RFA-NR-98-001: NINR CAREER TRANSITION AWARD

Department of Health
and Human Services (HHS)

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NINR CAREER TRANSITION AWARD Release Date: March 5, 1998 RFA: NR-98-001 P.T. National Institute of Nursing Research Letter of Intent Receipt Date: May 9, 1998 Application Receipt Date: June 9, 1998 PURPOSE The National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR) is participating in an NIH pilot program whose overall goals are to enable outstanding individuals to obtain a research training experience in the NIH intramural clinical research laboratories and to facilitate their successful transition to an extramural environment as independent researchers. The NINR Career Transition Award will provide up to three years of support for research training in an NINR or NIH intramural laboratory followed by two years of support for an independent program of research in an extramural institution. It is anticipated that awardees will subsequently obtain a research project grant (R01) to support the continuation of their work. HEALTHY PEOPLE 2000 The Public Health Service (PHS) is committed to achieving the health promotion and disease prevention objectives of "Healthy People 2000," a PHS-led national activity for setting priority areas. This NINR Career Transition Award is related to priority area of human resource development. Potential applicants may obtain a copy of "Healthy People 2000" (Full Report: Stock No. 017-001-00474- 0 or Summary Report: Stock No. 017-001-00473-1) through the Superintendent of Documents, Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402-9325 (telephone 202- 512-1800). ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS Individuals must have a doctorate or its equivalent, and must have demonstrated the potential for a highly productive research career during doctoral training and during the immediate postdoctoral period (up to three years of prior postdoctoral study). During the intramural phase of the award, the candidate is expected to spend his/her full time on research. During the extramural phase, the candidate must spend a minimum of 75 percent of full-time professional effort conducting research and engaging in research career development activities for the two years of the award. Minorities and women are encouraged to apply. Candidates must be U.S. citizens or noncitizen nationals, or must have been lawfully admitted for permanent residence and possess an Alien Registration Card (I-151 or I-552) or some other verification of legal admission as a permanent U.S. resident at the time of the award. Non-citizen nationals, although not U.S. citizens, owe permanent allegiance to the U.S. They are usually born in lands that are not states, but are under U.S. sovereignty, jurisdiction, or administration. Individuals on temporary or student visas are not eligible. Candidates may have completed up to the first three years of postdoctoral training at NINR or elsewhere to be eligible for the intramural support phase. To progress to the extramural support phase, the candidate must have a formal tenure-track (or equivalent) offer from an extramural institution. Current principal investigators on PHS research grants are not eligible. MECHANISM OF SUPPORT Awards in response to this RFA will use the NIH Career Transition Award (K22) mechanism. Planning, direction, and execution of the candidate"s individual research program will be the responsibility of the candidate and his/her mentor. The total period of support is up to five years (up to three years intramural, plus no more than two years extramural). There is no grant award associated with the intramural phase. Awards are not renewable. Total cost for the intramural phase is based on the candidate"s experience, not to exceed $125,000, those for the extramural phase cannot exceed $125,000 plus fringe benefits per year in direct costs. The final two years of the scholar"s research program will be supported by the extramural institution to which the scholar is recruited and will be funded through an extramural, non-competing, NIH Career Transition Award (K22) mechanism. FUNDS AVAILABLE NINR anticipates funding up to three awards in FY 1998.The funding level will be dependent upon the number of outstanding applications received and funds available. The number of scholars who can be supported is based upon the availability of resources and space in sponsoring intramural laboratories. The earliest feasible start date for the initial awards will be October 1998. RESEARCH OBJECTIVES The NINR intramural research environment provides a unique opportunity for the training of promising new scientists who will subsequently enter the extramural biomedical research community and have the potential to become leaders in their fields of investigation. The goal of the NINR Career Transition Award program is to provide highly qualified young investigators with an opportunity to receive research training experience in the NINR Division of Intramural Research and to provide them with bridge funding to facilitate the transition of their program of research to extramural institutions. The NINR Career Transition Award will consist of two phases: an intramural phase and an extramural phase. The total period of combined intramural support at NINR and at the extramural institution will be up to five years. Initially, up to three years of the research training program will be provided in the Intramural Support Phase in which the salary of the scholar will be commensurate with his/her level of experience. The final two years of the program, the Extramural Support Phase, will provide salary and funds for supplies, equipment and technical support thorough the NIH Career Transition Award (K22). Transition from the intramural phase of support to the extramural phase is not automatic. Approval of the transition will be based in the success of the scholar"s research program as determined by a formal NINR scientific progress review, which will take place no later than the end of the second or third year of the Intramural Support Phase, and the evaluation of a research plan to be carried out at the extramural institution. Scholars approved to proceed with the second phase of support will receive notification of approval in writing from the NINR. The extramural institution must demonstrate a commitment to the candidate by providing protected research time and space needed to perform the proposed research. Matching funds from the institution for the equipment and supplies (and if necessary, salary) are encouraged. Once an application has been received from the extramural institution on behalf of the candidate, the NINR will process the Career Transition Award. INTRAMURAL RESEARCH IN THE NINR The intramural research program is undergoing rapid expansion. It currently consists of one laboratory located on the Bethesda campus. The focus of the Wound Healing Laboratory at NINR is to discover the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying delayed wound healing in chronic wounds such as leg ulcers and pressure sores. The laboratory collects material from human wounds and in combination with a variety of in vitro laboratory methods and model systems examines factors or mechanisms that may contribute to delayed wound healing. A more complete description of the Intramural Research Program may be obtained from: http://www.ninr.nih.gov/woundlab.htm or by writing to: Annette B. Wysocki, Ph.D., RNC Scientific Director National Institute of Nursing Research Building 9, Room 1W125, MSC 0967 Bethesda, MD 20892-0967 FAX: (301) 435-3435 Email: annette_wysocki@nih.gov Other intramural research opportunities are available. Details may be obtained by contacting Dr. Annette Wysocki. Scientific Director, NINR. ALLOWABLE COSTS Intramural Support Phase: The budget for the Intramural Support Phase includes the scholar’s salary and research expenses determined by the Scientific Director. The salary must be commensurate with the level of training and experience specified in the Federal pay schedule and will be negotiated with NINR at the time of an award. Extramural Support Phase: 1. Salary: The NIH will provide up to $50,000 in salary plus fringe benefits for the Career Transition Award recipient. The total salary requested must be based on a full-time, 12-month faculty or staff appointment. It must be consistent with the established salary structure at the institution and with salaries actually provided by the institution from its own funds to other faculty or staff members of equivalent qualifications, rank, and responsibilities in the department concerned. There should be no less than 75 percent effort devoted by the scholar specifically to the proposed program of research. 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. In no case may PHS funds be used for salary supplementation. Institutional supplementation of salary must not require extra duties or responsibilities that would interfere with the purpose of the Career Transition Award. Under expanded authorities, however, institutions may rebudget funds within the total costs awarded to cover salaries consistent with the institution"s salary scale. 2. Research Support: The NINR will provide up to $75,000 per year for (a) research expenses, such as supplies, equipment, consultants, patient care costs, and technical personnel, (b) travel to research meetings or training, and (c) statistical service, including personnel and computer time. 3. Ancillary Personnel Support: Salary for secretarial and administrative assistance, etc., is not allowed. 4. Indirect costs: Indirect costs will be reimbursed at eight percent of modified total direct costs, or the actual indirect cost rate, whichever is less. Special Restrictions: Acceptance into the NINR Career Transition Award program does not convey any commitment or intent of the NINR to consider the scholar for a tenure track position within the NINR. The NINR Career Transition Award is specifically intended to help develop scientists who will pursue their career in the extramural biomedical research community. However, the NINR Career Transition Award scholars are not explicitly precluded from applying for available tenure track positions at the NIH. If a scholar obtains a NIH position, the NINR scholar’s Career Transition Award will be terminated. 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 the NIH GUIDE FOR GRANTS AND CONTRACTS, Volume 23, Number 11, March 18, 1994. LETTER OF INTENT Prospective applicants are asked to submit, by May 9, 1998, a letter of intent that includes a descriptive title of the proposed program of research, the name, address, telephone and FAX number, and e-mail address of the applicant, and the number and title of the RFA in response to which the application may be submitted. Although a letter of intent is not required, is not binding, and does not enter into the review of a subsequent application, it allows NINR staff to estimate the potential review workload and avoid conflict of interest in the review. An e-mail or FAX letter of intent is acceptable. The letter of intent is to be sent to: Office of Review Division of Extramural Activities National Institute of Nursing Research 45 Center Drive, Room 3AN12 - MSC 6300 Bethesda, MD 20892-6300 Telephone: (301) 594-6906 FAX: (301) 480-8260 APPLICATION PROCEDURES Individuals interested in applying for the NINR Career Transition Award must identify a mentor in the NINR Division of Intramural Research prior to submitting an application for this phase of the award. Candidates may have undertaken their first three years of postdoctoral training in an NINR or NIH laboratory and will, in most cases, retain their original mentor. Other candidates should consult the published descriptions of the NINR program and communicate directly with the mentors whose research compliments their own interests. The application must include information regarding the candidate"s long-term career plan, a career development plan, a research plan, and the mentor"s statement of support. Applications are to be submitted on form PHS 398 (rev. 5/95) and will be accepted on or before the receipt deadline of June 9, 1998. These forms are available at most institutional offices of sponsored research and from the Division of Extramural Outreach and Information Resources, 6701 Rockledge Drive, MSC 7910, Bethesda, MD 20892 (telephone: 301/710-0267, E-mail: asknih@od.nih.gov). The application must address the following issues: Candidate o Establish the candidate"s commitment to a career in biomedical or behavioral research. o Establish the candidate"s potential to develop into a successful independent investigator. o Summarize 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. 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. Budget o Do NOT provide any dollar figures in the application. The final budget will be negotiated when a selected applicant accepts a position and will be within the allowable costs specified above. For candidates who receive approval for transition to extramural support, a budget will be submitted as part of the form PHS 2590 noncompeting application as discussed below in Extramural Support Phase. Career Development Plan o Describe the career development plan, incorporating consideration of the candidate"s goals and prior experience. It should describe a systematic plan to obtain the necessary basic biomedical or behavioral science background and research experience to launch an independent research career. o The application must include a biographical sketch and information on the mentor(s) including research qualifications and previous experience as a research supervisor. The application must also include information that describes the nature and extent of supervision that will occur during the proposed award period. A letter of support from the mentor must be included in the application delineating the match with the applicant"s research and development plan and willingness to provide the necessary assistance. The initial application for the NINR Career Transition Award program will NOT be processed through your current institution, therefore, follow the supplemental guidelines below for the face page: To identify the application as a response to this RFA, check "YES" on item 2a of page 1 of the application and enter "RFA-NR-98-001, NINR Career Transition Award." The applicant must provide her/his signature in item 15, signature is not required for item 16. Leave items 9-14 and 16 on the face page blank. Enter in item 6 (Dates of Proposed Period of Support) the combined 5 years of support needed to complete the intramural and the extramural support phases of the NINR Career Transition Award Program. Utilize the "Research Career Award" Table of Contents page, but re-label the page, "Career Transition Award." This page is included in the Form 398 packet and will facilitate organizing the research and career development components of the application. Add a "Career Development Plan" under "Section II: Specialized Information." Submit a signed, typewritten original of the application, including the Checklist, 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) Applications must be received by June 9, 1998. If an application is received after that date, it will be returned to the applicant without review. The Center or Scientific Review (CSR) will not accept any application in response to the RFA 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. At the time of submission, two additional copies of the application must be sent to: Office of Review Division of Extramural Activities National Institute of Nursing Research Building 45, Room 3AN-12 Bethesda, MD 20892-6300 REVIEW CONSIDERATIONS Upon receipt, applications will be reviewed for completeness by the Center for Scientific Review and responsiveness to the RFA by NINR staff. Applications that are complete and responsive to the program announcement will be evaluated for scientific and technical merit by an appropriate initial peer review group, convened by the NINR Division of Extramural Activities. As part of the initial merit review, all applications will receive a written critique and may undergo a process in which only those applications deemed to have the highest scientific merit will be discussed and assigned a priority score. All applications will receive a second level of review by the National Advisory Council for Nursing Research. Review Criteria The peer review criteria for applications submitted in response to this RFA are: 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 Quality and breadth of prior scientific training and experience including, where appropriate, the record of previous research support and publications. Research Plan All candidates for this award will have had previous research experience. A sound research plan that is consistent with the candidate"s level of research development must be provided. o Usefulness of the research plan as a vehicle for enhancing existing research skills as described in the career development plan, o Scientific and technical merit of the research question, design and methodology, judged in the context of the candidate"s previous training and experience, o Adequacy of plans to include both genders and minorities and their subgroups 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 career development plan, considering the candidate"s goals and prior experience, Mentor 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. SELECTION PROCEDURES Following peer review, the written evaluations and priority score assigned to the application by the initial review group will be sent to the candidate. Intramural Support Phase The applications will be considered by a NINR Selection Committee (NSC) consisting of Senior Scientists from the NINR Intramural Program and selected senior intramural and extramural scientists with specific content expertise. Based on priority score ranking and programmatic needs, this committee will identify the pool of highly meritorious candidates to be invited for an interview. Following interviews, a ranking and matching process considering both the candidates and the sponsoring intramural laboratories/branches will be used to determine the final awards. Extramural Support Phase The NINR will conduct a formal scientific progress review no later than the end of the second year of the Intramural Support Phase to determine whether or not the scholar will be recommended for the extramural phase of support. At the same time, the scholar will prepare a research plan for the extramural phase of the award. This review will be conducted by an NINR Progress Review Committee composed of members of NSC, and other intramural and extramural scientists as appropriate. The results of the review will constitute a final evaluation of the intramural phase and be presented in writing to the scholar. Approval will result in eligibility for the extramural phase of funding of the Career Transition Award, and up to a third additional year of intramural support to facilitate the transition to an extramural laboratory. Approval of the transition to the extramural support phase could be made at any time prior to the end of second year of the intramural support phase. Whenever review and approval occur, the scholar remains eligible for up to one additional year of intramural support. However, any remaining unused portion of the intramural support phase will not be carried over into the two-year extramural support phase. The scholar must be accepted by an extramural institution which will request a change in institution by submitting a form PHS 2590 noncompeting application which must include an updated research proposal and budget. The application submitted by the scholar and the extramural institution for activation of the extramural phase of the program will be evaluated for completeness and responsiveness to the program by the extramural program administrator and Grants Management Office. AWARD CRITERIA Applications will compete for available positions/funds with all other scored applications submitted in response to this RFA. The following will be considered in making award decision: qualifications and potential of the applicant and quality of the proposed research project as determined by peer review, programmatic priorities, and availability of funds. Program recommendations will be forwarded to the NACNR as informational items. EVALUATION OF SCIENTIFIC PROGRESS Intramural Support Phase Each scholar"s research progress will be evaluated on an annual basis like all other independent intramural scientific research programs. For this purpose, the scholar will prepare on an annual basis a progress report, which will be evaluated by the corresponding laboratory/branch chief and the NINR Scientific Director. Additionally, the NINR will conduct a formal scientific progress review no later than the end of the second year (See section on Selection Process, Extramural Support Phase). Extramural Support Phase The scholar will be required to submit a form PHS 2590 non-competing continuation application for the final year 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 investigators-initiated research grant support. 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 the scholar. INQUIRIES Written and telephone inquiries concerning this RFA 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 inquires to: Director, Division of Extramural Activities National Institute of Nursing Research Building 45, Room 3AN12 - MSC 6300 Bethesda, MD 20892-6300 Telephone: (301) 594-6906 FAX: (301) 480-8260 AUTHORITY AND REGULATIONS The NINR Career Transition Award is made under the authority of Title III, Section 301 of the Public Health Service (PHS) Act as amended (Public Law 78-410, as amended, 42 USC 241). The Code of Federal Regulations, Title 42 Part 52, and Title 45 Part 74, are applicable to this program. This program is described in the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance No. 93.361, Nursing Research. 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 routing 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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