Mentored Research Scientist Development Award (K01)
🏛 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - ERA (HHS-CDC-HHSCDCERA)
✓ Free, no account · Source: Grants.gov · Last verified Sep 7, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for junior researchers transitioning from postdoctoral training to independent R01-funded careers in occupational safety and health. Applicants must be early-career scientists seeking mentored research experience. The award provides protected time for career development under senior investigator supervision. Applicants must demonstrate why they need mentoring and how it will accelerate their research independence.
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Key dates
- Sep 1, 2026 Applications open
- Jan 29, 2027 Application deadline in 143 days
- Sep 1, 2027 Award announced
- Sep 30, 2027 Project start
Program description
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) K01 grant provides “protected time” for a supervised career development experience in occupational health and safety research. NIOSH supports the mentoring of junior investigators during the critical transition from postdoctoral training to securing independent R01 funding. We hope to foster investigators’ careers, who are vital for occupational safety and health’s future. Applicants must justify why they need mentored research and describe how the support will enhance their independence.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
- 501(c)(3) Public Charity
- City / Municipal Government
- County Government
- Nonprofits
- Postdoctoral Researcher
- Private University
- Public Authority
- Public K-12 School
- Public University
- Researcher (independent)
- Small Business (SBA-defined)
- Special District
- State Government
- Tribal Nation
- Tribal Organization
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- SF-424 R&R (research and related)
- Project Narrative
- Mentor's CV and letters of support
- Budget and budget narrative
- Biographical sketch of applicant
Program contact
- 👤 Eduardo O'Neill, PhD, MS, MPH, Scientific Program Official
- 📧 eoneill@cdc.gov
- 📞 404-718-8844
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 93.262 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
-
$129,315,396
-
$84,316,965
-
$32,293,512
-
$32,134,720
-
$31,620,262
-
$31,326,776
-
$31,321,584
-
$31,307,359
-
$31,273,504
-
$31,109,864
Top States by Funding
- NY 22 awards $241.2M
- MD 3 awards $122.8M
- CA 6 awards $112.5M
- MA 6 awards $82.3M
- CO 5 awards $78.6M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 93.262). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2024 | $130,993,880 | |
| 2025 | $127,849,749 | |
| 2026 est. | $113,003,523 |
FAQ
Who can apply for the NIOSH K01?
Postdoctoral researchers and early-career scientists seeking mentored research development. You must secure a senior mentor and institutional commitment.
What is the deadline?
The deadline is January 29, 2027 (fixed date).
What research activities are supported?
Mentored occupational safety and health research projects. Focus is on career development, not just research outcomes.
Is cost-sharing required?
No. This grant does not require cost-sharing or matching funds.
What is the typical funding range?
Awards typically range from $50,000 to $100,000 for the project period.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Identify a committed senior mentor with strong occupational health research credentials early.
- Clearly articulate your research independence timeline and milestones in your career development plan.
- Show how this mentored experience bridges your postdoc training to future independent research.
- Build strong institutional support letters demonstrating the organization's commitment to your career development.
- Connect your research to NIOSH priorities: worker safety, health disparities, or occupational disease prevention.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Weak mentor commitment or unclear mentoring plan. Failure to demonstrate how the award accelerates independence. Applying before securing postdoctoral or equivalent early-career status.
Similar grants
- OPEN Mentored Research Scientist Career Development Award (KR1) — National Institutes of Health
- OPEN Mentored Career Transition Award (KT1/R00) — National Institutes of Health
- OPEN World Trade Center Health Program Mentored Research Scientist Career Development Award (K01) — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - ERA
- OPEN Institutional Mentored Career Development Award (Parent K12) (Clinical Trials Not Allowed) — National Institutes of Health
- OPEN Mentored Research Scientist Development Award (Parent K01 – Independent Clinical Trial Required) — National Institutes of Health