The Career Transition Award for NINDS Intramural Clinician-Scientists (K22 Clinical Trial Required) is a funding opportunity by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), specifically administered by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS). The goal of this award is to help licensed neurologists and neurosurgeons who are part of the NINDS intramural program transition to independent academic positions. This opportunity is open to individuals who wish to lead clinical trials or related studies while continuing their research and career development, specifically in neuroscience.

This award has two phases: an intramural phase where clinicians are mentored within the NIH, followed by an extramural phase at an external academic institution. The program provides up to five years of support, with a maximum of two years spent in the intramural phase and at least three years in the extramural phase. During the extramural phase, the candidate must obtain an academic faculty position, with a commitment of 75% research effort for neurologists and 50% for neurosurgeons. Additionally, the institution must provide sufficient resources and mentoring support for the awardee’s research project. To qualify for the fifth year of funding, candidates must apply for an NIH R01 or equivalent grant by the fourth year of the K22 award.

Eligible applicants must be within four years of completing their residency or clinical fellowship. Candidates should demonstrate a commitment to pursuing a research career in neurology or neurosurgery and must have an MD, DO, or equivalent degree. The proposed research must align with the mission of NINDS, and projects that involve independent clinical trials or ancillary studies are required under this FOA. Candidates who are not proposing a clinical trial must apply under the companion FOA, PAR-21-328.

The award budget includes salary support of up to $125,000 per year during the extramural phase and $50,000 per year for research development costs. During the intramural phase, NINDS contributes $25,000 annually towards career development. The project period for the award cannot exceed five years in total, and indirect costs are reimbursed at a rate of 8%.

Applicants must submit their proposals through NIH's electronic systems, such as Grants.gov, ASSIST, or institutional S2S solutions. NIH encourages early submissions to avoid technical issues during the submission process, as late applications may not be accepted. The funding opportunity has multiple submission dates, with the next due date being February 12, 2024.

The selection process involves scientific peer review and an advisory council review, with decisions based on the scientific merit, career development plan, institutional commitment, and potential for the candidate to become an independent investigator. The award aims to help clinician-scientists advance their careers while contributing to neurological research.

This funding opportunity is an excellent option for clinician-scientists looking to transition from mentored positions within NIH to independent research careers, with a specific focus on conducting clinical trials or related studies in neurological disorders.