The NIGMS Postdoctoral Research Associate Training (PRAT) Program’s overarching goal is to provide high quality postdoctoral research training in the basic biomedical sciences to a diverse group of postdoctoral fellows in NIH intramural research laboratories, and to prepare them for leadership positions in careers in the biomedical research workforce. Research projects proposed should fall within basic biomedical fields relevant to the NIGMS mission. In addition to the laboratory experience, the PRAT program provides a structured training environment with extensive career and professional development, mentoring, and networking opportunities planned and supported by the program.
This Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) does not allow applicants to propose to lead an independent clinical trial, but does allow applicants to propose research experience in a clinical trial led by a sponsor or co-sponsor.
Application Due Date(s): October 3, 2022; October 3, 2023; October 3, 2024
PAR-22-191 Expiration Date New Date March 25, 2024 per issuance of NOT-GM-24-028. (Original Expiration Date: October 04, 2024 )
Before submitting a fellowship application, the applicant must identify a sponsoring NIH Institute or Center. The application will be submitted by the sponsoring IC’s Authorized Organizational Representative (AOR) on behalf of the fellow. Fellows should plan for sufficient lead time in preparing the application to ensure the appropriate individual(s) for submitting the application is identified.
Students/postdoctoral scientists applying for this fellowship will apply as the PD/PI - multiple PDs/PIs are not allowed. Applicants should work with the sponsor(s) and Institutes or Centers to develop an application for support of the proposed research training plan. Individuals from underrepresented racial and ethnic groups as well as individuals with disabilities are always encouraged to apply for NIH support. See, Reminder: Notice of NIH's Encouragement of Applications Supporting Individuals from Underrepresented Ethnic and Racial Groups as well as Individuals with Disabilities, NOT-OD-22-019.
By the time of award, the individual must be a citizen or a non-citizen national of the United States or have been lawfully admitted for permanent residence (i.e., possess a currently valid Permanent Resident Card USCIS Form I-551, or other legal verification of such status).
As this is a postdoctoral fellowship, eligible individuals must have completed their degree by the time of entrance into the program (students who will complete their degree by the time of entrance into the program are strongly encouraged to apply). In accordance with the policy of NIH Office of Intramural Research, individuals appointed to postdoctoral training positions using the Intramural Research Training Award (IRTA) must have no more than five years of relevant research experience since receipt of their most recent doctoral degree.
Additionally, individuals may only be supported on the IRTA mechanism for a maximum of 5 years, only 3 of which can be via the PRAT fellowship. Individuals currently in postdoctoral IRTA appointments in the NIH Intramural Research Program should plan to submit their applications early in their appointment so that they have accumulated no more than 24 months of training on the IRTA mechanism before entrance into the PRAT program.
Fellowship budgets are composed of stipends and travel and training allowance.
Postdoctoral fellows may receive up to 3 years of support from the PRAT fellowship.