NINDS CAREER TRANSITION AWARD (K22)

Release Date:  July 17, 2000

PA NUMBER:  PAR-00-122

National Institute Of Neurological Disorders and Stroke

PURPOSE

The overall goals of the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and 
Stroke (NINDS)Career Transition Award (K22) program are to enable outstanding 
individuals to obtain a research training experience in the NINDS Division of 
Intramural Research and to facilitate their successful transition to an 
extramural environment as independent researchers.  The award will provide two 
to three years of support for research training in a NINDS intramural 
laboratory followed by two to three years of support for an independent 
research project in an extramural institution.  The combined duration cannot 
exceed five years.  It is anticipated that awardees will subsequently obtain 
research project grants such as the R01 to support the continuation of their 
work.

HEALTHY PEOPLE 2010

The Public Health Service (PHS) is committed to achieving the health promotion 
and disease prevention objectives of "Healthy People 2010," a PHS led national 
activity for setting priority areas.  This Program Announcement,  NINDS CAREER 
TRANSITION AWARD (K22),  is related to one or more of the priority areas.  
Potential applicants may obtain a copy of "Healthy People 2010" at 
http://www.health.gov/healthypeople.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

The candidate must have a research or a health-professional doctorate or its 
equivalent, and must have some research experience, during which the potential 
for highly productive basic or clinical research was demonstrated.  The 
required research experience may have been completed in an intramural NIH 
laboratory or at an extramural institution. During the intramural phase of the 
award, the candidate will spend full time on research.  To obtain support for 
the extramural phase, candidates must have a formal tenure-track (or 
equivalent) offer in an extramural institution. During the extramural phase, 
the candidate must spend a minimum of 75 percent of full-time professional 
effort conducting research and research career development activities. 
Racial/ethnic minority individuals, women, and persons with disabilities are 
encouraged to apply as principal investigators.

Candidates must be U.S. citizens or non-citizen nationals, or must have been 
lawfully admitted for permanent residence and possess an Alien Registration
Receipt Card (I-151 or I-551) or some other verification of legal admission as 
a permanent resident.  Individuals on temporary or student visas are not 
eligible.

Former principal investigators on NIH research project (R01), FIRST Awards 
(R29), SBIR/STTR awards, sub-projects of program project (P01) or center 
grants (P50), K08 awards, or the equivalent, are not eligible.  Former 
principal investigators of an NIH Small Grant (R03) or Exploratory/Development 
Grants (R21) remain eligible.  A candidate for the NINDS Career Transition 
Award may not concurrently apply for any other PHS award that duplicates the 
provisions of this award nor have another application pending award.

MECHANISM OF SUPPORT

This PA will use the National Institutes of Health (NIH) K22 award mechanism.  
Responsibility for the planning, direction, and execution of the proposed 
project will be solely that of the applicant.  The total period of support is 
a maximum of five years (two or three years intramural, plus two or three 
years extramural).  Awards are not renewable.  Total direct costs for the 
intramural phase are based on the candidate's experience, not to exceed 
$150,000 per year, including salary; those for the extramural phase cannot 
exceed $150,000 including fringe benefits per year. (For information about 
specific allowable costs, please see ALLOWABLE COSTS).

PROGRAM OBJECTIVES

The NINDS intramural research environment provides a rich and unique 
opportunity for the training of postdoctoral fellows and beginning 
investigators. The goal of the NINDS K22 program is to provide highly 
qualified young investigators with an opportunity to receive research and 
research training experience in the NINDS Division of Intramural Research and 
then to provide them with bridge funding to facilitate the transition of their 
research programs to extramural institutions.

To achieve these objectives, the NINDS Career Transition Award will support 
two phases of research:  an intramural phase and an extramural phase, for a
maximum total of five years of combined support.  Transition from the 
intramural phase of support to the extramural phase is not automatic.  
Approval of the transition will be based on the success of the awardee’s 
research program as determined by a NINDS progress review, which will take 
place no later than the end of the second year of the Intramural Support
Phase, and the evaluation of a research plan to be carried out at the 
extramural institution.  The extramural institution must demonstrate a 
commitment to the candidate by providing protected research time, space needed 
to perform the proposed research and a plan for career development.  Awardees 
approved to proceed with the second phase of support will receive notification 
of approval in writing from the NINDS.  An application from the extramural 
institution on behalf of the candidate will be required for the NINDS to 
process the second phase of the K22.

NINDS DIVISION OF INTRAMURAL RESEARCH

The Division of Intramural Research at NINDS conducts basic, translantional 
and clinical neuroscience research. Projects underway include structure 
function studies of ion channels and synapses, examination of stem cell 
biology, analysis of neural circuits, imaging studies to define normal and 
abnormal neural function as well as preclinical and clinical studies to define 
new therapeutic strategies for neurological disorders. Detailed information 
about potential intramural mentors can be obtained at 
http://intra.ninds.nih.gov.

ALLOWABLE COSTS

Intramural Support Phase:

Support during the intramural phase will include a fellowship stipend, based 
on the candidate's years of postdoctoral experience and commensurate with 
the NINDS intramural salary structure.  Research expenses including personnel, 
consultants, equipment, supplies, and travel will be negotiated with the 
mentor and Scientific Director. While the extent of these resources will 
depend upon the nature and scope of the research approved by peer review, up 
to $75,000 can be requested.

Extramural Support Phase:

Total direct costs, including salary, fringe benefits and research support, 
may not exceed $150,000 per year.

1. Salary:  The NINDS will provide salary for the award recipient of up to 
$75,000 per year plus commensurate fringe benefits for a minimum of 75 percent 
effort.  Although a greater effort may be proposed, the maximum 
allowable salary is $75,000.  The total salary requested must be based on a 
full-time, 12-month staff appointment.  It must be consistent both with the 
established salary structure at the institution and with salaries actually 
provided by the institution from its own funds to other staff members of 
equivalent qualifications, rank, and responsibilities in the department 
concerned.  The institution may supplement the NIH contribution up to a level 
that is consistent with the institution’s salary scale; however, 
supplementation may not be from Federal funds unless specifically authorized 
by the Federal program from which such funds are derived.  Institutional 
supplementation of salary must not require extra duties or responsibilities 
that would interfere with the purpose of the K22.

2.  Research Support:  The NINDS will provide up to $75,000 per year for (a) 
research expenses, such as supplies, equipment, and technical personnel; (b) 
travel to research meetings or training; and (c) statistical services, 
including personnel and computer time. 

3.  Ancillary Personnel Support:  Salary for secretarial and administrative 
assistance, etc., is not allowed.

4.  Facilities and Administrative Costs (F&A):  F&A costs will be reimbursed 
at eight percent of modified total direct costs.

Special Restrictions:

Acceptance into the NINDS Career Transition Award Program does not convey any 
commitment or intent of the NINDS to consider the awardee for a tenure track 
position within the NINDS.  The NINDS Career Transition Award is specifically 
intended to help develop scientists who will pursue their careers in the 
extramural biomedical research community.  However, the NINDS K22 awardees are 
not explicitly precluded from applying for available tenure track positions at 
the NIH.  If an awardee obtains an NIH position, the NINDS Career Transition 
Award will be terminated.

Once a K22 award is made, the awardee is expected to remain with the NINDS 
Intramural Program for at least 18 months.  Exceptions may be reviewed on a 
case-by-case basis.

INCLUSION OF WOMEN AND MINORITIES IN RESEARCH INVOLVING HUMAN SUBJECTS

It is the policy of the NIH that women and members of minority groups and 
their subpopulations must be included in all NIH supported biomedical and 
behavioral research projects involving human subjects, unless a clear and 
compelling rationale and justification are provided that inclusion is 
inappropriate with respect to the health of the subjects or the purpose of the 
research.  This policy results from the NIH Revitalization Act of 1993 
(Section 492B of Public Law 103-43).

All investigators proposing research involving human subjects should read the 
"NIH Guidelines For Inclusion of Women and Minorities as Subjects in Clinical 
Research," which have been published in the Federal Register of March 28, 1994 
(FR 59 14508-14513) and in the NIH Guide for Grants and Contracts, Vol. 23, 
No. 11, March 18, 1994 and is available on the web at the following URL 
address:  http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/not94-100.html 
 
INCLUSION OF CHILDREN AS PARTICIPANTS IN RESEARCH INVOLVING HUMAN SUBJECTS

It is the policy of NIH that children (i.e., individuals under the age of 21) 
must be included in all human subjects research, conducted or supported by the 
NIH, unless there are scientific and ethical reasons not to include them.  
This policy applies to all initial (Type 1) applications submitted for receipt 
dates after October 1, 1998.

All investigators proposing research involving human subjects should read the 
"NIH Policy and Guidelines on the Inclusion of Children as Participants in 
Research Involving Human Subjects" that was published in the NIH Guide for 
Grants and Contracts, March 6, 1998, and is available at the following URL 
address: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/not98-024.html.

Investigators also may obtain copies of these policies from the program staff 
listed under INQUIRIES.  Program staff may also provide additional relevant 
information concerning the policy.

URLS IN NIH GRANT APPLICATIONS OR APPENDICES

All applications and proposals for NIH funding must be self-contained within 
specified page limitations.  Unless otherwise specified in an NIH 
solicitation, internet addresses (URLs) should not be used to provide 
information necessary to the review because reviewers are under no obligation 
to view the Internet sites.  Reviewers are cautioned that their anonymity may 
be compromised when they directly access an Internet site.

APPLICATION PROCEDURES

Applications are to be submitted on the grant application form PHS 398 (rev. 
4/98) and will be accepted at the standard application deadlines as indicated 
in the application kit.  Application kits are available at most institutional 
offices of sponsored research and may be obtained from the Division of 
Extramural Outreach and Information Resources, National Institutes of Health, 
6701 Rockledge Drive, MSC 7910, Bethesda, MD 20892-7910, telephone 301/435-
0714, email: [email protected].

Individuals interested in applying for the NINDS K22 Award should contact 
either the Training, Career Development and Referral Officer: (301) 496-4188; 
email: [email protected], or the Scientific Director of the Intramural Program: 
(301) 435-2232; email: [email protected]. This contact is required to 
initiate the process of identifying a mentor (NINDS intramural) if one has not 
already been selected by the candidate and to facilitate the application 
process.  Information about principal investigators in the NINDS Intramural 
Program may be found on the web at http://intra.ninds.nih.gov. The application 
must include information regarding the candidate's long-term career plan, a 
research training plan, including descriptions of proposed formal course work, 
a research plan, and the mentor's statement of support.

The application must address the following issues:

Candidate

o The candidate's commitment to a career in biomedical or behavioral research.

o The candidate's potential to develop into a successful independent 
investigator.

o The candidate's immediate and long-term career objectives, explaining how 
the award will contribute to their attainment.

o Letters of recommendation.  Three sealed letters of recommendation 
addressing the candidate's potential for a research career must be included as 
part of the application.

o Candidates must describe plans to receive instruction in the responsible 
conduct of research.  These plans must detail the proposed subject matter, 
format, frequency, and duration of instruction, as well as the amount and 
nature of senior staff participation.  No award will be made if an application 
lacks this component.

Research Plan

o Describe the research plan and the use of a basic or clinical approach to a 
biomedical or behavioral problem.  The candidate must describe the research
plan as outlined in form PHS 398 including sections on the Specific Aims, 
Background and Significance, Progress Report/Preliminary Studies, Research 
Design and Methods.

Mentor's Training Plan (Intramural Phase)

o The mentor must describe the elements of research training planned for the 
candidate, including any formal course-work, and specify how the candidate's
scientific independence and professional development will be promoted.

Budget

The applicant should work with the potential NINDS mentor to devise a budget 
for the Intramural Phase. Budget information for TOTAL DIRECT COSTS and cost 
justifications should be developed in accordance with the Budget instructions 
in form PHS 398.  For candidates who receive approval for transition to the 
Extramural Phase a budget will be submitted at that time as part of the form 
PHS 2590 (noncompeting application) as discussed below in EXTRAMURAL SUPPORT 
PHASE.

Submission Procedures

o Identify the application as a response to this PA; check "YES" on item 2 of 
page 1 of the application and enter "PAR-00-122, NINDS Career Transition Award 
(K22)."

o Submit a signed, typewritten original of the competing PHS 398 application 
and three signed, photocopies in one package to:

CENTER FOR SCIENTIFIC REVIEW
NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH
6701 ROCKLEDGE DRIVE, ROOM 1040, MSC 7710
BETHESDA, MD  20892-7710
BETHESDA, MD  20817 (for express/courier service)

At the time of submission, send an additional two copies of the application to 
the NINDS Training and Career Development Officer at the address listed under 
INQUIRIES.  It is important to send these two copies at the same time as the 
original and three copies are sent to the Center for Scientific Review (CSR).  
These copies are used to identify conflicts and help ensure the appropriate 
and timely review of the application.

REVIEW CONSIDERATIONS

Upon receipt, applications will be reviewed for completeness by the Center for 
Scientific Review (CSR) and responsiveness to the PA by the appropriate 
NINDS staff.  Applications that are complete and responsive to the program 
announcement will be evaluated for scientific and technical merit by an
appropriate peer review group, convened by the NINDS, in accordance with the 
review criteria stated below.

Review Criteria

Intramural Support Phase

Candidate

o  Commitment to an independent research career;

o  Potential to develop as an outstanding scientist who will make significant 
contributions to the field.

o All candidates for this award must have had previous research experience.  
Quality and breadth of prior scientific training and experience including, 
where appropriate, the record of previous research support and publications.

Research Plan

o A sound research plan that is appropriate for the research training 
objectives of the candidate must be provided.

o  Usefulness of the research plan as a vehicle for enhancing research skills 
necessary to fulfill the objectives of the career development plan;

o  Scientific and technical merit of the research question, design, and 
methodology, judged in the context of the candidate's proposed career
objectives;

Career Development Plan

o  Appropriateness of the proposed training experience to the candidate's 
career development, considering the candidate's goals and prior experience.

o  Adequacy of plans to obtain instruction in the responsible conduct of 
research.

o  Adequacy of plans to include both genders, minorities and their subgroups, 
and children, as appropriate for the scientific goals of the research.  Plans 
for the recruitment and retention of subjects will also be evaluated.

Mentor

o  Research qualifications and previous experience as a research supervisor.

o  Adequacy of the nature and extent of supervision that will occur during the 
proposed award period.

o  Appropriateness of the mentor's research interests and qualifications to 
the career development needs of the candidate.

o  Adequacy of the proposed mentoring plan.

Budget

o  Appropriateness of the budget for the scope of the research and training 
activities proposed (see Allowable Costs).

SELECTION AND AWARD PROCEDURES

Intramural Support Phase

Following peer review, applications will be considered by a NINDS Selection 
Committee (NSC) consisting of Senior Scientists from the NINDS Intramural 
Program convened by the Division of Extramural Research, NINDS.  Based on 
priority score ranking and programmatic needs, the NSC will determine the 
final candidates to be selected.  Funding decisions will be made based on the 
recommendations of the NSC and secondary review by the National Advisory 
Neurological Disorders and Stroke Council.

ACTIVATING THE EXTRAMURAL SUPPORT PHASE

The candidate must receive approval in writing from the NINDS and must be 
accepted by an extramural institution in a tenure-track or equivalent position 
in order to activate the extramural support phase.  The extramural institution 
will submit an application on behalf of the candidate for the extramural phase 
of support, using form PHS 2590, the noncompeting continuation application.  
The application should include a letter from the department or division 
chairman describing the institution’s plan for career development. The 
application submitted by the awardee and the extramural institution for 
activation of the extramural phase of the program will be evaluated by NINDS 
extramural staff for completeness and responsiveness to the program.

EVALUATION

Intramural Support Phase

Each awardee will be evaluated for progress on an annual basis by the mentor, 
Laboratory Chief, and Scientific Director.

Extramural (Transition) Support Phase

The awardee will be required to submit a form PHS 2590 non-competing 
continuation application for the final years of extramural support.  The 
application should provide a description of the research and career progress 
of the awardee, including: 1) publications in press or submitted; 2) current 
investigator-initiated research grant support; and 3) all applications 
submitted for investigator-initiated research grant support.  It should also 
include a description of the extramural institution’s commitment to 
development of the awardee’s career. After the completion of this award, 
periodic updates on various aspects of employment history, publications, 
support from research grants or contracts, honors and awards, professional 
activities, and other information helpful in evaluating
the impact of the program may be solicited from awardees.

INQUIRIES

Written and telephone inquiries concerning this PA are encouraged, especially 
during the planning phase of the application.  The opportunity to clarify any 
issues or address questions from potential applicants is welcome.

Address inquiries regarding intramural and extramural programmatic issues to:

NINDS Training and Career Development Officer
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
6001 Executive Blvd/Room 2154
Bethesda, MD 20892
Telephone: (301) 496-4188
Email: [email protected]

Or to:

Dr. Story Landis
Scientific Director
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
Building 36/Room 5A05
Bethesda, MD 20892
Telephone: (301) 435-2232
Email: [email protected] 


Address inquiries regarding review issues and mail two copies of the completed 
application to:

Chief, Scientific Review Branch
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
Neuroscience Center, Room 3208
6001 Executive Boulevard 
Bethesda, MD 20892 (Courier Service:  Rockville, MD 20852)
Telephone: (301) 496-9223
FAX: (301) 402-0182 

Address inquiries regarding fiscal issues to:

Joellen Harper
Chief Grants Management Officer
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
6001 Executive Blvd., Room 3290
Bethesda, MD 20892
Telephone: (301) 496-9231
Email: [email protected] 

AUTHORITY AND REGULATIONS

This program is described in the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance No. 
93.853.  Awards are made under authorization of sections 301 and 405 of the 
Public Health Service Act as amended (42 USC 241 and 285) and administered 
under NIH grants policies and Federal Regulations 42 CFR 52 and 45 CFR Part 
74.  This program is not subject to the intergovernmental review requirements 
of Executive Order 12372 or Health Systems Agency review.

The PHS strongly encourages all grant and contract recipients to provide a 
smoke-free workplace and promote the non-use of all tobacco products.  In 
addition, Public Law 103-227, the Pro-Children Act of 1994, prohibits smoking 
in certain facilities (or in some cases, any portion of a facility) in which 
regular or routine education, library, day care, health care or early 
childhood development services are provided to children.  This is consistent 
with the PHS mission to protect and advance the physical and mental health of 
the American people.

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