NIH Pathway to Independence Award (Parent K99/R00)

NIBIB’s focus for the NIH Pathway to Independence Award (K99/R00) program is to facilitate a timely transition of outstanding postdoctoral researchers in biomedical imaging and bioengineering from mentored, postdoctoral research positions to independent, tenure-track or equivalent faculty positions. NIBIB will provide research support during this transition in order to help awardees launch competitive, independent research careers, The first phase provides 1 to 2 years of mentored postdoctoral research support. The second phase, contingent upon procurement of an independent research position and internal administrative review, provides up to 3 years of independent research support.

K99/R00 applicants must have no more than 4 years of postdoctoral research experience at the application due date regardless of whether it is a New or Resubmission application.  NIBIB considers requests for extension of the K99 eligibility window for various reasons, including medical concerns, disability, family care, extended periods of clinical training, natural disasters, and active-duty military service. Each of these requests is reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

For the R00 phase, applicants from medical schools should be aware that the instructor position is not considered equivalent to the assistant professor position required to transition to the independent phase of this award. NIBIB will accept R00 applications on a rolling basis. Applications received by June 30 will be reviewed and, if approved for funding, will be funded in the current fiscal year (by September 30). For applications received after June 30, funding could take place in the current fiscal year or the following fiscal year.

Before preparing an application, potential applicants are strongly encouraged to fill out the NIBIB K99 Eligibility Form and forward it along with the requested attachments (CV and Specific Aims) to Dr. Tina Gatlin; to verify eligibility and fit for NIBIB's scientific mission. Please include "K99 Eligibility Inquiry [Your First and Last Name]" in the subject line of your email.

NOTE: There are two NOFOs for this mechanism, one for clinical trial required and another for clinical trial not allowed. See NOFO links below.

NOTE: Besides the parent K99, NIBIB is signed on to 3 other K99 programs: MOSAIC, BRAIN, and HEAL (click on links to find out more NIBIB-specific information). Also see NOFO links below.