NIAID Career Transition Award (K22) is sponsored by National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) / National Institutes of Health (NIH). This award provides support for investigators transitioning from a mentored postdoctoral research position to an independent faculty position. It aims to bridge the gap between mentored and independent research, with a focus on immunology and infectious diseases.

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nih. gov is not being updated regularly. Please refer to clinicaltrials.

gov and nih. gov for the most up-to-date information on NIH research. To apply, you must be a biomedical or behavioral postdoctoral scientist with a research doctorate (Ph.

D.) and/or clinical doctorate (e.g., M. D.

, D. V. M.)

, with no more than 5 years of postdoctoral training experience at the time of K22 submission or resubmission with plans to transition to a full-time assistant professorship (tenure-track or equivalent) at an U.S. academic institution. Some institutions appoint postdoctoral fellows in positions with other titles although they are still in non-independent training positions.

Candidates in such positions must provide evidence that the position they are in complies with eligibility requirements and are encouraged to obtain confirmation of their eligibility before they begin to prepare their application. To confirm eligibility, contact AI Training Help Desk . NIH intramural laboratories and other eligible agencies of the federal government may submit a K22 application on behalf of intramural candidates.

For an intramural postdoctoral fellow to activate the K22 award, the candidate must transition to an assistant professor position at an extramural institution. If you are an intramural applicant, email AI Training Help Desk for instructions on the description of institutional environment and commitment for your application.

The following circumstances are not considered part of the 5-year eligibility limit: Parental leave or other well-justified leave for personal or family situations (e.g., family care responsibilities, disability or illness, active military duty) of generally less than 12 months duration. NIAID will grant a 1-year extension due to childbirth during the eligibility period.

Time spent conducting postgraduate clinical training or other well-justified training that does not involve research. Time spent gaining select agent approval and completing biosafety level 4 (BSL-4) training. Applicants beyond the 5-year limit on postdoctoral eligibility: Email AI Training Help Desk to seek approval to submit a proposal beyond the 5-year postdoctoral eligibility.

Approval is considered on a case-by-case basis. Note: If you are not affiliated with an organization, you may still apply to the NIAID K22 program. Read NIH’s Special Registration Instructions for Unaffiliated/Independent Applicants .

The K22 is a biphasic program. In Phase I, submit a K22 application that includes your Career Development Plan, Research Plan, current environment and institutional support, and letters of recommendation.

The research plan should include a description of the research conducted and to be completed during the candidate's tenure as a postdoctoral researcher ( Phase I ) and a detailed description of the research planned after the activation of the K22 award when the candidate secures an independent research position ( Phase II ).

Within a year of receiving an approval letter from NIAID, you must obtain an offer of a tenure-track (or equivalent) assistant professorship at an eligible academic institution. Having the K22 can help with this—it shows your ability to obtain NIAID funding for an independent research project.

Note that you will become ineligible for Phase II of the K22 if you accept an offer for an independent position prior to receiving an approval letter for Phase I of the K22 from NIAID. You must submit the following updated information to NIAID to activate the Phase II award: A detailed budget, resources, and career development plan.

Phase II qualifications: Position offer is for a tenure-track (or equivalent) assistant professorship, space, facilities, resources, and other support needed to conduct the proposed research, including 75 percent protected research time. Candidates are encouraged to reach out to their NIAID program officer and grants specialist to discuss their Phase II package prior to submission.

NIAID will not accept K22 applications proposing an independent clinical trial. Learn more at Clinical Trials and NIAID Research Career Development (K) Opportunities. Also check our Application Advice for Research Career Development (K) Awards .

Duration of 2 years, not renewable. Direct costs of $150,000 in the first year and $100,000 in the second year. Up to $50,000 of the award can be spent on the PI's salary each year (exclusive of fringe benefits); the remainder is at the principal investigator's (PI’s) discretion to use the award per the research described in the application.

(Salary for mentors, secretarial and administrative assistants, and the like is not allowed). If funds are not needed for the PI’s salary support, they may be used for research expenses. Facilities and administrative costs based on 8 percent of modified total direct costs.

Minimum 9 person months (or 75 percent) effort required each year. Learn more about Percent Effort and Concurrent Salary Support for Research Career Development (K) Awards . Learn more on the NIAID Research Career Development (K) Awards main page.

Email your questions to AI Training Help Desk . Our Office of Research Training and Special Programs staff can advise you on your eligibility for a particular K program and whether your proposed research aligns with NIAID. Send us your NIH-formatted biosketch and Specific Aims page.

Learn more at Create Biosketches and Draft Specific Aims . Related Rules & Policies: Career Development Grants SOP Content last reviewed on July 18, 2024