Mentored Career Development Award for Postdoctorate Au.D./Ph.D. Audiologists (K01 Independent Basic Experimental Studies with Humans Required)
Can you apply?
This grant is for postdoctoral researchers holding a Au.D./Ph.D. degree in audiology or related field. Applicants must be employed by a research institution at the time of award and have less than 5 years of independent research experience after completing their terminal degree. U.S. citizens, nationals, and permanent residents are eligible. The grant supports mentored independent research in audiology, hearing science, or related areas using experimental methods with human subjects.
Program description
The purpose of the NIDCD Mentored Career Development Award for Postdoctorate Au.D./Ph.D. Audiologists (K01) is to support comprehensive and rigorous postdoctoral research and career development experiences in the biomedical, behavioral, or clinical sciences of promising Au.D./Ph.D. audiologists who have the potential to become productive, independent investigators in scientific health-related research fields relevant to NIDCD’s mission.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Required documents
- SF-424 (R&R) Application Form
- Project Narrative (6-15 pages)
- Specific Aims (1 page)
- Research Strategy (including preliminary data)
- Mentor Biosketch and support letter
- Institutional environment/resources section
- Budget and justification
- Key Personnel Biosketch
Program contact
- 👤 National Institutes of Health
- 📧 grantsinfo@nih.gov
- 📞 301-402-2541
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 93.173 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
-
$67,501,043
-
$41,811,330
-
$29,666,573
-
$25,009,162
-
$22,883,624
-
$22,740,456
-
$16,596,227
-
$13,255,879
-
$12,363,350
-
$12,276,804
Top States by Funding
- MA 11 awards $142.6M
- CA 10 awards $101.6M
- IA 5 awards $77.5M
- CT 2 awards $76.3M
- MD 7 awards $56.9M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 93.173). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2024 | $422,034,489 | |
| 2025 | $422,700,014 | |
| 2026 est. | $427,030,000 |
FAQ
Who is eligible for this K01 award?
Postdoctoral researchers with Au.D./Ph.D. credentials in audiology or related fields. You must be at a research institution and have less than 5 years of post-training independent research experience.
What does this grant fund?
Mentored independent research in audiology and hearing science using human subjects. The award provides salary support, research costs, and mentorship for early-career investigators.
How competitive is this grant?
K01s are highly competitive. Strong preliminary data, clear research innovation, and a detailed mentoring plan are critical. Plan 3-6 months of preparation.
What is the deadline?
This cycle closes May 24, 2026. Applications open February 26, 2024. Plan submission 4-6 weeks before deadline.
What if I'm unsure about my eligibility?
Contact your institution's research office or NIDCD program officer. They can clarify experience requirements and qualification thresholds before you apply.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Build a strong mentor team with expertise in your research area and track record of supporting early-career researchers.
- Present preliminary data showing feasibility and innovation. Reviewers want proof you can execute the proposed research independently.
- Align your research with NIDCD priorities: hearing loss, balance disorders, voice, speech, or language research.
- Detail how your mentor will guide your transition to independence. Show specific meetings and milestones.
- Submit early. NIH has strict deadlines and technical requirements. Allow 6+ weeks for institutional approvals and submissions.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Insufficient preliminary data or weak feasibility evidence. Inadequate detail on mentoring plan and milestones for independence. Proposing research outside NIDCD mission scope or lacking innovation.
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