NHLBI Career Transition Award (K22)
(Postdoctoral Individuals/New Independent Researchers)

This award enables outstanding individuals with a research or health professional doctorate or its equivalent to obtain (1) Postdoctoral research training in one of the laboratories in the Division of Intramural Research, NHLBI, in Bethesda, Maryland followed by (2) support for a successful transition from Postdoctoral research to an extramural environment as independent researchers. The program provides up to two years of support for research training in an NHLBI intramural laboratory followed by three years of support for an independent research project in an extramural institution.

In addition to a degree, candidates must also have some research experience, during which the potential for highly productive basic or clinical research was demonstrated. The required research experience may have been completed at NIH or elsewhere. To obtain support for the extramural phase, candidates must have a formal tenure-track (or equivalent) offer at an extramural institution. The institution must demonstrate a commitment to the individual by providing protected research time and space needed to conduct the proposed research.

Individuals interested in applying for the K22 Career Transition Award must first identify a mentor for their Postdoctoral training within the NHLBI Division of Intramural Research.  Information on the NHLBI's Intramural Research Program may be found at: https://intramural.nhlbi.nih.gov/default.aspx.  The process of selecting a mentor and completing an application is best done in consultation with the Office of Education, NHLBI Division of Intramural Research, (Email: direducation@nhlbi.nih.gov ).

Candidates must be U.S. citizens, noncitizen nationals, or legal permanent residents of the United States.

NHLBI Career Transition Award (K22) Web link: K22 Program Announcement (PAR-12-137)

Who is eligible? Individuals who have a research or health professional doctorate or its equivalent and some research experience and who have demonstrated research potential.

NHLBI has a six year limit of cumulative support on institutional and mentored Ks (e.g., K12 or KL2 plus the K22). A candidate for the K22 may not concurrently apply for or have an award pending for any other NIH career development award.

The opportunities? Mentored Research training/Career development

Duration of support? 2 years of Postdoctoral Training in the NHLBI Intramural Research Program in Bethesda, MD, at 100 percent effort; plus 3 years extramural at a minimum of 75 percent effort.

Where? NHLBI intramural laboratories are located on the NIH campus in Bethesda, Maryland, while the transitional part of the K22 award can be at an extramural institution.

Applications due? February 12, June 12, and October 12 - new applications;
March 12, July 12, and November 12 - resubmission applications.

Salary:

Intramural Mentored support phase: Support during the intramural phase will include a fellowship stipend, based on the candidate's years of postdoctoral experience, commensurate with the NHLBI intramural salary structure. Research expenses including personnel, consultants, equipment, supplies, and travel will be negotiated with the laboratory chief and will depend on the nature and scope of the research approved by peer review.

Independent (Extramural) support phase: The total cost for the extramural phase may not exceed $249,000 per year. This amount includes salary, fringe benefits, research support allowance and applicable indirect costs. Indirect costs will be reimbursed at 8% of modified total direct costs. Indirect costs requested by consortium participants are included in the total cost limitation.

1. Salary: The salary requested should be based on the person-months effort to be devoted to the research project, as is the case for other research grant awards. The candidate is required to devote a minimum of nine person-months effort to research (i.e.,75% full-time professional effort). It must be consistent both with the established salary structure at the institution and with salaries actually provided by the institution from its own funds to other staff members of equivalent qualifications, rank, and responsibilities in the department concerned. The institution may supplement the NHLBI contribution up to a level that is consistent with the institution's salary scale, however, supplementation may not be from Federal funds unless specifically authorized by the Federal program from which such funds are derived. Institutional supplementation of salary must not require extra duties or responsibilities that would interfere with the purpose of the K22.

2. Research Support: Allowable research expenses include (1) research expenses, such as supplies, equipment, and technical personnel; (2) travel to research meetings or training; and (3) statistical services, including personnel and computer time.


How to apply? Applications submitted in response to this Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) for Federal assistance must be submitted electronically through Grants.gov using the SF 424 Research and Related (R&R) forms and the SF 424 (R&R) Application Guide.

The SF 424 (R&R) Application Guide for NIH and Other PHS Agencies(127 KB) includes Part 1.7 Supplemental Instructions to the SF 424 (R&R) for Preparing an Individual Research Career Development Award (CDA) Application ("K" series).

Page Limitations: All page limitations described in the SF424 (R&R) Application Guide and the Table of Page Limits must be followed.

Resources for K22 Candidates:

The NHLBI Website also lists training programs under the category Request for Applications/Proposals & Program Announcements.

Special Leave Guidelines for Recipients of Mentored Career Award

NHLBI's Division of Blood Diseases and Resources (DBDR) Program Description

NHLBI's Division of Cardiovascular Sciences (DCVS) Program Description

NHLBI's Division of Lung Diseases (DLD) Program Description

For questions about the training components, including selection of a mentor within the intramural research program and preparation of the application contact:

Herbert M. Geller, Ph.D.
Associate Director for Education
Division of Intramural Research
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, NIH
10 Center Drive, Room 6N248, MSC 1754
Bethesda, MD 20892-1754
Telephone: (301) 451-9440
Fax: (301) 594-8133
Email: direducation@nhlbi.nih.gov

For questions about extramural funding of the K22 award contact:

Nara Gavini, Ph.D.
Office of Research Training and Minority Health
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, NIH
6701 Rockledge Drive, Room 9184, MSC 7913
Bethesda, MD 20892-7913
Phone: (301) 451-5081
Fax: (301) 480-0862
Email: gavininn@nhlbi.nih.gov

Last Updated April 17, 2012