorship: Applicants must identify a primary mentor (or mentoring team) with a strong track record in clinical pain research and mentoring.
• Effort: At least 75% full-time professional effort (9 person-months) must be devoted to the award.
• Clinical Trial: Application must propose an independent clinical trial (not just experience on another’s trial).

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Additional Information

• Required Meetings: Awardees must attend the annual PURPOSE National Pain Scientist Career Development Meeting and are encouraged to participate in the HEAL Annual Scientific Meeting.
• Data Sharing: All HEAL-funded projects must comply with HEAL’s public access and data sharing policies, including use of HEAL-compliant repositories and timely registration and sharing of data and metadata.
• Budget: Salary for mentors or administrative staff is not allowed.
• Review Criteria: Emphasis on candidate’s potential, quality of mentorship, research plan rigor, and institutional environment.
• No cost sharing required.
• See the full funding announcement for detailed requirements.

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External Links

• NIH HEAL Initiative PainCare Clinician Training Program (K23) – Full Announcement
• NIH Research Training and Career Development
• NIH Clinical Trials Definition & Resources
• HEAL Initiative Clinical Research in Pain Management
• NIH Application Guide for Career Development (K) Awards
• PURPOSE National Pain Scientist Career Development Meeting
• HEAL Data Sharing Policy

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Contact Information

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