Purpose
To support both an initial mentored research experience (K99) followed by independent research (R00) for highly qualified, postdoctoral researchers, to secure an independent research position. Award recipients are expected to compete successfully for independent R01 support during the R00 phase.
PD/PI Eligibility
U.S. Citizens, Permanent Residents, or Non-U.S. Citizens
Research or Clinical Doctorate Holders
Institution Eligibility
U.S. domestic institutions
Program Announcements
PA-24-194: No Independent Clinical Trials
PA-24-193: Clinical Trial Required
PA-24-195: Basic Exp Studies with Humans Required
Application Due Dates
| New | Resubmission |
|---|---|
| Feb 12 | Mar 12 |
| Jun 12 | Jul 12 |
| Oct 12 | Nov 12 |
Additional Eligibility Considerations
- Postdoctoral Research Experience: At the application due date, applicants for a NINDS K99/R00 can have no more than 48 months (49 months for resubmission applications) of research experience following the completion of the requirements for their doctorate.
- Eligible Positions: Applicants must be in a mentored postdoctoral, non-faculty position to be considered for a K99/R00 award from NINDS. Individuals in a non-clinical instructor position or other similar, junior faculty positions are not eligible and will not be considered for an award. Applicants with a job title other than that typical of a postdoctoral trainee are strongly encouraged to contact the NINDS Office of Training & Workforce Development prior to applying. In general, for an individual to be eligible for the K99/R00, the institution’s handbook must define the individual’s position title as a mentored, non-staff, non-independent position. In other words, the position must clearly be equivalent to a mentored, postdoctoral trainee position.
- Securing a Faculty Position: "If the candidate achieves independence (i.e., any faculty or non-mentored research position) before a K99 award is made, neither the K99 award, nor the R00 award, will be issued." In this context, “achieving independence” refers to securing a faculty position. The reasoning is that the K99 is not intended to extend time in the postdoctoral lab for an individual that is competitively prepared for an independent faculty position.
- NINDS-Mission Relevance: NINDS will only consider applications for research that falls within its mission. Applicants are strongly encouraged to contact the NINDS Office of Training & Workforce Development prior to applying to confirm mission relevance of their proposed project.
Salary and Research Costs
K99 Phase (Mentored):
- For applicants at an extramural institution, NINDS will provide up to $75,000 per year for salary support, plus fringe, and up to $20,000 for research support costs.
- For applicants with medical degrees who are licensed to practice, NINDS will provide up to $125,000 per year for salary support.
- Applicants must commit a minimum of 9 person months effort to the K99 research during the mentored phase of the award (Note: Neurosurgeons must commit a minimum of 6 person months effort to the K99 research).
R00 Phase (Independent): For candidates at an extramural institution, NINDS will provide up to $249,000 of support per year. This amount includes salary support, fringe, and research costs. Candidates must obtain an offer for a tenure-track or equivalent position by the end of the K99 phase to be eligible for R00 support. Candidates must commit a minimum of 9 person months effort to research during the independent phase of the award (6 person months effort for neurosurgeons). However, the required research effort need not be devoted exclusively to the R00-supported research.
Transition to the Independent (R00) Phase
To be eligible for the R00 phase of the NINDS K99/R00 award, awardees must spend at least 12 months in the K99 phase from the council date at which their award was approved for funding.