AHRQ Mentored Clinical Scientist Research Career Development Award (K08)

The AHRQ Mentored Clinical Scientist Research Career Development Award (K08), issued by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services through the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), supports early-career clinicians in health services research. The K08 award offers a structured, mentored pathway for clinical doctoral degree holders to develop independent research careers focused on improving healthcare in the United States. AHRQ’s mission is to produce evidence to enhance the quality, safety, accessibility, equity, and affordability of healthcare, and this grant aligns directly with that mission by fostering the next generation of health services researchers. The award provides up to five years of support, encompassing a combination of didactic learning and intensive, mentored research. It is designed for a wide range of clinician-scientists, including those at early stages of research careers and those with prior research training seeking to solidify their expertise. Candidates must devote at least 75% of their full-time professional effort (or 9 person-months per year) to the proposed career development plan, though an exception allows for 50% effort over two years for those with prior K12 or similar training. The salary contribution is capped at $90,000 annually, with an additional $25,000 annually available for research development costs, including tuition, supplies, travel, and statistical services. Institutions may supplement salary but only from non-Federal funds and without additional duties. Eligible applicants include a broad array of U.S.-based nonprofit entities, governmental bodies, tribal organizations, and institutions of higher education. For-profit entities and foreign institutions are ineligible to apply as prime recipients but may participate as subcontractors. Candidates must hold a clinical doctoral degree (e.g., MD, DO, DDS, PharmD, or PhD in clinical disciplines) and be U.S. citizens or permanent residents. They must not have served as PD/PI on large Federal grants or have substantial concurrent funding. Institutional commitment to the applicant’s research development is essential, including access to resources and protected time. A primary mentor must be named, with the option for a mentoring team. Applications must be submitted electronically via ASSIST, Grants.gov Workspace, or institutional system-to-system portals. The full SF424 (R&R) Application Guide for Career Development Awards must be followed, with specific deviations outlined in the NOFO. Required elements include a career development plan, research strategy, mentor statements, and reference letters (3 to 5) submitted via eRA Commons. Applications are due by 5:00 PM local time on standard due dates, with October 12 being the first eligible deadline under this NOFO. No letter of intent is required. Applications undergo a merit review approximately four months post-submission and are assessed on the candidate’s potential, career development plan, research quality, mentoring support, and institutional environment. The earliest start date is generally four months after peer review. AHRQ evaluates proposals for alignment with agency priorities, scientific merit, and responsiveness to focus areas such as healthcare quality, access, disparities, and cost-effectiveness. Special emphasis is placed on research benefiting priority populations, including underserved, minority, elderly, and disabled groups. This opportunity (PA-22-232) remains open through February 14, 2027, and follows a recurring annual schedule, with applications due three times a year. While not requiring a letter of intent or pre-proposal, applicants are strongly encouraged to consult with AHRQ scientific contacts prior to submission. Contact points include Tamara Willis (Scientific/Research: [email protected]), Armaz Aschrafi (Peer Review: [email protected]), and Galen Gregor (Grants Management: [email protected]). Full details and submission requirements are outlined in the official Notice of Funding Opportunity.

Consult AHRQ scientific staff before applying; ensure proposal aligns with agency priorities; clearly document mentor support and institutional commitment; address health equity and underserved populations.