Mentored Research Careers and NIH K Programs

The CTSI-CN program supports institutional KL2 formal research training experience to scholars who already have an M.D., Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree. This KL2 recruits from a multidisciplinary pool two outstanding KL2 scholars per year for 2-3 years support. Each will develop individualized plans for multiple-mentor teams and hypothesis-driven research projects and career development, including the preparation of a competitive grant application.

KL2 applications are sought from investigators across the CTR spectrum and among multiple GW schools and departments, centers and divisions using an RFA and two-step application process. The KL2 RFA is circulated in the fall, with a letter of intent and CV followed by a full application. Key eligibility criteria include: 1) institutional commitment to support a research career 2) status as a junior investigator, i.e. an Assistant Professor generally within 4 years of the faculty appointment 3) not having been PI on a major grant, including other career awards or grants with >$100,000 direct costs 4) status as a US citizen or permanent resident and 5) departmental assurance that the applicant will have 75% protected time for research.

Sample KL2 Timeline
Year One Year Two Year Three
IDP & CRAI,
goal setting
Mentor
Agreement
Annual Review,
IDP & goals
Mentor Committee Annual Review,
IDP & goals
Mentor Sponsorship
Protected time for research Protected time for research Protected time for research
Biostats consult Publications &
Conference
Biostats consult Publications &
Conference
Biostats consult Publications &
Conference
Responsible
Conduct of
Research
Grant writing Submit K or R
Application
Foundation
opportunities
K or R
Revisions
K or R
Re-submission
Cultural competency elective Tools for health equity elective Digital health technologies elective
NIH - IPPCR or CTR Coursework Grad Certificate or MS in Clinical Research Practice Research skills courses and workshops
K-career
development
K retreat K-career
development
K retreat K-career
development
K retreat
Scholar activities include mentored research, didactic education and career development activities leading to grant submission and careers as independent investigators.