The National Institutes of Health (NIH) invites applications for the HEAL Initiative Advanced Postdoctoral-to-Independent Career Transition Award (K99/R00) in Pain and Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Research. This grant supports postdoctoral researchers in their transition to independent faculty positions, focusing on pain and SUD-related research, which aligns with NIH’s Helping to End Addiction Long-term (HEAL) Initiative. The program is structured in two phases: the mentored K99 phase, providing 1-2 years of support for postdoctoral training, and the independent R00 phase, offering up to 3 years of research funding. The award aims to address the critical need for independent investigators to contribute innovative solutions to the ongoing opioid crisis, alternative pain treatments, and related areas of addiction and pain research.

The K99/R00 funding program does not allow applicants to lead independent clinical trials but does permit research experience within a mentor-led trial. Instead, applicants should focus on non-clinical trial research related to pain and SUD, possibly incorporating mechanistic studies or translational research. The NIH HEAL Initiative involves a collaboration across multiple NIH institutes, each focusing on specific aspects of pain and addiction research. Applicants should consult with NIH staff to ensure their proposals align with HEAL’s objectives and institute-specific requirements.

Eligible applicants must hold a doctoral degree (PhD, MD, etc.) and have less than four years of postdoctoral experience at the time of application. The K99/R00 award is open to both U.S. citizens and non-citizens, as long as the applicant's visa status allows completion of the K99 phase. Institutions eligible for the mentored K99 phase include higher education institutions, both public and private, as well as nonprofits, state and local governments, and some federal organizations. Applicants must demonstrate a structured career development plan that includes research skills training, grant writing, and a timeline for transition to an independent research role.

The award budget covers salary and research costs, with a maximum of $75,000 per year for postdoctoral salary (up to $125,000 for licensed medical professionals) during the K99 phase, along with an additional $20,000 for research expenses. For the independent R00 phase, total costs may not exceed $249,000 per year, which includes salary, fringe benefits, and other research-related expenses. Indirect costs for the R00 phase will align with the host institution's federally negotiated rates.

Applications should include a comprehensive career development plan, clearly defined research goals for both K99 and R00 phases, and demonstrate a strong mentor-mentee collaboration. Letters from the mentor(s) must outline a transition plan for the applicant’s independence and confirm institutional support. Review criteria for applications include the candidate’s potential for independence, the quality of the research plan, and the mentorship and institutional environment’s adequacy. Applications that do not meet all criteria may be returned without review.

Applicants must submit their applications through Grants.gov, using either the NIH ASSIST system or institutional S2S solutions. Key application dates fall in February, June, and October, with initial start dates approximately 10 months after submission. The program is anticipated to continue through at least March 2025, subject to NIH review and potential adjustments.