NIAMS CAREER TRANSITION AWARD (K22) RELEASE DATE: February 6, 2002 PA NUMBER: PAR-02-056 EXPIRATION DATE: June 30, 2005 PARTICIPATING INSTITUTES AND CENTERS (ICs): National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) (http://www.niams.nih.gov/) THIS PA CONTAINS THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION o Purpose of the PA o Research Objectives o Mechanism of Support o Eligible Institutions o Individuals Eligible to Become Principal Investigators o Special Requirements o Where to Send Inquiries o Submitting an Application o Peer Review Process o Review Criteria o Award Criteria o Required Federal Citations PURPOSE The overall goals of the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) Career Transition Award (K22) program are to enable outstanding individuals to obtain a research training experience in the NIAMS Intramural Research Program 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 an NIAMS 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. RESEARCH OBJECTIVES The NIAMS intramural research environment provides a rich and unique opportunity for the training of postdoctoral fellows and beginning investigators. The goal of the NIAMS K22 program is to provide highly qualified young investigators with an opportunity to receive research training experience in the NIAMS Intramural Research Program and then to provide them with bridge funding to facilitate the transition of their research programs to extramural institutions. To achieve these objectives, the NIAMS Career Transition Award will provide a maximum total of five years of research support divided into two phases: Phase I is for research in an intramural facility of NIAMS Phase II is for research at an extramural (non-NIH) facility. NIAMS Intramural Research Program The Intramural Research Program at NIAMS conducts basic, translational and clinical research. Intramural investigators pursue diverse projects in biomedical research ranging from fundamental analyses of protein structure and function involving crystallography, cryoelectron microscopy, and atomic force microscopy, through protein chemistry, cell biology, signal transduction, gene regulation, tissue development and differentiation, genetics and immunology to more directly applicable research on the genetics, etiology, pathogenesis and treatment of a variety of rheumatic, autoimmune, inflammatory, joint, skin and muscle diseases. Detailed information about potential intramural mentors can be obtained at: http://www.niams.nih.gov/rtbc/index.htm. Transition from Phase I (the intramural period of support) to Phase II (the extramural period) is not automatic. Approval of the transition will be based on the success of the awardee's research program as determined by an NIAMS progress review, which will take place no later than the end of the second year of the Intramural Support Phase I, and the evaluation of a research plan to be carried out at the extramural institution. Additionally, 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 NIAMS. An application from the extramural institution on behalf of the candidate will be required for the NIAMS to process the Phase II of the K22 (Details appear in the section "Activating the Extramural Support Phase" in this announcement.) 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, and two or three years extramural). Awards are not renewable. Total direct costs for the Phase I (intramural) are based on the candidate's experience, not to exceed $150,000 per year, including salary; those for Phase II (extramural) cannot exceed $150,000 per year, including salary and fringe benefits. (Specific allowable costs are described below.) This PA uses just-in-time concepts. Follow the instructions for non- modular research grant applications. ELIGIBLE INSTITUTIONS Phase I o Phase I applications may only be submitted for research at the National Institutes of Health. Phase II You may submit an application for transition to Phase II as described below if your institution has any of the following characteristics: o For-profit or non-profit organizations o Public or private institutions, such as universities, colleges, hospitals, and laboratories o Units of State and local governments o Eligible agencies of the Federal government o Domestic or foreign o Faith-based organizations INDIVIDUALS ELIGIBLE TO BECOME PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATORS 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. Individuals who have had more than five years of postdoctoral research training at the time of application are not eligible to apply; however, clinical training does not count against the five years. 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. Individuals from underrepresented racial and ethnic groups as well as individuals with disabilities are always encouraged to apply for NIH programs. 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 projects (R01), FIRST Awards (R29), SBIR/STTR awards, sub-projects of program projects (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 NIAMS 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. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS AND RESTRICTIONS Acceptance into the NIAMS Career Transition Award Program does not convey any commitment or intent of the NIAMS to consider the awardee for a tenure track position within the NIAMS. The NIAMS Career Transition Award is specifically intended to help develop scientists who will pursue their careers in the extramural biomedical research community. However, the NIAMS K22 awardees are not explicitly precluded from applying for available tenure track positions at the NIH. If an awardee obtains an NIH position, the NIAMS Career Transition Award will be terminated. Once a K22 award is made, the awardee is expected to remain with the NIAMS Intramural Program for at least 18 months. The award of Phase I, the intramural segment of a K22, does not guarantee the transition to the extramural segment, Phase II. Allowable costs are restricted as follows: o Phase I, Intramural Support: Support during the intramural phase will include a fellowship stipend, based on the candidate's years of postdoctoral experience and commensurate with the NIAMS intramural salary structure. Research expenses including salary stipend, personnel, consultants, equipment, supplies, and travel will be negotiated with the Mentor and Scientific Director. While the extent of these resources will depend upon salary and the nature and scope of the research approved by peer review, up to $150,000 can be requested. Planning and managing this budget will help the candidate in transition to an independent research career. o Phase II, Extramural Support: Total direct costs, including salary, fringe benefits and research support, may not exceed $150,000 per year. 1. Salary: The NIAMS 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 NIAMS 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. Activating the Extramural Support Phase The candidate must receive approval in writing from the NIAMS 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 NIAMS extramural staff for completeness and responsiveness to the program. Evaluation Phase I, Intramural Support Each awardee will be evaluated for progress on an annual basis by the mentor, Laboratory Chief, and Scientific Director. Phase II, Extramural Support 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. WHERE TO SEND INQUIRIES We encourage your inquiries concerning this PA and welcome the opportunity answer questions from potential applicants. Inquiries may fall into three areas: scientific/research, peer review, and financial or grants management issues: Direct your questions about intramural scientific/research issues to: Barbara Mittleman, M.D. Director of Scientific Interchange National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases Building 10, 9 East Tower Bethesda, MD 20892 Telephone: (301) 402-7696 Email: mittlemb@mail.nih.gov Direct your questions about extramural scientific/research issues to: Richard W. Lymn, Ph.D. Muscle Biology Program National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases 45 Center Drive, Room 5AS-49E Bethesda, MD 20892 Telephone: (301) 594-5128 FAX: (301) 480-4543 Email: LymnR@mail.nih.gov Direct your questions about peer review issues to: Tommy Broadwater, Ph.D. Scientific Review Branch, National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases 45 Center Drive, Natcher Bldg. Rm. 5A25U Bethesda MD 20892 Telephone: (301) 594-4953 FAX: (301) 480-4543 Email: broadwatert@mail.nih.gov Direct your questions about financial or grants management matters to: Melinda Nelson Grants Management Officer National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases 45 Center Drive, Room 5AS-49F, MSC 6500 Bethesda, MD 20892 Telephone: (301) 594-3535 FAX: (301) 480-5450 Email: nelsonm@mail.nih.gov SUBMITTING AN APPLICATION Individuals interested in applying for the NIAMS K22 Award should contact Dr. Barbara Mittleman, Director of Scientific Interchange. This contact is required to initiate the process of identifying a mentor within the NIAMS Intramural Program, if one has not already been selected by the candidate, and to facilitate the application process. Information about principal investigators in the NIAMS Intramural Research Program may be found on the web at http://www.nih.gov/niams/about/irp/irpintro.htm. The application must include information regarding the candidate's long-term research career plan, including descriptions of any proposed formal course work, a research training plan for the intramural phase, and the intramural mentor's statement of support. Applications must be prepared using the PHS 398 research grant application instructions and forms (rev. 5/2001), following the instructions in Section IV, with the modifications noted below. The PHS 398 is available at https://grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/phs398/phs398.html in an interactive format. For further assistance contact GrantsInfo, Telephone (301) 710-0267, Email: GrantsInfo@nih.gov. APPLICATION RECEIPT DATES: Applications submitted in response to this program announcement will be accepted at the standard application deadlines for Research Career Awards (K series), which are available at https://grants.nih.gov/grants/dates.htm. Application deadlines are also indicated in the PHS 398 application kit. SUPPLEMENTAL APPLICATION GUIDELINES: 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 ability to work with other scientists in an interactive research environment. o The candidate's immediate and long-term career objectives, explaining how the award will contribute to their attainment. Candidate's Career Development Plan: o Applicants should describe their overall career goals and plans for continued scientific development in their research career, including the need for any courses, research techniques or methods, etc. The candidate should discuss immediate and long-term career objectives, explaining how the award will contribute to their attainment. 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. Letters of Recommendation A total of three sealed letters of reference addressing the candidate's potential for a research career from well-established basic or clinical scientists must be included. One letter should be from the most recent mentor in either a postdoctoral research setting or from the applicant's dissertation/thesis advisor. These letters are to be attached to the face page of the original application. The letters should address the following issues: o The applicant's past contributions to scientific achievements o The applicant's special potential to pursue and develop an independent research program o The applicant's ability to work with other scientists in various interactive situations (e.g., seminars, journal clubs, etc.), on collaborative research projects, and with support staff (e.g., technicians, secretaries). Research Plan o 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. The research plan should describe the use of a basic or clinical approach to a biomedical or behavioral problem. The scientific objectives and specific aims should describe research plans that are sufficient to justify five years of support. Applicants should also provide future research directions for the extramural support phase, i.e., what are the broad research goals and potential avenues of research that would be stimulated by your specific research project. 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. Specific instructions: follow the instructions in Section IV for PHS 398, with the modifications noted below. o Identify the application as a response to this PA; check "YES" on item 2 of page 1 of the application and enter "PA-(TPA-01-123), NIAMS Career Transition Award (K22)." o Enter in item 6 (Dates of Proposed Period of Support) the combined years of support needed to complete the intramural and the extramural phases of the NIAMS Career Transition Award. o Do not complete items 9-13 and 15 on the face page. o Provide applicant's signature in item 14; a signature is not required for item 15. o Utilize "Substitute Form Page 3: Research Career Award Table of Contents." o Provide "Form Page 4: Detailed Budget for Initial Budget Period." o Provide an official certified transcript covering medical school or the graduate school level of education. o Include a biographical sketch of the candidate and the mentor. o Do not submit a Checklist Page. Budget, Phase I o Using continuation pages as needed, provide in a narrative format justification for the budgetary needs of the proposed research program including personnel, equipment, supplies, and travel. Cost justifications should be developed in accordance with the Budget instructions in form PHS 398. Do not provide any dollar figures in the application. The candidate should work with the potential NIAMS mentor to devise a reasonable budget for the intramural phase. The final budget will be negotiated when a selected candidate accepts a position and will be within the allowable costs specified above. Budget, Phase II o 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. SENDING AN APPLICATION TO THE NIH: Submit a signed, typewritten original of the application, including three sealed letters of recommendation, 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 signed copies of the application to Dr. Tommy Broadwater at the address listed under INQUIRIES. Since the review will be conducted by NIAMS, 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 help ensure the appropriate and timely review of the application, including identification of possible reviewers. APPLICATION PROCESSING: Applications must be received by or mailed before the receipt dates for Research Career Awards (K series) described at https://grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/submissionschedule.htm. The CSR will not accept any application in response to this PA that is essentially the same as one currently pending initial review unless the applicant withdraws the pending application. The CSR will not accept any application that is essentially the same as one already reviewed. This does not preclude the submission of a substantial revision of an application already reviewed, but such application must include an Introduction addressing the previous critique. PEER REVIEW PROCESS Applications submitted for this PA will be assigned on the basis of established PHS referral guidelines. An appropriate scientific review group convened in accordance with the standard NIH peer review procedures (http://www.csr.nih.gov/refrev.htm) will evaluate applications for scientific and technical merit. 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 NIAMS 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 NIAMS, 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 include, where appropriate, the record of previous research support and publications. Research Plan 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. 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. 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 The consistency of the career development plan with the candidate's research plan and potential for contributing to the scientific literature. Intramural Training Plan o Appropriateness of the intramural training plan, considering the candidate's goals and prior experience. o The logical sequence and scientific rigor of the intramural training plan with the candidates research plan. o Potential of the scholar to contribute to the scientific literature. 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 Justification of budget request for the intramural phase of the award in relation to needs of the research project and training activities proposed. SELECTION AND AWARD PROCEDURES Funding decisions will be made based on priority score ranking, intramural program needs, and secondary review by the National Advisory Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases Council. REQUIRED FEDERAL CITATIONS 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 sub-populations 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 indicating 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 UPDATED "NIH Guidelines for Inclusion of Women and Minorities as Subjects in Clinical Research," published in the NIH Guide for Grants and Contracts on August 2, 2000 (https://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-OD-00-048.html); a complete copy of the updated Guidelines is available at https://grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/women_min/guidelines_update.htm. The revisions relate to NIH defined Phase III clinical trials and require: a) all applications or proposals and/or protocols to provide a description of plans to conduct analyses, as appropriate, to address differences by sex/gender and/or racial/ethnic groups, including subgroups if applicable; and b) all investigators to report accrual, and to conduct and report analyses, as appropriate, by sex/gender and/or racial/ethnic group differences. 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: https://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. REQUIRED EDUCATION ON THE PROTECTION OF HUMAN SUBJECT PARTICIPANTS NIH policy requires education on the protection of human subject participants for all investigators submitting NIH proposals for research involving human subjects. This policy announcement is found in the NIH Guide for Grants and Contracts Announcement dated June 5, 2000, at the following website: https://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-OD-00-039.html. PUBLIC ACCESS TO RESEARCH DATA THROUGH THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Circular A-110 has been revised to provide public access to research data through the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) under some circumstances. Data that are (1) first produced in a project that is supported in whole or in part with Federal funds and (2) cited publicly and officially by a Federal agency in support of an action that has the force and effect of law (i.e., a regulation) may be accessed through FOIA. It is important for applicants to understand the basic scope of this amendment. NIH has provided guidance at: https://grants.nih.gov/grants/policy/a110/a110_guidance_dec1999.htm. Applicants may wish to place data collected under this PA in a public archive, which can provide protections for the data and manage the distribution for an indefinite period of time. If so, the application should include a description of the archiving plan in the study design and include information about this in the budget justification section of the application. In addition, applicants should think about how to structure informed consent statements and other human subjects procedures given the potential for wider use of data collected under this award. 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. 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, "NIAMS 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. AUTHORITY AND REGULATIONS This program is described in the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance No. 93.846. Awards are made under authorization of sections 301 and 405 of the Public Health Service Act as amended (42 USC 241 and 284) and administered under NIH grants policies and Federal Regulations 42 CFR 52 and 45 CFR Parts 74 and 92. 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 recipients to provide a smoke- free workplace and discourage the 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.
Return to NIH Guide Main Index
Office of Extramural Research (OER) |
National Institutes of Health (NIH) 9000 Rockville Pike Bethesda, Maryland 20892 |
Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) |
||||||||
Note: For help accessing PDF, RTF, MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Audio or Video files, see Help Downloading Files. |