Lantern Grants

NIH Mentored Clinical Scientist Research Career Development Award (K08)

The K08 is the classic first NIH award for physician-scientists doing laboratory or translational research.

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What it funds

Mentored basic, translational or clinical research (not primarily patient-oriented) with structured career development, so a clinician can become an independent investigator.

Who can apply

Candidates with a clinical doctoral degree (such as an MD, DO, DDS or DVM) or equivalent clinical training. U.S. citizens, non-citizen nationals or permanent residents, with at least 75% of full-time effort on the award.

Award size

Salary support plus research development funds at levels set by each institute.

Duration

3 to 5 years.

How applications are reviewed

As for other mentored K awards: the candidate, mentors, career plan, research plan and environment are reviewed as a whole.

Deadlines

Standard due dates are 12 February, 12 June and 12 October (resubmissions 12 March, 12 July and 12 November).

Our summary, checked against NIH guidance in October 2026. Rules, budgets and dates change: always confirm in the current announcement before you apply.

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