Limited Competition: Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award (NRSA) Postdoctoral Research Training Grant for the Clinical and Translational Science Awards (CTSA) Program (T32 Clinical Tria
Can you apply?
This grant is for postdoctoral researchers seeking training in clinical and translational science. Applicants must have earned a research doctorate (PhD, MD, DO, DDS, DVM, or equivalent) within the past 6 years. The parent institution must be a Clinical and Translational Science Award (CTSA) consortium site. Training must occur at the CTSA institution. Certain citizenship and visa status restrictions apply. Clinical trials are not permitted under this mechanism.
This program is limited competition, meaning only institutions with existing CTSA funding can apply on behalf of postdocs. International applicants must meet specific visa requirements. The training period is typically 2-3 years of supervised research.
Applicants cannot have prior significant research experience. Priority populations include underrepresented minorities in biomedical research. The focus is on building expertise in clinical and translational science methodologies.
Program description
The National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS) will award Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award (NRSA) Postdoctoral Institutional Research Training Grants for the Clinical and Translational Science Awards (CTSA) Program (T32) to eligible institutions to create, provide, and disseminate clinical and translational science training and career support programs that enhance postdoctoral research training of individuals with doctoral degrees (these include, but are not limited to, the following: D.M.D., DC, DO, DVM., OD, DPM, ScD, EngD, DrPH, DNSc, DPT, PharmD, ND [Doctor of Naturopathy], DSW, PsyD, as well as a doctoral degree in nursing research) and help ensure a heterogenous pool of clinical and translational scientists trainees who are equipped with the knowledge, skills and abilities to advance diagnostics, therapeutics, clinical interventions, and behavioral modifications that improve health and support meaningful translational science research projects that address demonstrable needs among stakeholder communities.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Required documents
- SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance)
- Project Narrative (research plan and training objectives)
- Budget and Budget Justification
- Biographical Sketch (NIH Format)
- Mentor's Biographical Sketch
- Letters of Support (mentor and institutional CTSA director)
- Institution's CTSA award documentation
Program contact
- 👤 National Institutes of Health
- 📧 grantsinfo@nih.gov
- 📞 301-402-2541
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 93.350 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
-
$139,753,636
-
$118,592,298
-
$118,098,707
-
$112,138,469
-
$102,422,256
-
$100,095,982
-
$99,978,264
-
$98,955,036
-
$98,090,822
-
$97,784,066
Top States by Funding
- CA 13 awards $652.0M
- NY 11 awards $496.8M
- MA 6 awards $321.4M
- NC 5 awards $313.7M
- OH 5 awards $162.0M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 93.350). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2024 | $595,597,945 | |
| 2025 | $626,227,752 |
FAQ
Who is eligible to apply?
Postdoctoral researchers with a research doctorate earned within the last 6 years. Your sponsoring institution must have active CTSA funding.
Can I apply as an individual?
No. Your CTSA institution submits the application on your behalf. You cannot apply directly.
What kind of research training is supported?
Clinical and translational science research methods and mentored projects. Clinical trials (Phase I-IV) are explicitly not allowed.
Is there a citizenship requirement?
U.S. citizenship or certain visa statuses are required. Non-citizens should confirm eligibility with their CTSA grants administrator.
How competitive is this grant?
Limited competition makes it less open than standard grants, but still competitive. Strong mentor support and clear research plan are critical for success.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Confirm your institution holds active CTSA funding before investing time in the application.
- Work closely with your mentor to develop a realistic, focused research plan for 2-3 years.
- Highlight prior research experience and how this training fills identified gaps in your skillset.
- Include clear learning objectives tied to clinical and translational science competencies.
- Secure strong letters of support from your mentor and institutional CTSA leadership early.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Applying through a non-CTSA institution or one without current funding. Proposing clinical trial activities, which are explicitly prohibited under T32.
Weak mentorship plan or unclear research objectives. Insufficient detail on how training will advance your career in clinical translation.
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