The NIAID Career Transition Award (K22) supports postdoctoral researchers transitioning to independent research careers in biomedical sciences. Offered by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, the award facilitates the transition from postdoctoral roles to tenure-track assistant professor positions or equivalent, funding research efforts to establish independence and apply for further research support such as R01 grants. The funding supports research in infectious, allergic, and immunologic diseases, excluding independent clinical trials, but allows participation in clinical trials led by a mentor.

The award provides up to $150,000 in direct costs for the first year and $100,000 for the second year, covering salary, fringe benefits, and research development expenses. Indirect costs are reimbursed at 8 percent. The program emphasizes fostering the scientific development of awardees and enhancing their ability to secure independent funding. Eligible research includes basic, translational, and mechanistic studies, along with exploratory clinical trial components guided by mentors. The project period is two years.

Eligible candidates include postdoctoral researchers with up to five years of postdoctoral experience who have not previously held independent faculty or principal investigator positions or received major research funding. Applicants must be U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or nationals and hold a clinical or research doctorate. Candidates must secure a tenure-track assistant professor position or equivalent within 12 months of the award approval.

Applicant organizations can include higher education institutions, nonprofits, government entities, and for-profit organizations. Foreign organizations and non-U.S. components are ineligible. Registrations in systems such as SAM.gov, Grants.gov, and eRA Commons are mandatory for both individuals and organizations.

Applications must be submitted electronically through the NIH ASSIST system, Grants.gov Workspace, or institutional system-to-system portals. Required documents include a career development plan, research plan, budget justification, institutional support letters, and mentor statements. Applications should align with NIH's policy for responsible data management and sharing. The earliest submission date is January 12, 2025, with multiple annual cycles through January 2028.

Applications undergo NIH peer review based on criteria such as the candidate’s potential for independence, the scientific merit of the proposed research, career development plans, and institutional support. Reviewers assess the rigor of prior research, the feasibility of the proposed project, and the adequacy of the research environment. Human subjects and vertebrate animal studies are reviewed for ethical compliance.

Candidates with successful applications will receive an approval letter, and the award is activated upon securing a tenure-track position. Institutions must provide start-up packages and demonstrate long-term support for the researcher. Awardees are required to submit annual progress reports, final reports upon completion, and data-sharing plans per NIH policies. Applicants can contact designated NIH staff for assistance during the application process. Scientific queries can be directed to Dr. Jyothi Arikkath, while peer review and financial management contacts are also available. This award supports the advancement of emerging scientists and innovation in research on infectious and immune-related diseases.