The AHRQ Patient-Centered Outcomes Research (PCOR) Mentored Clinical Scientist Career Development Award (K08) provides financial and research support for clinicians aiming to develop expertise in comparative effectiveness research (CER) applied to patient-centered outcomes research (PCOR). The program targets early-career researchers with clinical doctoral degrees (e.g., MD, DDS, DMD, DO, PharmD, PhD in clinical disciplines) to support intensive, mentored career development for 3–5 years, fostering their transition to independent investigators. Through this award, recipients are expected to develop robust research skills and secure independent funding (e.g., R01 grants).

The K08 program focuses on training researchers to generate, translate, and apply evidence-based healthcare findings, particularly emphasizing equity and inclusion of stakeholders in the research process. Candidates may choose projects addressing healthcare disparities, evaluation of healthcare delivery models, or integrating evidence-based practices into real-world settings. Examples of focus areas include maternal healthcare, chronic disease management, primary care redesign, and health policy evaluation. Training incorporates methodological standards set by the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) and encourages innovative approaches, such as mixed-methods research, decision modeling, and systematic reviews.

Eligible applicants include U.S.-based public and private nonprofit higher education institutions, tribal organizations, and specific minority-serving institutions. For-profit entities and foreign institutions may participate as subcontractors but are not eligible to apply directly. Applicants must be U.S. citizens, non-citizen nationals, or permanent residents. Key eligibility criteria include having a full-time appointment at an applicant institution and committing at least 75% effort to research activities under the K08 award. Previous holders of similar career development awards or significant independent funding are not eligible.

The award offers up to $90,000 annually for salary support and $25,000 for research development costs. The sponsoring institution may supplement salaries but cannot use federal funds for this purpose. Funds may cover tuition, research supplies, travel for training, and statistical services but exclude mentor or administrative staff salaries. The grant duration cannot exceed five years, and indirect costs are capped at 8% of modified total direct costs.

Applications must follow the SF424 (R&R) Application Guide, adhering to AHRQ-specific instructions. Candidates should include detailed career development plans, research proposals aligned with PCOR objectives, and evidence of strong institutional support. Mentor involvement is critical, with mentors providing guidance on research execution and career advancement. Submission is electronic via NIH ASSIST or Grants.gov Workspace. Peer review will assess candidate potential, career development plans, research relevance, and institutional commitment.

Key deadlines include standard NIH submission dates, with no separate letter of intent required. The earliest project start date is typically eight months after submission. The award is subject to federal compliance requirements, including annual progress reporting, data sharing, and adherence to civil rights regulations. AHRQ encourages applicants to consult with program officials before submission to ensure alignment with program goals.

For further assistance, applicants may contact AHRQ’s Division of Research Education or Division of Grants Management. Full details are available at the AHRQ funding website.