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NIDCD and Your Research Career

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Updated with new information for grant applications due on or after 1/25/2010. Further information available here:
http://enhancing-peer-review.nih.gov/restructured_applications.html

What research training opportunities are available at the NIDCD?

The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) is one of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and is the federal focal point for research on human communication.

The NIDCD funds research and research training in more than two dozen disciplines, such as molecular genetics, physiology, cellular biology, linguistics, psychoacoustics, molecular genetics, epidemiology, bioengineering, nanotechnology, toxicology, computational biology, immunology, and structural biology—the full range of the biological and behavioral sciences.

The NIDCD funds research and research training in the normal and disordered processes of:

What am I eligible for?

The NIDCD seeks individuals with the highest potential to develop into successful independent scientists through research training and career development opportunities.

Each of the award mechanisms for research training and career development support addresses a specific educational and career stage and set of needs. You will want to review the eligibility criteria and provisions carefully.

Who can help guide me through the process?

The Division of Scientific Programs manages the extramural research and research training portfolios of grants and contracts for the NIDCD. No matter what your level of training need or career stage, the scientific program officer will be a key resource for you. The following scientific program officers are available to assist you:

Training and Career Development

Daniel Sklare, Ph.D.
sklared@nidcd.nih.gov
institutional training grants and career development awards

Janet Cyr, Ph.D.
cyrj@nidcd.nih.gov
individual fellowship awards

Hearing and Balance

Amy Donahue, Ph.D.
donahuea@nidcd.nih.gov
psychoacoustics, cochlear mechanics, noise, cochlear implants

Bracie Watson, Ph.D.
watsonb@nidcd.nih.gov
clinical and molecular genetics, otitis media, immunology

Nancy Freeman, Ph.D.
freemann@nidcd.nih.gov
molecular and developmental biology, transduction

Roger Miller, Ph.D.
millerr@nidcd.nih.gov
auditory and other neural prostheses, tinnitus

Christopher Platt, Ph.D.
plattc@nidcd.nih.gov
central pathways, temporal bone

Daniel Sklare, Ph.D.
sklared@nidcd.nih.gov
clinical assessment and management

Janet Cyr, Ph.D.
cyrj@nidcd.nih.gov
peripheral pathways, presbycusis

Taste and Smell

Barry Davis, Ph.D.
davisb1@nidcd.nih.gov

Language

Judith Cooper, Ph.D.
cooperj@nidcd.nih.gov

Voice and Speech

Lana Shekim, Ph.D.
shekiml@nidcd.nih.gov

Epidemiology and Public Health

Howard Hoffman, M.A.
hoffmanh@nidcd.nih.gov

Biostatistics

Chia-Wen Ko, Ph.D.
koc@nidcd.nih.gov

Clinical Trials

Gordon Hughes, M.D.
hughesg@nidcd.nih.gov

In addition, the NIDCD conducts research within the laboratories of its Division of Intramural Research, located on the NIH campus and in the surrounding region. These laboratories also offer research training opportunities.

For further information on the NIDCD’s intramural research program, go to: /research/about/research.html.

What factors should I look for when weighing my options?

Level of experience required
Predoctoral level, postdoctoral level, or newly independent investigator.

Status requirements
U.S. citizenship, permanent residency, or non-citizen national (living in U.S. territories) status.

Eligibility for specific award mechanisms
Individual who is a member of an underrepresented group in biomedical or behavioral research.

Scope of support from an award mechanism

Stipend or salary support
Tuition/fees
Health insurance
Research development support (e.g., equipment, supplies, technical support)
Travel to scientific meetings

How will my fellowship application be reviewed?

The NIDCD Communication Disorders Review Committee provides initial scientific and technical review of most of the NIDCD research training applications.

The NIDCD Division of Scientific Programs provides second-level and programmatic review of the NIDCD fellowship applications and makes recommendations to the NIDCD leadership for final funding decisions.

For more information on the review process for fellowship applications, go to: /funding/types/fellowship_faqs.html.

How long will the review of my fellowship application take?

Favorably reviewed fellowship applications can be funded within as short as four or five months of submission. The three submission deadlines for fellowship award mechanisms for each year are April 8, August 8, and December 8. The deadlines for diversity fellowship applications are April 13, August 13, and December 13.

How do I apply?

Most NIH applications now require electronic application submission. Applicants should consult the Web for guidance on how to apply for these and other awards and for additional information about funding opportunities. “How to Apply for an NIDCD Grant” offers further details on award mechanisms and the application and review process. In addition, the NIDCD Fellowship Frequently Asked Questions page provides guidance about the application and review process of individual fellowships.

NIDCD areas of interest
http://www.nidcd.nih.gov
Select “Research” and “Funding for Research” (Also, read the NIDCD Strategic Plan at: /about/plans/strategic.)

NIH homepage
http://www.nih.gov
Select “Grants and Funding”

Center for Scientific Review
http://www.csr.nih.gov
Select “Resources for Applicants”

How can I ensure a timely review of my fellowship application?

Comply with all application instructions, such as page limits and formatting.
Have at least three letters of recommendation submitted on your behalf using the required rating form.
Include a training plan in the responsible conduct of research or document if such training has recently been completed.
Comply with requirements for protection of human subjects.
Comply with animal welfare requirements.
Comply with inclusion of human subjects requirements (gender, minority status, and inclusion of children).
Submit application on time.

What training award mechanisms are available?

Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Awards (NRSAs) (Fellowships)

Provide stipend, partial coverage of tuition, fees, health insurance, and trainee travel.
Must be a U.S. citizen, non-citizen national, or permanent resident.
Service payback obligation for first-year postdoctoral researchers.

Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Awards for Individual Predoctoral M.D./Ph.D. and Other Dual Doctoral Degree Fellows (F30)

Up to six years of support for the combined clinical and research training of students in integrated, dual-track M.D./Ph.D., Au.D./Ph.D., and other integrated dual-degree programs.
Must propose doctoral dissertation research within the NIDCD research mission.

Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Awards for Individual Predoctoral Fellows (F31)

Up to five years of NRSA predoctoral support. F31 awards typically support two to three years of dissertation-stage research training.
Solely for doctoral candidates engaged in dissertation research.
Students within three months of doctoral candidacy can apply, but activation awaits official designation of candidacy.
Continued NIDCD participation in trans-NIH Diversity F31 programs for students from underrepresented minority groups and students with disabilities (not limited to dissertation stage; nonexpedited, Center for Scientific Review-based review).

Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Awards for Individual Postdoctoral Fellows (F32)

Up to three years of postdoctoral NRSA support.
Opportunities for full-time postdoctoral-level training support to acquire needed research competencies and conduct a specific research project in a host laboratory under a mentor’s sponsorship.
Service payback obligation for first year of support.

For more information on these and other training awards, go to: /funding/types/training.html.

What are the fellowship review criteria?

Candidate

Does the candidate have a demonstrated record of productivity appropriate to his or her career stage?
Are the candidate’s academic record and research experience of high quality?
Does the candidate have a clear career objective in research?
Does the candidate have the potential to develop as an independent and productive researcher?

Sponsor/Training Environment

Are the sponsor’s research qualifications (including successful competition for research support) and record of mentoring appropriate for the proposed fellowship?
Is there (1) evidence of a good match between the research interests of the candidate and the sponsor (including an understanding of the candidate’s research training needs) and (2) a demonstrated ability and commitment of the sponsor to assist in meeting the candidate’s training needs?
Are the qualifications of the co-sponsor, collaborator(s), and/or consultant(s)—including their complementary expertise and previous experience in fostering the training of fellows—appropriate for the proposed research project?
Are there sufficient funds to support the proposed research?
Is the training environment for the candidate’s scientific development of high quality?
Is there demonstrated institutional commitment to the fellow’s training?
Are the research facilities, resources (e.g., equipment, laboratory space, computer access, and clinical populations), and training opportunities adequate and appropriate for the candidate’s background and experience?

Research Training Proposal

Is the research proposal of high scientific quality, and does it relate to the candidate’s specific research aims and training plan?
Is the research proposal consistent with the candidate’s stage of research development?
Does the research proposal address scientific significance, originality, and feasibility?
Does the proposal acknowledge potential experimental pitfalls?
Does the proposal demonstrate a thorough understanding of the relevant background scientific literature?
Does the application clearly reflect the candidate’s leading role in its conception and preparation?
Will the research proposal provide the candidate with individualized and supervised experiences that will develop research skills needed for his or her research career?

Training Potential

Does the training substantially augment the candidate’s research career growth?
Will the candidate become proficient in the targeted experimental techniques and approaches?
Is the research training plan broad in its conception and scientific context, yet sufficiently detailed to permit close evaluation of its merit and overall potential?

What career development award opportunities are available for junior faculty members who are clinically trained?

If you are a clinically trained, junior faculty member (or equivalent in a non-academic setting) with two or more years of prior research experience and you are on a clinician-scientist career path, you are eligible for a K08 or K23 award.

The NIDCD K08 and K23 awards provide salary up to $105,000 per year and research development support (e.g., equipment, supplies, or technical support) up to $80,000 per year. Both require at least 75 percent professional effort for three, four, or (typically) five years of mentored research career development. Principal investigators (current or past) on an NIH research grant, with the exception of an NIDCD Small Grant (R03), are not eligible for K08 and K23 awards.

Mentored Clinical Scientist Development Award (K08)
Fosters the development of highly promising clinician-scientists into independent investigators who seek to integrate fundamental research and clinical practice in their careers.

Mentored Patient-Oriented Research Career Development Award (K23)
Sister program to the K08. Patient-oriented research is defined as research on human subjects or material of human origin in which the investigator directly interacts with human subjects to address:

Mechanisms and consequences of human disease;
Epidemiologic, behavioral outcomes, or health services;
Development of new technologies; or
Therapeutic interventions and clinical trials.

What makes a K08/K23 application successful?

Here is a checklist to consider when preparing your application.

Do you have prior research experience?
Have you been first author on published or in-press experimental research papers?
Have you held a small, peer-reviewed research or seed grant from a funding agency or professional society?
Do you have strong institutional support (favorable research start-up package, protected research time)?
If you are submitting a revised application, have you provided strong responses to reviewer critiques?

For more information on these and other career development awards, go to: /funding/types/careerdevt.html.

The mentored K award is widely viewed by the scientific and clinical communities as a jumpstart to a career in research. It is a validation of the K awardee as a viable clinician-scientist. There are considerations, however, that applicants should weigh. The mandated 75 percent “protected time” is a challenge even within the most supportive institution, and the K award primary mission of research career development can conflict with a service-providing institution’s primary mission and greatest source of revenue—patient care. Successful competition for subsequent, post-K award research funding is typically necessary for establishing an independent research career.

What other award mechanisms are available for new investigators?

The NIDCD Small Grant (R03) Program
Supports newly independent investigators and advanced postdoctoral fellows within seven years of completing their terminal degree (excluding years of clinical training), transitioning to research independence. Applicants need not have their own research space.

Provides up to $100,000 per annum for up to three years to conduct pilot or feasibility studies that will launch a research program typically supported by an R01 award.
Applicants must submit a research strategy (formerly called a “research plan”) as part of the electronic application process.
Historically, approximately 50 percent of funded R03 holders who apply for R01 funding are subsequently awarded R01 grants.
Can provide support for acquiring pilot or feasibility data for new clinician-scientists to launch a successful K award.

For more information on the R03 grant mechanism, go to: /funding/types/researchgrants.html.

NIH Pathway to Independence Award (K99/R00)
Nurtures highly promising investigators to secure a tenured research position and R01 grant funding early in their careers through a dual-phase award. This includes a mentored postdoctoral phase (K99) and an independent investigator phase (R00), for up to five years of support. Both phases require 75 percent effort. Transition to the R00 phase is contingent on securing an appropriate tenure-track faculty (or equivalent) position and NIH administrative review.

K99 Phase (one to two years): Provides up to $105,000 per year of salary support (based upon institutional salary levels), plus an allowance of $25,000 for research costs.
R00 Phase (up to three years): Provides up to $249,000 total costs per year.
U.S. citizens and non-citizens, including postdoctoral fellows in federal agencies, are eligible to apply.

NIH Director’s New Innovator Award
Supports exceptionally creative Early Stage Investigators (ESIs) who propose highly innovative projects that have the potential for unusually high impact. The New Innovator Award is targeted to ESIs who have not yet received an R01 or equivalent type of NIH grant and who have had a relatively short time since receipt of their terminal research degree or completion of their residency.

Provides up to $1.5 million in direct costs for the five-year budget/project period. Indirect costs such as applicable facilities and administrative costs are permitted and will be determined at the time of award.
The focus is on creativity and innovation; preliminary data are not required, but may be included.
The proposed research may be in any scientific area relevant to the mission of NIH but need not be in a conventional biomedical or behavioral discipline.

For more information about NIH grant programs for new investigators, go to: http://grants1.nih.gov/grants/new_investigators.

Where is all of this leading? An independent research career.

Investigator-Initiated Research Grants (R01)
Investigator-initiated research grants (R01s) make up the largest single category of support provided by the NIDCD and NIH. The R01 is considered the traditional research grant mechanism.

Mainstay of NIH research support for new and established investigators.
Applicants must have pilot data and an established publication record.
Modules of $25,000 to $250,000 direct costs per year for three, four, or (usually) five years.
A detailed budget is required if direct costs exceed $250,000 per year.
Applicants must submit a research strategy as part of the electronic application process.

For more information about the R01 grant mechanism, go to: /funding/types/researchgrants.html.

Designation as an Early Stage Investigator (ESI)
The NIDCD and NIH seek to encourage ESIs to apply for full-scale research support (R01s) in order to accelerate their transitions to independent research careers. An ESI is a New Investigator (i.e., an individual who has not previously competed successfully for a full-scale NIH research grant) who is within 10 years of completing his or her terminal research degree or is within 10 years of completing medical residency or the equivalent.

Reviews of applications from ESIs are clustered within NIH review committees, when possible, so that applicants will be judged against investigators at the same career stage.
The NIDCD employs a special second-level review process for ESI-submitted R01 applications (as well as for junior mentored K award applications). If the grant application is scored, but does not fall within the automatic funding payline, the applicant is encouraged to submit a letter addressing the concerns of the reviewers. If the letter responds to these concerns to the satisfaction of the NIDCD and its Advisory Council, the application becomes a candidate for funding from high program priority funds.

ESIs are identified in the eRA Commons (https://commons.era.nih.gov/commons) based on information entered by prospective applicants about degree conferral dates and the end of residency dates. To ensure that NIH recognizes your ESI status, you must update your eRA Commons profile (http://era.nih.gov/commons/index.cfm) to reflect the date of completion of your terminal research degree or the end of your residency.

For more information, go to: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/new_investigators

Are there other assistance programs I should know about?

NIH Loan Repayment Program (LRP)
Educational loan repayment for doctoral-level health professionals (broadly defined) who seek research careers involving clinical research or pediatric research.

Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
Educational debt must equal at least 20 percent of institutional base salary.
Provides up to $35,000 per year in educational loan repayment during a two-year commitment to conduct clinical or pediatric research funded by nonprofit or government sources; award is renewable.
Individuals must commit at least 50 percent effort to conduct qualifying research for the two-year period of the LRP contract award.

For more information, go to: http://www.lrp.nih.gov.

NIH Diversity Supplement Program
The NIDCD provides opportunities to individuals from underrepresented groups, including individuals from racial and ethnic minority groups, individuals with qualifying disabilities, and individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds, who are interested in entering or resuming research careers in the biomedical and behavioral sciences. These programs support research experiences for a range of educational and career levels—from high school students to research scientists and faculty members—by supplementing active NIH grants.

For more information about the NIH Diversity Supplement Program, go to: /funding/types/minority_disability.html.

Where can I find additional information?

For additional information about the NIDCD Extramural Training Program and NIH Loan Repayment Program:
Daniel Sklare, Ph.D.
Research Training Officer and Loan Repayment Program Coordinator
Division of Scientific Programs
(301) 496-1804
sklared@nidcd.nih.gov

Janet Cyr, Ph.D.
Individual Fellowships
(301) 402-3458
cyrj@nidcd.nih.gov

For more information about the NIDCD Diversity Supplement Program:
Judith Cooper, Ph.D.
Director, Division of Scientific Programs
(301) 496-5061
cooperj@nidcd.nih.gov

For more information about research and research training opportunities in the NIDCD Intramural Training Program:
David Robinson, Ph.D.
Deputy Director, Division of Intramural Research
(301) 496-1601
robinsod@nidcd.nih.gov

NIDCD FY 2009 Funding Guidelines