NIDCR Dentist Scientist Career Transition Award for Intramural Investigators (K22 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)

The NIDCR Dentist Scientist Career Transition Award for Intramural Investigators (K22), offered by the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR) within the National Institutes of Health (NIH), supports highly qualified dentist scientists in transitioning from NIH Intramural postdoctoral research positions to extramural academic tenure-track or equivalent faculty positions at eligible U.S. institutions. This five-year program is structured in two phases: an initial two-year mentored postdoctoral research phase within the NIH Intramural Research Program, followed by a three-year independent research phase at an extramural institution. The program is designed for candidates who do not propose to lead an independent clinical trial but may participate in clinical trial research under the supervision of a mentor or co-mentor. The goal is to provide the necessary career development and research experience to establish independent research careers in dental, oral, and craniofacial health. The NIDCR’s extramural research mission spans basic, translational, and clinical studies through various funding mechanisms, including the Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer programs. Eligible applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents with an appropriate clinical or research doctorate. They must currently hold NIH Intramural postdoctoral research positions and should not have secured independent research faculty positions before applying. The program allows for multiple application cycles annually, with deadlines in February, June, and October through January 2028. Applications must adhere strictly to the NIH’s "How to Apply" guidelines, with required documents submitted via NIH ASSIST or other approved systems. The application includes a comprehensive career development plan, a dual-phase research strategy, letters of support from mentors and collaborators, and institutional commitment statements. Evaluation criteria focus on the candidate’s potential for an independent research career, the merit of the research plan, the quality of mentorship, and the institutional environment. Applications are peer-reviewed for scientific merit and undergo additional review by an advisory council before funding decisions. Key contacts for the program include Dr. Shoba Thirumangalathu and Dr. Janice Lee for scientific inquiries, Dr. Yasaman Shirazi for peer review questions, and Mr. Gabriel Hidalgo for financial management. Prospective applicants are encouraged to consult these contacts and thoroughly review the full funding opportunity to ensure alignment with current priorities and compliance with all submission requirements.