Mapping your career with NIH

Michael Sesma, Ph.D., NIMH

Milton J. Hernández, Ph.D., DLR, OEP

NIH

Basic Advice for Mapping Your Career with NIH Understand the NIH application process including

the review process Understand the ICs and their goals

Each IC has a research training and career development program Identify the grant programs offered by each IC Make early contact with program officers Find Mentors and Collaborators Study successful grant applications Only propose your best, creative ideas

Appropriate number of goals Impact – now more important than ever Include preliminary data if you have it

You won’t get a grant if you don’t apply

Career Path for a Ph.D.

Graduatestudent

IndependentPIPh.D.

Faculty Position

T32 F31

F32or

T32K22 R01 R37K02

T32- Institutional training grant (NRSA)-has pre-& postdoc slotsF30 and F31- Individual predoc fellowship (NRSA) (some ICs only support Diversity F30/31s)F32- Individual postdoc fellowship (NRSA)F33- Sr. postdoc fellowship (NRSA)R03- Small GrantR21- Exploratory/Developmental Research GrantR01- Research grantK02- Independent Scientist AwardK22- Research Scholar Development AwardK99/R00- Pathway to Independence AwardR37- Merit awardP01- Program Project GrantU01- Cooperative Agreement

F33R21R03

Diversity Supplements

K99/R00

PsUs

Career Path for an MD

Medical Student

IndependentPIM.D. Faculty

Position

T35T32or

F32R01 R37

K08or

K23K22

Clinical Training

K02 K24

T35- Short-term Training Grant for Health Professional StudentsF33- Sr. Postdoctoral Fellowship (NRSA)K08- Mentored Clinical Scientist Development AwardK23- Mentored Patient-Oriented Research Career Development AwardK24- Mid-Career Investigator in Patient-Oriented ResearchK07, K12- IC specificPlus all mechanisms from Ph.D. track

F33R21K99/R00

R03

Diversity Supplements

Training Grants (Ts)

NRSA- National Research Service Award Legislated, program began in 1974 (P.L. 93-348) Multi-slot awards Domestic institutions only Fund training programs for pre- and postdocs in any

scientific area within our scientific mission Can be basic or clinical Trainees work in a mentor’s lab MDs, PhDs, DVMs Awards go the best training programs in the Nation

Fellowships (Fs):

NRSA- National Research Service Award Legislated, program began in 1974 (P.L. 93-348) Individual awards under a mentor Training can be at domestic or foreign institutions Fund pre- and postdoc trainees in any scientific area

within our scientific mission Can be basic or clinical - most are basic Most awardees are for Ph.D.s F Kiosk: http://grants.nih.gov/training/F_files_nrsa.htm

Career Development Awards (Ks) Individual awards Mechanisms for Basic and Clinical

Investigators Designed as awards for faculty investigators Some mentored others not Newer programs (K22 and K99/R00) are

transition awards- these are for MDs and PhDs

K Kiosk: http://grants.nih.gov/training/careerdevelopmentawards.htm

Training Grants Some all predoc/some all postdoc Most are a mixture of slots Funds are mostly for tuition and trainees Training Related Expenses may be used to defray costs such as staff

salaries, equipment, research supplies, and other expenses directly related to the training program

Costs: Tuition- 60% of requested tuition, capped at $16,000 ($21K for MD-

PhD programs) Stipends- $20,772 pre/ postdoc $36,996 (level 0)-$51,036 (level 7) Training Related Expenses- $4,200 pre/$7,850 (post); both include

health insurance Travel- $400-$1000 F&As- 8%

F30s and F31s- Predoc Fellowships

Individual awards Cannot change the scope, move fellowship, or change

mentor without prior NIH approval! (They do anyway) Predoctoral NRSA awards limited to 5 years total Tuition- 60% of requested tuition, capped at $16,000

($21K for MD-PhD programs) Stipends- $20,772 pre Training Related Expenses- $4,200 includes health

insurance Travel- $400-$1000 F&As- 8%

F32sPostdoc NRSA Fellowships Postdoc only Individual award Cannot change the scope, move fellowship, or

change mentor without prior NIH approval! (They do anyway)

NRSA Support for up to 3 years total Stipends- $36,996 (level 0)-$51,036 (level 7)

Training Related Expenses- $7,850; includes health insurance

Travel- $400-$1000 F&As- 8%

F33sSenior Postdoc Fellowships Not for postdocs who have been postdocs a long

time Used for associate or full professors who want

support for a sabbatical For MDs or PhDs Few applicants - too little money Stipend = $51,036 Training Related Expenses - $7,850; includes health

insurance Travel- $400-$1,000

Fellowship Review Criteria

In addition to an Overall Impact score there are 5 Core Review Criteria for Fellowships. These are distinct from R-type award Core Criteria; criterion scores will be provided by the reviewers (1-9)

Fellowship Applicant Sponsors, Collaborators, and Consultants Research Training Plan Training Potential Institutional Environment & Commitment to

Training

K01Mentored Research Scientist Development Award Support development experiences leading to

research independence, training in new field or following hiatus in a research career (varies by IC)

MDs or PhDs 3-5 years Salary Cap varies by IC + FBs Research Support: up to $50,000/yr (varies by IC)

F&As= 8% IC contacts and policies:

http://grants2.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PA-10-056.html

K02Independent Scientist Award Often called Mid-career award; Best candidate is a

“senior” assistant professor or “junior” associate professor

Close to or recently promoted and tenured Must have independent grant support as PI, e.g., R01 MDs (very few) and PhDs Salary support only Salary Cap varies by IC + FBs for up to 5 years Gives up salary support from all other NIH grants! Relatively few applicants F&As= 8%

http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/contacts/parent_K02.html

K08- Mentored Clinical Scientist Development AwardK23- Mentored Patient-Oriented Research Career Development Award K08 - supports didactic study and mentored research for

individuals with clinical doctoral degrees K23 - for clinical/patient-oriented project 3-5 yr award, varies by IC Salary cap varies by IC + FBs Research Support up to $50,000/yr (varies by IC) F&As= 8% For IC Contacts and policies

http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/contacts/parent_K08.html http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/contacts/parent_K23.html

K24Mid-Career Investigator Award in Patient-Oriented Research

Purpose: to provide support for clinician investigators to allow them protected time to devote to patient-oriented research (POR) and to act as research mentors primarily for junior clinicians

3-5 years Typically MDs Salary cap varies by IC + FBs Research Support $25,000 - $50,000 (varies by IC) F&As= 8% http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/contacts/parent_K23.html

K25Mentored Quantitative Research Development Award For individuals from a quantitative background (e.g.,

mathematics, statistics, economics, computer science, imaging science, informatics, physics, chemistry, and engineering) who want to apply their expertise to a biomedical problem and are not already working in a health or disease related topic

3-5 years Salary cap varies by IC + FBs Research Support: $20,000 - $50,000 (varies by IC) F&As= 8% http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/contacts/parent_K25.html

K99/R00 Pathway to Independence Award Supported by almost all ICs with variations*

Transition award for postdocs moving to assistant professor positions (tenure track or equivalent)

No Citizenship/Green Card requirement K99 mentored phase (up to 2 years) R00 independent phase (up to 3 years; 75% effort) Requires mentor(s) *Up to $90,000/yr total cost for K99 phase; 8% F&A $249,000/yr total cost for R00 phase http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/contacts/parent_K99_R00.html

K22 Research Scholar Development Award Offered by NCI, NHLBI, NIAID, NIAAA, NINR

Transition award for postdocs moving to positions of assistant professor

Two-phased application Phase 1

Scientific merit No institution yet

If applicant gets a fundable score, they have a year to find a position as assistant professor

Phase 2 Assistant Professor Own lab Significant start-up funds Little teaching/ no administrative responsibilities

F&As= 8%

K22 and the K99/R00 Award Main features

K22 Transition award (postdoc-

to-asst. professor) 2 yr award No mentored phase Awardee gets funds at the

time of becoming asst. professor

$250K + 8% F&A costs Total Cost= $270K

K99/R00 Transition award (postdoc - to

asst. professor) 3 year award only 2 yr mentored phase ($90K/yr TC) Awardee becomes asst. professor-

R00 not peer reviewed 3 yr independent R phase

($249K/yr TC) Total Cost= $574K but note TC in

R00 phase

Career Award Review CriteriaIn addition to an Overall Impact score there are 5 Core

Review Criteria for K-award applications that are distinct from R-type award Core Criteria; criterion scores will be provided by the reviewers (1-9)

Candidate Career Development Plan/Career Goals &

Objectives/Plan to Provide Mentoring Research Plan Mentor(s), Consultants(s), Collaborator(s). Environment and Institutional Commitment to the

Candidate

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In recent years the use of Small Grants (R03) and the NIH Exploratory In recent years the use of Small Grants (R03) and the NIH Exploratory /Developmental Research Grant (R21) has increased : /Developmental Research Grant (R21) has increased :

New Investigator policies are limited to applications for Traditional New Investigator policies are limited to applications for Traditional Research project grant (R01) support. Accordingly, the NIH is strongly Research project grant (R01) support. Accordingly, the NIH is strongly encouraging New Investigators, particularly Early Stage Investigators, to encouraging New Investigators, particularly Early Stage Investigators, to apply for R01 grants when seeking first-time NIH funding. apply for R01 grants when seeking first-time NIH funding.

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New NIH PolicyEncourage New Investigator Applications for the R01

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Why an R01?It is the Gold Standard Grant! • The Research Project Grant (R01) is the original and

historically oldest grant mechanism used by NIH. The R01 provides support for health-related research and development based on the mission of the NIH.

• R01s can be investigator-initiated or can be in response to a program announcement or request for application.

• The R01is an award made to support a discrete, specified, circumscribed project to be performed by the named investigator(s) in an area representing the investigator's specific interest and competencies, based on the mission of the NIH.

Are You a “New Investigator”? Definition: New Investigator (NI) is a PD/PI who has not yet competed successfully for a substantial NIH research grant (Except for R03, R15, R21 or mentored K awards)

Definition: Early Stage Investigator (ESI) is a NI who is within 10 years of completing the terminal research degree or is within 10 years of completing medical residency (or equivalent)

NI/ESI receive special considerations during peer review and IC funding decisions

Resource web site with further information

grants1.nih.gov/grants/new_investigatorsgrants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-OD-08-121.html

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http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-OD-08-121.html

New/Early Stage Investigators

PURPOSEEncourage and accelerate earlier transition to research independence (i.e., first R01)Counter trend of increasing time spent in training phase of career Strongly encourage New Investigators, particularly ESIs, to apply for R01 grants when seeking first-time NIH funding 

Identification of NI/ESI Applicants

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New/Early Stage Investigator

• ESI/NI Applications will be identified to reviewers so that appropriate consideration of career stage can be applied during review.

• Apprise NIH staff of ESI/NI status, which will be considered when applications are selected for award

• Support New Investigators (majority expected to be ESIs) at success rates equivalent to that of established investigators submitting new applications 

• For multiple PD/PI applications, all PD/PIs must meet requirements for ESI status to receive consideration during review

• ESIs/NIs are eligible for the Shortened Review Cycle option

(http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-OD-07-083.html )

New and Early Stage Investigator Policies

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New/Early Stage Investigators• NOT-OD-08-121 (09/26/2008) - Encouraging Early Transition to

Independence: Identifying ESIshttp://grants1.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/not-od-08-121.html

• NOT-OD-09-013 (09/31/2008) – Revised New and Early Stage Investigator Policies http://grants1.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-OD-09-013.html

• NOT-OD-09-034 (12/31/2008) – ESI Policies: Requesting an Extension of the ESI Period http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-OD-09-034.html

• FAQs: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/new_investigators/investigator_policies_faqs.html

Information Sources

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Other NIH Awards for New Investigators

• Support exceptionally innovative research with potential for significant impact

• Launched in 2007• Open to new investigators within ten years of their terminal degree• Appointment at US institutions• Commit at least 25% effort

• Up to $1.5 million over 5 years (direct costs)• Abbreviated application

• Preliminary data optional

• Review focus on innovation and creativity, scientific impact• Number of Applications and awards

• 2007 2150 30• 2008 579 31• 2009 419 ? + ARRA

http://http://nihroadmap.nih.gov/nihroadmap.nih.gov/newinnovator/newinnovator/

Loan Repayment ProgramsAn Overview

Division of Loan Repayment (DLR)Office of Extramural Research/Office of Extramural Programs

National Institutes of HealthU.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Milton Hernández, Ph.D.Director

NIH Division of Loan Repayment, OEP

Program Overview

3030

NIH Loan Repayment Programs (LRPs) •Vital component of our Nation's efforts to attract and retain highly qualified health professionals •Working in priority areas •To build a research workforce that will meet our future national needs

Loan Repayment Programs

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Intramural Programs (1989 to Present)

AIDS Research LRP (1989)

Clinical Research LRP for Individuals from Disadvantaged Backgrounds (1994)

General Research LRP (1996)

Extramural Programs (2001 to Present)

Contraception & Infertility Research LRP (1997)

Health Disparities Research LRP (2001)

Clinical Research LRP for Individuals from Disadvantaged Backgrounds (2001)

Clinical Research LRP (2002)

Pediatric Research LRP (2002)

LRPs- How do they work?

• Up to $35,000 per year in loan repayment depending on debt level

• Coverage of Federal, state and local taxes

resulting from the NIH LRP

• 2 year initial contracts with 1 – 2 year competitive extension contracts

Individual LRP Funding History FY 2002 thru FY 2008

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Educational Debt, by Degree Type

Trends Analysis, FY03-FY07

Among LRP applicants, academic

doctorates have a higher debt load

than recent PhD graduates, and

physician doctorates have a lower

debt load than recent MD graduates.

Among LRP applicants, academic

doctorates have a higher debt load

than recent PhD graduates, and

physician doctorates have a lower

debt load than recent MD graduates.

†Source: Survey of Earned Doctorates, National Science Foundation (2003).

*Source: Survey of Graduates, American Association of Medical Colleges (2001).

LRP Evaluation Conclusions:

LRPs attract young scientists early in their careers- average age is 35

Applicants have considerable educational debt Women, MDs, and PhDs are adequately represented in applicant

and awardee pools LRP awardees receive more RPGs than unsuccessful applicants But LRP awardees are not quite as successful as K awardees in

receiving RPGs