PAR-24-120
NIA Career Transition Award (K22 Independent Clinical Trial Not Allowed)
Summary
NIA Career Transition Award (K22) – Briefing
Research Focus
The NIA K22 Career Transition Award supports postdoctoral researchers transitioning to tenure-track or equivalent faculty positions in aging research. The award funds independent research programs aligned with the National Institute on Aging's mission and strategic priorities, including Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (AD+ADRD). Candidates propose research that does not involve leading an independent clinical trial, though they may gain mentored clinical trial experience. The three-year award provides protected research time and support to establish an independent research program and prepare applications for subsequent independent funding (e.g., R01 grants). NIA prioritizes workforce retention in aging science and rapid transition of prepared postdoctoral researchers to faculty independence.
At-a-Glance
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Who can apply: Postdoctoral researchers at higher education institutions, nonprofits, for-profit organizations, and government agencies (U.S. only; intramural NIH fellows eligible if transitioning to extramural faculty). Foreign organizations and non-U.S. components ineligible.
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Funding & project length: Up to $116,000/year salary + $58,000/year research expenses; 3-year total project period.
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Award mechanism: Non-mentored career development grant (K22); no postdoctoral phase funding provided.
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Key dates: Application deadlines on June 12, 2024 (and subsequent cycles through June 2026, per NOT-AG-25-019); candidates must secure faculty position within 12 months of approval letter; expiration date July 13, 2026.
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Best fit for: Aging researchers (gerontology, geriatrics, neuroscience, behavioral/clinical disciplines) ready to transition to faculty and establish independent research programs in NIA priority areas.
Key Facts
Deadline
Mon, July 13, 2026
Posted
Tue, February 13, 2024
Award / Year (direct costs)
$174,000
Max Total
$522,000
Max Duration
3 years
Keywords
Research Areas
Gotchas (5)
Intramural NIH fellows can apply but must transition to extramural institutions; NIH intramural labs and federal agencies are not eligible transition institutions
97%
Source Text
“For an intramural fellow to activate the K22 award, the candidate must transition to a tenure-track or equivalent faculty position at an extramural institution. NIH intramural laboratories and other agencies of the Federal Government are not eligible to be the transition institution.”
K22 award does not provide postdoctoral phase funding; candidates must transition to tenure-track faculty within 12 months of approval letter or forfeit the award
95%
Source Text
“This award does not provide postdoctoral phase funding; therefore, candidates should be prepared to transition to tenure-track or equivalent faculty positions within 12 months after confirmation of a positive funding decision.”
This K22 NOFO explicitly does not allow independent clinical trials, clinical trial feasibility studies, or ancillary clinical trials as the primary research focus
99%
Source Text
“This Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) is designed specifically for candidates proposing research that does not involve leading an independent clinical trial, a clinical trial feasibility study, or an ancillary clinical trial.”
The initial submitting institution cannot be the transition institution if it is a federal agency; federal agencies are ineligible as transition institutions
96%
Source Text
“While K22 selectees are encouraged to explore faculty positions beyond their current institution, the transition institution can be the same as the initial submitting institution, except when the initial submitting institution is a federal agency, as tenure-track or equivalent positions within the federal government will not be considered eligible.”
Applicants can propose to gain experience in a clinical trial led by a mentor, but cannot lead an independent clinical trial
92%
Source Text
“Applicants may propose to gain experience in a clinical trial led by a mentor/co-mentor as part of their research career development.”