NIH Pathway to Independence Award (K99/R00)

What it funds

Up to 2 years of mentored postdoctoral research and career development (K99), followed by up to 3 years of independent research support (R00) once you take a tenure-track or equivalent position.

Who can apply

Postdoctoral researchers with no more than 4 years of postdoctoral research experience when they apply, including a resubmission. U.S. citizenship is not required, which makes it one of the few NIH career awards open to international postdocs.

Award size

The K99 phase covers salary and some research costs at levels set by each institute. The R00 phase has commonly been up to about $250,000 a year in total costs.

Duration

Up to 5 years in total: 1 to 2 years of K99, then up to 3 years of R00.

How applications are reviewed

Review weighs the candidate, the mentor and the career development plan as heavily as the research. A strong application shows a clear path to an independent research program distinct from the mentor's.

Deadlines

Standard due dates for career awards are 12 February, 12 June and 12 October (resubmissions 12 March, 12 July and 12 November). Some institutes run their own K99 NOFOs.