The Mentored Clinical Scientist Research Career Development Award (Parent K08) supports clinicians aiming to pursue a research career in basic experimental studies involving human participants. This funding opportunity is tailored for studies classified as both basic research and clinical trials, per NIH definitions. The K08 award facilitates career development by providing three to five years of protected time for mentored research and training, enabling recipients to focus intensively on biomedical or behavioral research without a specific applied outcome in mind. The goal is to advance the fundamental understanding of phenomena through research involving human participants, where subjects are assigned to experimental conditions and evaluated for biomedical or behavioral outcomes.

Candidates with clinical doctoral degrees such as MD, DDS, DO, or equivalent are eligible. They should propose projects that align with basic research principles, aiming to understand underlying mechanisms rather than immediate applications to treatments or products. The studies must fit within NIH’s definition of a clinical trial, but focus on fundamental scientific questions rather than evaluating clinical safety, efficacy, or intervention mechanisms. Applicants seeking support for patient-oriented research or applied clinical studies should refer to different funding announcements, as this opportunity is strictly for basic experimental research.

The award covers salary and research-related expenses, including supplies, equipment, tuition, and travel, but excludes salary support for mentors and administrative staff. Participating NIH Institutes and Centers provide the funding, and the project budget may not exceed five years in total duration. Eligible organizations include higher education institutions, nonprofits, and certain government entities, though foreign entities cannot serve as primary applicants.

Applicants must have a full-time appointment and dedicate at least 75% effort to career development activities funded by the award. A mentor with a strong research background and experience guiding career development must be involved, and institutions must demonstrate a supportive environment with adequate resources and facilities for the candidate's research progression. The mentor or mentoring team must have a track record of successful guidance, including experience with clinical trials and experimental studies in relevant fields.

Review criteria emphasize the candidate's potential for scientific growth, the strength of the research plan, and the alignment of the mentoring environment with the career development goals. Applications will be evaluated for scientific merit, relevance to NIH priorities, and availability of funds. It is crucial for applicants to consult the specific requirements of the participating NIH Institutes and Centers before applying, as program requirements may vary. Submission deadlines are set periodically, with multiple dates available each year, and applicants are advised to start early to avoid any delays in the submission process.