The purpose of the NINDS Postdoctoral Mentored Career Development Award is to support the ability of outstanding, mentored postdoctoral researchers to develop a potentially impactful research project with a comprehensive career development plan that will enable them to launch an independent research program. Candidates are encouraged to apply for support from this NINDS K01 any time between the second through fourth year of cumulative mentored postdoctoral research experience, and may be supported by this NINDS K01 within the first 6 years of cumulative postdoctoral research experience. Because the completion of a strong, well-planned, thorough career development plan, in addition to development of an impactful research project, is a critical aspect of this K01, applications are strongly encouraged early in the postdoctoral eligibility window. By the end of the proposed K01 award period, the candidate should be poised to begin an independent research career with a well-developed, impactful research project and the expertise required to become a leader in the field.This Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) is designed specifically for applicants proposing research that does not involve leading an independent clinical trial, a clinical trial feasibility study, or an ancillary study to a clinical trial. Applicants to this FOA are permitted to propose research experience in a clinical trial led by a mentor or co-mentor.