TBA (last known deadline was December 2, 2011)
The NIH Director's Early Independence Awards provide an opportunity for exceptional junior scientists, who have already established a record of innovation and research productivity, to launch an independent research program. It is also an opportunity for research intensive institutions to invigorate their research departments by recruiting outstanding, early career scientists. Exceptional graduate students or clinicians nearing the completion of their Ph.D. (or equivalent) or for clinicians (M.D.s or equivalent) the end of their medical residency may contact appropriate Institutional scientific leaders to seek an appointment as an independent research scientist (For a complete listing of eligible degrees for Early Independence Investigators, please refer to Section 1. Eligible Applicants). Alternatively, Institutions may actively recruit eligible junior scientists to apply for support through this program. In either event, the Institution will be expected to provide substantial support for the junior scientist as detailed below. At the time of application, the Early Independence PI must be within twelve months before or after the completion of their Ph.D. (or equivalent) or for clinicians within twelve months before or after the completion of their medical residency (or equivalent) training. By the end of the award period, the PI is expected to be competitive for continued funding of his/her research program and for a permanent research position.