K01: Mentored Research Scientist Development Award at NIA
NIA's Mentored Research Scientist Development Award (K01) provides support for an intensive, mentored career development experience in the biomedical, behavioral, or clinical sciences leading to research independence. NIA uses the K01 to support investigators pursuing career enhancement or career change. Three versions of the award are available:
- Clinical Trial Not Allowed (PA-20-190)
- Clinical Trial Required (PA-20-176)
- Basic Experimental Studies in Humans (PA-20-191)
Early career investigators should also consider other Career Development Awards and research grants for Early Stage Investigators.
Are you a postdoc or other mentored researcher wondering if the K01 is right for you? Explore this comparison of the three major postdoc to faculty transition awards available from the NIA: the K99, the K22, and the K01.
Update, January 2023: All K01 applications must include a plan for Data Management and Storage.
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NIA K01 at a Glance:
- Eligibility Requirements: Doctoral degree, faculty or equivalent position, U.S. citizen or permanent resident
- Award Duration: Three to five years
- Due Dates: Feb. 12/March 12, June 12/July 12, Oct. 12/Nov. 12
- Budget: Up to $75,000 salary and $20,000 research support
- Questions about K01 awards for aging and dementia research? Contact NIATraining@mail.nih.gov
Due dates for resubmissions are one month later than for initial submissions. NIA does not limit the research areas within aging that may be supported through the K01. However, individuals applying for this award are strongly encouraged to contact NIATraining@mail.nih.gov to determine interest in the proposed research topic.
At the NIA, there is no maximum limit on the number of years of postdoctoral experience to be eligible for the K01. However, K01 awards should be well-justified to support career enhancement or career change, as described below.
NIA also participates in the Mentored Career Development Program for Early Stage Investigators Using Nonhuman Primate Research Models (K01 Independent Clinical Trial Not Allowed), which has different eligibility requirements and provides a larger budget.
Career Enhancement
A career enhancement goal is most relevant to junior investigators applying for an additional period of mentored research experience. If the research is in the same field the individual trained in, it must expand the skills the individual possesses. Unlike a postdoctoral fellowship, the investigator must have demonstrated the capacity for productive work following the doctorate, and the institution sponsoring the investigator must treat the individual as a faculty member. The letter of institutional commitment should show noncontingent availability of research resources equivalent to those available to a tenure-track faculty member. However, the candidate does not need to be a tenure-track faculty member.
Career Change
K01s supporting career change apply to investigators — either junior or senior — who wish to redirect their careers. Appropriate peer review considerations include:
- Whether this is a substantial redirection
- Whether the redirection is appropriate given the candidate's current background and experience
How to Apply
Find general information on applying to career development awards.
K01 Review at NIA
NIA K01 applications are reviewed by the NIA Chartered Review Committee AGCD-2.
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Is my K01 research topic appropriate for NIA?
Consult the list of currently funded K01 awards.
Review sample K01 applications available from NIAID.
If you would like feedback on the appropriateness of your research topic for NIA, please submit a one-page overview of your specific aims to NIATraining@mail.nih.gov. A scientific program official from the appropriate division will contact you soon thereafter.
