Opportunity Information: Apply for PAR 21 273
The Maximizing Opportunities for Scientific and Academic Independent Careers (MOSAIC) Postdoctoral Career Transition Award to Promote Diversity is an NIH K99/R00 career transition grant (Funding Opportunity Number PAR-21-273) meant to help outstanding postdoctoral researchers from diverse backgrounds move more quickly and successfully from mentored postdoctoral training into independent, tenure-track (or equivalent) faculty positions at research-intensive institutions. Its core purpose is workforce-focused: building a stronger, more diverse pool of independent investigators in NIH mission areas, with an emphasis on strengthening diversity within the basic biomedical sciences. This particular announcement is the version that requires Independent Basic Experimental Studies with Humans (often abbreviated BESH), meaning the proposed research is expected to involve basic experimental work with human participants in ways that fit NIH definitions for that category.
The structure is the classic two-phase K99/R00 model. The K99 phase supports the final stage of mentored postdoctoral development, where the applicant builds additional skills, publications, preliminary data, and a clear plan for independence under the guidance of mentors. The R00 phase provides support after the awardee secures an independent faculty position, helping them establish their own lab or research program and compete effectively for future independent NIH research funding. In plain terms, the program is designed to reduce the gap between being a postdoc and being a fully independent principal investigator by providing a bridge of support across the career transition, rather than ending support right when the researcher takes on a new faculty role.
A defining feature of MOSAIC, beyond the financial support, is the cohort and community component. Awardees do not just receive a grant; they become MOSAIC scholars who are expected to participate in organized mentoring, networking, and professional development activities. These activities are coordinated by separate NIH-funded organizations supported through the MOSAIC Institutionally-Focused Research Education Award to Promote Diversity (UE5) mechanism. The idea is to combine research funding with structured career development, peer networking, and mentoring infrastructure, so participants get both resources and a professional community designed to increase retention and success in academic biomedical research careers.
Eligibility in the source information is broad in terms of organizational applicants and includes many types of domestic entities, such as public and private institutions of higher education, nonprofits (including 501(c)(3) and non-501(c)(3)), for-profit organizations (other than small businesses), small businesses, and multiple levels of government (state, county, city/township, special districts), as well as Native American tribal governments (federally recognized) and tribal organizations (other than federally recognized governments). The opportunity also explicitly notes additional eligible applicant categories that align with institutions serving historically underrepresented groups and communities, including Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Hispanic-serving Institutions, Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs), Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions, and Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AANAPISIs), along with faith-based or community-based organizations, eligible federal agencies, regional organizations, and U.S. territories or possessions. At the same time, the announcement draws clear boundaries around foreign involvement: non-domestic (non-U.S.) entities and non-domestic components of U.S. organizations are not eligible to apply, although foreign components may be allowed as defined under the NIH Grants Policy Statement (which generally means certain foreign activities can be included when well justified, even if the applicant organization itself must be domestic).
From an administrative standpoint, the opportunity is offered by the National Institutes of Health as a discretionary grant. The activity category is listed under education, environment, and health, and the CFDA/Assistance Listing numbers span multiple NIH institutes and centers (including 93.113, 93.121, 93.173, 93.213, 93.242, 93.273, 93.279, 93.307, 93.361, 93.853, 93.866, 93.867), reflecting that MOSAIC aligns with multiple NIH mission areas. The original closing date shown in the source data is 2024-07-24. The award ceiling and expected number of awards are not specified in the provided excerpt, which is common in NIH announcements where budgets depend on NIH policy caps for the mechanism and on institute-specific participation.
Overall, this funding opportunity is best understood as a targeted pathway for talented postdocs from diverse backgrounds who are ready to build independence but benefit from a structured bridge into faculty roles. It combines mentored-to-independent research support with a built-in cohort model and organized career development, with the explicit long-term aim of improving diversity and representation among independent investigators in the basic biomedical sciences and related NIH mission fields.Apply for PAR 21 273
- The National Institutes of Health in the education, environment, health sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Maximizing Opportunities for Scientific and Academic Independent Careers (MOSAIC) Postdoctoral Career Transition Award to Promote Diversity (K99/R00 - Independent Basic Experimental Studies with Humans Required (BESH))" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 93.113, 93.121, 93.173, 93.213, 93.242, 93.273, 93.279, 93.307, 93.361, 93.853, 93.866, 93.867.
- This funding opportunity was created on 2021-08-17.
- Applicants must submit their applications by 2024-07-24. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- Eligible applicants include: State governments, County governments, City or township governments, Special district governments, Independent school districts, Public and State controlled institutions of higher education, Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized), Public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities, Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments), Nonprofits having a 501 (c) (3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Nonprofits that do not have a 501 (c) (3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Private institutions of higher education, For-profit organizations other than small businesses, Small businesses, Others.
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FAQs: MOSAIC Postdoctoral Career Transition Award to Promote Diversity (NIH K99/R00, PAR-21-273, BESH)
What is this funding opportunity?
The Maximizing Opportunities for Scientific and Academic Independent Careers (MOSAIC) Postdoctoral Career Transition Award to Promote Diversity is an NIH K99/R00 career transition grant (Funding Opportunity Number PAR-21-273). It is designed to help outstanding postdoctoral researchers from diverse backgrounds move from mentored postdoctoral training into independent, tenure-track (or equivalent) faculty positions at research-intensive institutions.
What is the main goal of the MOSAIC K99/R00 program?
The core purpose is workforce-focused: to build a stronger, more diverse pool of independent investigators working in NIH mission areas, with an emphasis on strengthening diversity within the basic biomedical sciences. Practically, it aims to shorten and smooth the transition from postdoc to independent principal investigator by providing support that spans both stages.
What does "K99/R00" mean in this announcement?
This opportunity uses the classic two-phase NIH career transition structure. The K99 phase supports the final stage of mentored postdoctoral development. The R00 phase provides support after the awardee secures an independent faculty position so they can launch an independent research program.
What happens during the K99 (mentored) phase?
During the K99 phase, the applicant is supported while completing mentored postdoctoral training. The intent is for the postdoc to build additional skills, produce publications, strengthen preliminary data, and develop a clear, credible plan for independence under the guidance of mentors.
What happens during the R00 (independent) phase?
The R00 phase begins after the awardee obtains an independent faculty position. This phase supports the transition into independence, including establishing a lab or research program and building competitiveness for future independent NIH research funding.
Why is this described as a "bridge" award?
Because it is meant to reduce the gap between being a postdoc and becoming fully independent. Instead of support ending when someone leaves the postdoc role, the program is designed to provide continuity across the career transition and the early period of faculty independence.
What makes MOSAIC different from a standard research grant?
MOSAIC combines research funding with a structured cohort and community component. Awardees become MOSAIC scholars and are expected to participate in organized mentoring, networking, and professional development activities, not just conduct research.
What is the MOSAIC "cohort and community" component?
A defining feature of MOSAIC is that scholars join an organized community with mentoring and professional development. These activities are coordinated by separate NIH-funded organizations supported through the MOSAIC Institutionally-Focused Research Education Award to Promote Diversity (UE5) mechanism.
Who coordinates the mentoring, networking, and professional development activities?
They are coordinated by NIH-funded organizations supported under the UE5 mechanism (MOSAIC Institutionally-Focused Research Education Award to Promote Diversity). These UE5-supported groups provide structured career development, mentoring infrastructure, and networking for MOSAIC scholars.
What type of research does this particular announcement require?
This version of the announcement requires Independent Basic Experimental Studies with Humans (BESH). That means the proposed research is expected to involve basic experimental work with human participants in ways that fit NIH definitions for BESH.
What does BESH mean in plain language?
Based on the information provided, BESH indicates that the research will include basic experimental studies involving human participants, and the studies are expected to meet NIH's definition for that category.
Who is the intended applicant pool?
The program is intended for outstanding postdoctoral researchers from diverse backgrounds who are ready to build independence and who would benefit from a structured pathway and community support as they move toward independent, tenure-track (or equivalent) faculty roles at research-intensive institutions.
Is this opportunity only about funding, or does it include career development expectations?
It includes both. In addition to financial support through the K99 and R00 phases, awardees are expected to participate as MOSAIC scholars in organized mentoring, networking, and professional development activities coordinated through the MOSAIC UE5 infrastructure.
What kinds of organizations are eligible to apply (domestic entities)?
Eligibility is broad and includes many types of domestic entities, including public and private institutions of higher education, nonprofits (including 501(c)(3) and non-501(c)(3)), for-profit organizations (other than small businesses), small businesses, and multiple levels of government (state, county, city/township, and special districts). It also includes Native American tribal governments (federally recognized) and tribal organizations (other than federally recognized governments).
Are institutions that serve historically underrepresented groups explicitly included?
Yes. The opportunity explicitly lists additional eligible applicant categories aligned with institutions serving historically underrepresented groups and communities, including HBCUs, Hispanic-serving Institutions, Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs), Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions, and AANAPISIs.
Are faith-based or community-based organizations eligible?
Yes. The opportunity explicitly includes faith-based or community-based organizations among eligible applicants.
Are U.S. territories and possessions eligible?
Yes. The eligibility list explicitly includes U.S. territories or possessions.
Are federal agencies eligible to apply?
Yes. The opportunity notes eligible federal agencies among the additional eligible applicant categories.
Can a non-U.S. (foreign) organization apply?
No. Non-domestic (non-U.S.) entities are not eligible to apply based on the information provided.
Can a U.S. organization include a non-domestic component?
No. The announcement states that non-domestic components of U.S. organizations are not eligible to apply. At the same time, the opportunity notes that foreign components may be allowed as defined under the NIH Grants Policy Statement when well justified, even though the applicant organization itself must be domestic.
What agency is offering this grant?
The funding opportunity is offered by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) as a discretionary grant.
How is the activity category described in the source information?
The activity category is listed under education, environment, and health.
What are the CFDA/Assistance Listing numbers associated with this opportunity?
The source information lists multiple CFDA/Assistance Listing numbers spanning NIH institutes and centers: 93.113, 93.121, 93.173, 93.213, 93.242, 93.273, 93.279, 93.307, 93.361, 93.853, 93.866, and 93.867.
Why are there multiple Assistance Listing numbers?
Based on the provided description, MOSAIC aligns with multiple NIH mission areas and involves participation across multiple NIH institutes and centers, which is reflected by the range of Assistance Listing numbers.
What is the Funding Opportunity Number (FON)?
The Funding Opportunity Number provided is PAR-21-273.
When is (or was) the closing date?
The original closing date shown in the source data is 2024-07-24.
Is the award ceiling listed?
No. The award ceiling is not specified in the provided excerpt.
Is the expected number of awards listed?
No. The expected number of awards is not specified in the provided excerpt.
Why might budget and award counts be missing in an NIH announcement excerpt?
The provided information notes this can be common for NIH announcements, where budgets may depend on NIH policy caps for the mechanism and on institute-specific participation.
What kinds of faculty positions does the R00 phase support?
The R00 phase is intended to support awardees after they secure an independent, tenure-track (or equivalent) faculty position at a research-intensive institution, helping them establish an independent research program.
What is the long-term impact NIH is aiming for with MOSAIC?
The long-term aim is to improve diversity and representation among independent investigators in the basic biomedical sciences and related NIH mission fields by pairing research support with structured mentoring, career development, and cohort-based community support.
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| Emergency Award: Rapid Acceleration of Diagnostics Tribal Data Repository (RADx TDR) (U24 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for RFA OD 22 011 Funding Number: RFA OD 22 011 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Environment, Health Funding Amount: $2,000,000 |
| CCRP Initiative: Countermeasures Against Chemical Threats (CounterACT) Therapeutics Discovery and Early-Stage Development (UG3/UH3 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for PAR 22 209 Funding Number: PAR 22 209 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Environment, Health Funding Amount: $350,000 |
| Multi-Omics for Health and Disease - Disease Study Sites (U01 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for RFA HG 22 008 Funding Number: RFA HG 22 008 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Environment, Health Funding Amount: $500,000 |
| Multi-Omics for Health and Disease - Data Analysis and Coordination Center (U01 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for RFA HG 22 010 Funding Number: RFA HG 22 010 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Environment, Health Funding Amount: $950,000 |
| Multi-Omics for Health and Disease - 'Omics Production Centers (U01 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for RFA HG 22 009 Funding Number: RFA HG 22 009 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Environment, Health Funding Amount: $2,700,000 |
| The Intersection of Sex and Gender Influences on Health and Disease (R01 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for RFA OD 22 028 Funding Number: RFA OD 22 028 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Environment, Health Funding Amount: $350,000 |
| Implementation Research on Noncommunicable Disease Risk Factors among Low- and Middle-Income Country and Tribal Populations Living in City Environments (R01 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for PAR 23 042 Funding Number: PAR 23 042 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Environment, Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Genomic Community Resources (U24 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for PAR 23 085 Funding Number: PAR 23 085 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Environment, Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Biomedical Data Repository (U24 - Clinical Trials Not Allowed) Apply for PAR 23 079 Funding Number: PAR 23 079 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Environment, Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
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| CCRP Initiative: NIH Countermeasures Against Chemical Threats (CounterACT) Translational Exploratory/Developmental Research Projects (R21 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for PAR 23 139 Funding Number: PAR 23 139 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Environment, Health Funding Amount: $275,000 |
| Limited Competition: Superfund Hazardous Substance Research and Training Program (P42 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for RFA ES 23 001 Funding Number: RFA ES 23 001 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Environment, Health Funding Amount: $2,000,000 |
| STrengthening Research Opportunities for NIH Grants (STRONG): Structured Institutional Needs Assessment and Action Plan Development for Resource Limited Institutions (RLIs) (UC2 - Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for PAR 23 144 Funding Number: PAR 23 144 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Environment, Health Funding Amount: $250,000 |
| Tobacco Regulatory Science (R01 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for RFA OD 23 017 Funding Number: RFA OD 23 017 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Environment, Health Funding Amount: $500,000 |
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