AHRQ Patient-Centered Outcomes Research (PCOR) Mentored Research Scientist Career Development Award (K01)

STATUS: EXPIRED (March 13, 2026). Limited case-by-case acceptance may apply; contact eRA Service Desk.

Research Focus

This award supports intensive, mentored career development in comparative effectiveness research (CER) methods applied to patient-centered outcomes research (PCOR). PCOR involves conducting and synthesizing research comparing benefits and harms of different interventions and strategies to prevent, diagnose, treat, and monitor health conditions in real-world healthcare settings. The goal is to generate evidence-based information for patients, clinicians, and decision-makers about which interventions work best for which populations under specific circumstances.

Candidates must focus on one or both priority areas: (1) reducing disparities in healthcare outcomes and quality among racial and ethnic minority and underserved populations (including maternal healthcare delivery, primary care, diagnostic error prevention, chronic disease management, digital health tools, social determinants of health integration, nursing home care, and behavioral/mental healthcare); or (2) evaluating and comparing healthcare delivery system designs, redesigning systems, or implementing evidence-based design practices.

The award emphasizes developing methodological capacity for conducting PCOR, integrating evidence into clinical practice and healthcare decision-making, and incorporating stakeholders (patients, providers, administrators, policymakers) throughout research design, execution, and dissemination.

At a Glance

• Who can apply: Qualified individuals at various career stages seeking intensive mentored research career development; candidates with limited or substantial prior health services research experience both eligible.
• Funding & project length: 3–5 years of protected time; salary and research support provided (specific amounts not stated).
• Award mechanism: K01 Research Scientist Development Award.
• Key dates: First standard due date February 12, 2022; merit review ~4 months after receipt; earliest start ~4 months after review.
• Best fit for: Health services researchers, clinicians, or methodologists transitioning to independent PCOR careers, particularly those addressing health equity, healthcare delivery redesign, or comparative effectiveness in underserved populations.