Provides three to five years of mentored research career development support for advanced postdoctoral U.S. research scientists and recently-appointed U.S. junior faculty (at least two years beyond their doctoral degree) to conduct global health research in a low- or middle-income country (LMIC). Applicants may gain experience in clinical trials led by mentors but may not serve as lead investigators on independent trials under this award.
Eligibility Criteria:
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U.S. citizens, non-citizen nationals, or permanent residents by the time of award.
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Hold a research or health-professional doctoral degree (PhD, MD, DO, DVM, PharmD, etc.) conferred at least two years before application.
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Advanced postdoctoral research scientists or junior faculty with research experience beyond doctoral training.
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Not current or former PD/PI on NIH R01, P01, P50, D43, major individual K awards (K01, K07, K08, K22, K23, K25, K76, K99/R00) or equivalent non-NIH awards. (R03, R21/R33, R36, SBIR/STTR awardees remain eligible.)
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Commit a minimum of 75% full-time professional effort (nine person-months) to the career development program.
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Spend at least 50% of cumulative effort—and at least three months per year—in-country at the LMIC research site.
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Identify two primary mentors: one at the U.S. institution and one at the collaborating LMIC institution (LMIC mentor must hold a primary appointment at the LMIC site and cannot be a U.S. citizen with joint appointment).
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U.S. and LMIC institutions must demonstrate a strong research environment and clear commitment to the candidate’s development.
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Applicants proposing to lead an independent clinical trial or ancillary study must apply instead to PAR-24-114.
Funding Details:
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Mechanism: K01 Research Scientist Development Award (Non-Clinical Trial)
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Award Period: Minimum 3 years; maximum 5 years.
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Salary Support: Up to $100,000 per year plus fringe benefits (subject to NIH salary cap).
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Research Development Costs: Up to $40,000 per year for supplies, technical personnel, non-degree tuition/registration, statistical/computational services, and travel to research sites/meetings.
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Indirect Costs: Reimbursed at 8% of modified total direct costs.
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In-Country Requirement: At least 50% effort (all years) and a minimum of three months each year at the LMIC site.
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Mentor Support: Mentors must document availability of sufficient research support and facilities.
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Budget Justification: Must follow SF424 (R&R) Application Guide and NOFO instructions for all expenses.
Deadline:
All applications are due by 5:00 PM local time of the applicant organization on one of the following dates (expires March 10, 2026):
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March 10, 2025 (review July 2025; earliest start December 2025)
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March 9, 2026 (review July 2026; earliest start December 2026)
Where to Go for Further Information: