NINDS Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award (NRSA) for Training of Postdoctoral Fellows (F32 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)

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Description

This opportunity supports highly promising postdoctoral researchers in neuroscience and related fields through mentored training under experienced faculty sponsors. The program is designed to foster early, goal-directed planning and encourages bold, innovative research projects that emphasize strong quantitative reasoning and experimental design. The fellowship aims to accelerate the development of independent research careers by integrating rigorous scientific training with a comprehensive mentorship plan.

The award is specifically intended for postdocs in the early stages of their training in a new laboratory or research environment. Projects may span basic, translational, or clinical neuroscience (but not independent clinical trials). The program discourages the inclusion of preliminary data, instead prioritizing creative research ideas and thoughtful training plans.

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Due Dates

• Standard Due Dates:
  • June 9, 2025 (Renewal/Resubmission/Revision)
  • September 7, 2025 (AIDS)
  • October 9, 2025 (New)
  • January 7, 2026 (AIDS)
  • February 9, 2026 (Renewal/Resubmission/Revision)
  • June 9, 2026 (New)
  • September 7, 2026 (AIDS)
  • October 9, 2026 (Renewal/Resubmission/Revision)
  • January 7, 2027 (AIDS)
  • February 9, 2027 (New)
  • June 9, 2027 (Renewal/Resubmission/Revision)
  • September 7, 2027 (AIDS)
  • October 8, 2027 (Renewal/Resubmission/Revision)
  • January 7, 2028 (AIDS)

All applications are due by 5:00 PM local time of the applicant organization.

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Funding Amount

• Duration: Up to 3 years of aggregate postdoctoral support (including any prior NRSA postdoctoral support).
• Budget: Composed of NIH-set stipends, tuition and fees, and an institutional allowance. No separate indirect costs; see current NRSA stipend levels.
• Number of Awards: Contingent on NIH appropriations and the number of meritorious applications.

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Eligibility

• Eligible Applicants:
  • U.S. and non-U.S. institutions, including public/private higher education institutions, nonprofits, for-profits, small businesses, government agencies, and certain foreign organizations.
• Eligible Individuals:
  • Postdoctoral candidates within 12 months of starting (or up to 18 months for resubmissions) in a new lab or research environment.
  • Must have a PhD, MD, or equivalent doctoral degree from an accredited institution before activating the award.
  • The fellowship is intended for training in a new environment; applications for training in the same lab or with the same mentor as prior graduate work must justify the distinction.
• Citizenship: U.S. citizens, non-citizen nationals, and permanent residents are eligible; foreign nationals may apply if at eligible institutions.

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Application Process

• Submission: Applications must be submitted electronically via NIH ASSIST, Grants.gov Workspace, or an institutional system-to-system solution.
• Instructions: Follow the NIH Fellowship (F) Application Guide and the specific instructions in the funding announcement.
• Reference Letters: Required and must be submitted directly through eRA Commons.
• Key Requirements:
  • Identify a primary sponsor/mentor (additional co-sponsors allowed).
  • Include a comprehensive training plan and a research project distinct from prior work.
  • Do not include preliminary data.
  • Applications must clearly distinguish the candidate’s contributions and training goals.
  • All required institutional and personal registrations (e.g., eRA Commons, ORCID, SAM) must be complete prior to submission.

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Additional Information

• Clinical Trials: Independent clinical trials are not allowed; however, research experience in a clinical trial led by a sponsor/co-sponsor is permitted.
• Payback Obligation: The first 12 months of postdoctoral NRSA support incur a service payback obligation.
• Parental Leave: Fellows who have children during the award may request a six-month extension.
• Renewals: Individual fellowship awards are generally not renewable.
• Foreign Training: Allowed with strong justification for scientific advantage.

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External Links

• Full Funding Announcement (NIH)
• Apply via Grants.gov
• NIH NRSA Fellowship Information
• NIH Application Guide
• NINDS Training & Career Development
• NIH Stipend Levels

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Contact Information

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