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

The NIH Mentored Clinical Scientist Research Career Development Award (Parent K08 – Independent Clinical Trial Not Allowed) provides a structured career development opportunity for clinicians seeking to establish themselves as independent investigators in biomedical and behavioral research. Administered by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the K08 is designed specifically for clinical researchers who do not propose to lead independent clinical trials, but may engage in research within clinical trials led by others. This funding mechanism is essential for fostering the next generation of clinician-scientists who can address the health-related research needs of the United States. The participating NIH Institutes and Centers (ICs) span a wide range of biomedical disciplines, including but not limited to the National Cancer Institute (NCI), National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), National Institute on Aging (NIA), and National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI). Each IC has specific research priorities and funding guidelines, and applicants are strongly encouraged to consult the Table of IC-Specific Information to ensure their proposal aligns with the goals of a participating IC. The program also allows co-funding from various NIH offices like the Office of Research on Women's Health and the Office of Data Science Strategy. Eligible applicants include individuals with clinical doctoral degrees such as MD, DO, DDS, or PharmD, and who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents. They must commit at least 75% of their full-time professional effort to the proposed career development activities and be employed in a full-time academic or research appointment. Ineligible applicants include those with major NIH research project grants like R01 or P50, or previous recipients of individual career development awards such as K08 or K23. The award provides up to five years of support, covering both salary and research-related expenses. Funds may be used for tuition, research supplies, equipment, and travel, but not for administrative support. Indirect costs are reimbursed at 8% of modified total direct costs. The funding level is subject to congressional appropriations and the availability of meritorious applications. Though the exact number of awards is not specified, the program is intended to support a wide applicant pool across multiple ICs. Applications are submitted through Grants.gov using one of several systems, including NIH ASSIST. The application cycle follows standard NIH due dates, with new and resubmission deadlines occurring three times annually—February, June, and October. The earliest submission date for this NOFO was May 10, 2024, and the final expiration date is May 8, 2027. Applications are reviewed in a two-stage process: initial peer review for scientific merit and subsequent advisory council review. Awards are typically issued about four to six months after submission, with project start dates aligned accordingly. Applicants must submit all materials in accordance with the NIH "How to Apply" guide for Career Development (K) Awards. Required components include the PHS 398 Career Development Award Supplemental Form, a research strategy, letters of support, mentor plans, and a Data Management and Sharing Plan. The NIH evaluates candidates on several criteria including their potential for independence, quality of the research plan, mentor qualifications, and institutional support. While not requiring pre-application letters of intent, the NIH emphasizes the importance of contacting program officers for guidance prior to submission. The program operates on a recurring annual cycle, with the next anticipated due date on February 12, 2026.

Emphasize clear alignment with IC research priorities and institutional support. Ensure mentor has active funding and strong mentorship record. Draft a robust, realistic research plan aligned with your career stage.