Mentored Clinical Scientist Research Career Development Award (Parent K08 Independent Clinical Trial Required)

The Mentored Clinical Scientist Research Career Development Award (K08), issued by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), is a long-standing federal funding program aimed at preparing clinicians for impactful careers in biomedical and behavioral research. This specific iteration of the K08 grant (PA-24-181) is intended for individuals proposing independent clinical trials or basic science experimental studies involving humans that qualify as clinical trials. The funding opportunity is backed by numerous NIH institutes and centers, including the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, the National Institute on Aging, and the National Cancer Institute, among others. Candidates must align their proposals with the mission of the participating NIH entities, and co-funding may be available from NIH offices such as the Office of Research on Women's Health. The primary purpose of this grant is to provide 3 to 5 years of support to individuals with a clinical doctoral degree (e.g., MD, DDS, PharmD, DVM) who seek an intensive, supervised research career development experience. The program emphasizes research that applies basic science toward understanding and treating human disease and includes translational research and mechanistic studies. Candidates must propose to lead an independent clinical trial, clinical feasibility study, or an ancillary study, distinguishing this funding opportunity from companion NOFOs that prohibit independent clinical trial leadership. Award budgets include salary and research-related expenses. Participating NIH institutes provide salary support and fringe benefits as specified in the Table of IC-Specific Information. Additional funding may be used for tuition, research supplies, equipment, technical staff, statistical services, and travel for training or research meetings. However, salary support for mentors or administrative assistants is not allowed. Indirect costs are reimbursed at a rate of 8% of modified total direct costs. The application process requires candidates to submit materials through the NIH ASSIST system, Grants.gov Workspace, or an institutional system-to-system solution. The application must include a comprehensive career development plan, a research proposal, letters of reference, a mentorship plan, and documentation of institutional support. NIH strongly encourages consultation with program officers at participating institutes before submission to ensure alignment with research priorities. Applications that do not adhere strictly to the requirements and instructions in the NIH Application Guide and the funding opportunity will not be reviewed. Key eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship or permanent residency, possession of a clinical doctoral degree, and a full-time appointment at an eligible institution. Applicants must commit a minimum of 75% full-time professional effort (i.e., 9 person-months) to the proposed program. Prior recipients of major NIH grants such as R01 or other K-series awards are ineligible. Applicants must also identify a qualified mentor or mentoring team with a strong track record in research and career development. The mentor must provide a plan for guidance and a commitment to the candidate’s progression to independence. The application deadlines follow the NIH Standard Due Dates calendar, with the next due dates scheduled for February 12, 2026, June 12, 2026, and beyond. Each application cycle includes a review and award process spanning several months, with the earliest possible start date occurring in April 2025 for the current cycle. This funding opportunity is recurring and is set to expire on May 8, 2027. No pre-application requirements such as letters of intent are mandated, though early contact with NIH staff is recommended.

Contact NIH staff early to confirm IC alignment; follow the Career (K) application instructions closely; ensure mentor support and training plans are robust and compliant.