Opportunity Information: Apply for PA 19 116
The Mentored Clinical Scientist Research Career Development Award (K08) is an NIH career development grant designed to help clinically trained researchers build the skills, track record, and independence needed for a long-term research career that addresses important health needs in the United States. The central idea is to give a qualified candidate with a clinical doctoral degree dedicated, protected time to pursue an intensive, supervised research and training experience. The program is meant to develop physician-scientists and other clinician-researchers through structured mentorship, focused research aims, and a clear career development plan that strengthens their ability to compete for future independent research funding and to lead impactful biomedical, behavioral, or translational research programs.
This particular funding opportunity announcement, PA-19-116, is the version of the parent K08 that is specifically intended for applicants who will be the lead investigator of an independent clinical trial. That includes not only a full independent clinical trial, but also an independent clinical trial feasibility study or an ancillary clinical trial that is separate and distinct. In other words, the FOA is tailored for candidates whose research and career development activities will include taking primary responsibility for planning and conducting their own clinical trial work. If an applicant is not proposing an independent clinical trial, or if they plan to gain experience by working on a clinical trial that is led by another investigator, NIH directs them to apply instead to the companion K08 announcement referenced in the text (listed as XXXXX in the provided description). This distinction matters because NIH structures review and application requirements differently depending on whether the applicant is leading the clinical trial versus participating in one led by someone else.
The award is issued by the National Institutes of Health as a discretionary grant and falls under broad public benefit areas tied to health and related services. It is associated with multiple CFDA numbers (now often referred to under Assistance Listing terminology), reflecting that many NIH institutes and centers can use this parent mechanism to support career development aligned with their missions. While the opportunity is NIH-wide in structure, the specific fit, topic priorities, and administrative details typically depend on which NIH institute or center an applicant targets.
Eligibility is broad at the organizational level and includes many types of U.S.-based entities that can serve as the applicant institution for the candidate. Examples listed include public and private institutions of higher education, state and local governments, independent school districts, special district governments, federally recognized tribal governments and certain tribal organizations, public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities, nonprofits with or without 501(c)(3) status, for-profit organizations (other than small businesses), and small businesses. The announcement also highlights additional categories of eligible applicants such as Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions, AANAPISI institutions, Hispanic-serving institutions, Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities, faith-based or community-based organizations, and eligible federal agencies, among others. At the same time, it draws a firm line on foreign eligibility: non-domestic (non-U.S.) entities and foreign institutions are not eligible to apply as the applicant organization, and non-domestic components of U.S. organizations are not eligible to apply. However, foreign components are allowed when they meet NIH’s definition and policy requirements, meaning parts of the project may be carried out internationally under an eligible U.S. applicant organization when appropriately justified and permitted.
From a practical standpoint, a competitive K08 application under this FOA generally hinges on three linked pieces: a strong candidate with a clinical doctorate and clear commitment to a research-intensive career, a rigorous and well-justified clinical trial-focused research plan that the candidate will lead, and a robust mentorship and career development structure that explains how the candidate will gain the skills, publications, preliminary data, and leadership experience required for independence. The emphasis on protected time is a defining feature of K awards, and applicants typically need to show that their institution will support that protected time and provide an environment where mentored development and responsible conduct of research training can realistically occur alongside clinical responsibilities.
The record provided lists the funding opportunity title as “Mentored Clinical Scientist Research Career Development Award (Parent K08 Independent Clinical Trial Required)” with the opportunity number PA-19-116, created on December 20, 2018, and an original closing date shown as May 12, 2020. The entry does not specify an award ceiling or expected number of awards in the supplied fields, which is common in parent NIH FOAs because actual budgets and award counts can vary by institute, fiscal year, and the specific applications received.Apply for PA 19 116
- The National Institutes of Health in the education, environment, food and nutrition, health, income security and social services sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Mentored Clinical Scientist Research Career Development Award (Parent K08 Independent Clinical Trial Required)" 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, 93.172, 93.173, 93.213, 93.233, 93.242, 93.273, 93.279, 93.286, 93.398, 93.837, 93.838, 93.839, 93.840, 93.847, 93.853, 93.865, 93.866.
- This funding opportunity was created on 2018-12-20.
- Applicants must submit their applications by 2020-05-12. (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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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the Mentored Clinical Scientist Research Career Development Award (K08)?
The K08 is an NIH career development grant meant to help clinically trained researchers build the skills, publication record, and research independence needed for a long-term career addressing important health needs in the United States. It provides dedicated, protected time for an intensive, mentored research and training experience under supervision.
What is this specific funding opportunity (PA-19-116) focused on?
PA-19-116 is the parent K08 version specifically intended for candidates who will serve as the lead investigator of an independent clinical trial. That includes leading a full independent clinical trial, an independent clinical trial feasibility study, or an ancillary clinical trial that is separate and distinct.
Does this FOA require an independent clinical trial?
Yes. This version is tailored for applicants whose research and career development activities include taking primary responsibility for planning and conducting their own clinical trial work.
What types of clinical trials are included under "independent clinical trial" for this announcement?
The description indicates this includes (1) a full independent clinical trial, (2) an independent clinical trial feasibility study, or (3) an ancillary clinical trial that is separate and distinct.
What if I am not proposing an independent clinical trial?
If you are not proposing an independent clinical trial, NIH directs applicants to apply to the companion K08 announcement referenced in the description (listed as XXXXX in the provided text), rather than PA-19-116.
What if I want clinical trial experience but the trial is led by someone else?
If your plan is to gain experience by working on a clinical trial led by another investigator (rather than leading your own), NIH directs you to apply to the companion K08 announcement referenced in the description (XXXXX), not this independent clinical trial-required version.
Why does it matter whether I am leading the clinical trial vs. participating in someone else's trial?
The distinction matters because NIH structures review and application requirements differently depending on whether the candidate is the one leading the clinical trial versus participating in a trial led by another investigator.
What is the main purpose of the K08 mechanism?
The central idea is to give a qualified candidate with a clinical doctoral degree protected time to pursue a supervised, intensive research and training experience. The goal is to develop physician-scientists and other clinician-researchers through structured mentorship, focused research aims, and a clear career development plan that improves competitiveness for future independent research funding.
What kinds of research programs does the K08 support?
The K08 supports mentored development toward leading impactful biomedical, behavioral, or translational research programs, with this specific FOA emphasizing research that includes an independent clinical trial led by the candidate.
Who issues this award?
This award is issued by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) as a discretionary grant.
Is this opportunity limited to a single NIH institute or center?
No. It is NIH-wide in structure and is associated with multiple CFDA numbers (now often referred to as Assistance Listings), reflecting that multiple NIH institutes and centers can use this parent mechanism. The best fit, topic priorities, and administrative details typically depend on which NIH institute or center you target.
What are the key elements of a competitive application under PA-19-116?
Based on the provided description, competitiveness generally hinges on three linked pieces: (1) a strong candidate with a clinical doctorate and a clear commitment to a research-intensive career, (2) a rigorous and well-justified clinical trial-focused research plan that the candidate will lead, and (3) a robust mentorship and career development structure explaining how the candidate will gain skills, publications, preliminary data, and leadership experience required for independence.
What does "protected time" mean in the context of a K08?
Protected time is a defining feature of K awards and refers to dedicated time set aside for the candidate to conduct mentored research and training activities. Applicants typically need to show their institution will support that protected time and provide an environment where mentored development can realistically occur alongside clinical responsibilities.
What kind of mentorship and training is expected?
The program emphasizes structured mentorship and a clear career development plan. The plan should explain how the candidate will build research skills and a track record (such as publications and preliminary data), gain leadership experience, and receive training that supports responsible conduct of research.
What types of organizations are eligible to apply as the applicant institution?
Eligibility at the organizational level is broad and includes many types of U.S.-based entities, such as public and private institutions of higher education, state and local governments, independent school districts, special district governments, federally recognized tribal governments and certain tribal organizations, public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities, nonprofits with or without 501(c)(3) status, for-profit organizations (other than small businesses), and small businesses.
Are minority-serving institutions and community-based organizations included as eligible applicants?
Yes. The announcement highlights additional eligible categories, including Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions, AANAPISI institutions, Hispanic-serving institutions, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities, faith-based or community-based organizations, and eligible federal agencies, among others.
Are foreign (non-U.S.) organizations eligible to apply?
No. Non-domestic (non-U.S.) entities and foreign institutions are not eligible to apply as the applicant organization, and non-domestic components of U.S. organizations are not eligible to apply.
Can any part of the project be conducted outside the United States?
Foreign components are allowed when they meet NIH's definition and policy requirements. This means parts of the project may be carried out internationally under an eligible U.S. applicant organization when appropriately justified and permitted.
What is the funding opportunity title and number?
The record lists the title as "Mentored Clinical Scientist Research Career Development Award (Parent K08 Independent Clinical Trial Required)" and the opportunity number as PA-19-116.
When was PA-19-116 created?
The record indicates the opportunity was created on December 20, 2018.
What closing date is shown for this opportunity?
The supplied record shows an original closing date of May 12, 2020.
Is there an award ceiling listed?
No. The provided entry does not specify an award ceiling in the supplied fields, which is common in parent NIH FOAs because actual budgets can vary by institute, fiscal year, and the specific applications received.
Does the listing state the expected number of awards?
No. The provided entry does not include an expected number of awards, which is also common for parent NIH FOAs for similar reasons (institute-level variability and year-to-year funding decisions).
What public benefit area does this grant fall under?
The award falls under broad public benefit areas tied to health and related services, consistent with NIH's mission and the clinical scientist career development focus described.
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| Funding Opportunity |
|---|
| Mentored Clinical Scientist Research Career Development Award (Parent K08 Independent Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for PA 19 117 Funding Number: PA 19 117 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Environment, Food and Nutrition, Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Mentored Quantitative Research Development Award (Parent K25 - Independent Clinical Trial Required) Apply for PA 19 125 Funding Number: PA 19 125 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Environment, Food and Nutrition, Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Mentored Patient-Oriented Research Career Development Award (Parent K23 Independent Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for PA 19 119 Funding Number: PA 19 119 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Environment, Food and Nutrition, Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Mentored Patient-Oriented Research Career Development Award (Parent K23 Independent Clinical Trial Required) Apply for PA 19 118 Funding Number: PA 19 118 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Environment, Food and Nutrition, Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Administrative Supplement for Research on Sex/Gender Influences (Admin Supp Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for PA 19 165 Funding Number: PA 19 165 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Environment, Food and Nutrition, Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award (NRSA) Individual Predoctoral Fellowship (Parent F31) Apply for PA 19 195 Funding Number: PA 19 195 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Environment, Food and Nutrition, Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award (NRSA) Individual Postdoctoral Fellowship (Parent F32) Apply for PA 19 188 Funding Number: PA 19 188 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Environment, Food and Nutrition, Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award (NRSA) Individual Fellowship for Students at Institutions with NIH-Funded Institutional Predoctoral Dual-Degree Training Programs (Parent F30) Apply for PA 19 191 Funding Number: PA 19 191 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Environment, Food and Nutrition, Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award (NRSA) Individual Fellowship for Students at Institutions Without NIH-Funded Institutional Predoctoral Dual-Degree Training Programs (Parent F30) Apply for PA 19 192 Funding Number: PA 19 192 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Environment, Food and Nutrition, Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Research on the Health of Women of Understudied, Underrepresented and Underreported (U3) Populations An ORWH FY19 Administrative Supplement (Admin Supp Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for PA 19 205 Funding Number: PA 19 205 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Environment, Food and Nutrition, Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: $140,000 |
| PHS 2019-02 Omnibus Solicitation of the NIH, CDC, and FDA for Small Business Innovation Research Grant Applications (Parent SBIR [R43/R44] Clinical Trial Not Allowed Apply for PA 19 272 Funding Number: PA 19 272 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Environment, Food and Nutrition, Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| PHS 2019-02 Omnibus Solicitation of the NIH for Small Business Technology Transfer Grant Applications (Parent STTR [R41/R42] Clinical Trial Required Apply for PA 19 271 Funding Number: PA 19 271 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Environment, Food and Nutrition, Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| PHS 2019-02 Omnibus Solicitation of the NIH for Small Business Technology Transfer Grant Applications (Parent STTR [R41/R42] Clinical Trial Not Allowed Apply for PA 19 270 Funding Number: PA 19 270 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Environment, Food and Nutrition, Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Emergency Competitive Revision to Existing NIH Awards (Emergency Supplement - Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for PA 20 135 Funding Number: PA 20 135 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Environment, Food and Nutrition, Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Research Supplements to Promote Diversity in Health-Related Research (Admin Supp - Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for PA 20 166 Funding Number: PA 20 166 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Environment, Food and Nutrition, Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| NIH Pathway to Independence Award (Parent K99/R00 Independent Clinical Trial Required) Apply for PA 20 187 Funding Number: PA 20 187 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Environment, Food and Nutrition, Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| NIH Research Project Grant (Parent R01 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for PA 20 185 Funding Number: PA 20 185 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Environment, Food and Nutrition, Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| NIH Pathway to Independence Award (Parent K99/R00 Independent Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for PA 20 188 Funding Number: PA 20 188 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Environment, Food and Nutrition, Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Mentored Quantitative Research Development Award (Parent K25 Independent Clinical Trial Required) Apply for PA 20 197 Funding Number: PA 20 197 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Environment, Food and Nutrition, Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| NIH Support for Conferences and Scientific Meetings (Parent R13 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for PA 20 207 Funding Number: PA 20 207 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Environment, Food and Nutrition, Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
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