Lasker Clinical Research Scholars

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Purpose

The program aims to grow the diminishing pool of talented physician-scientists by providing the necessary financial support to establish their careers. Additional program details and lists of current program participants and alumni are available on the NIH website.

Eligibility

Applicants must

  • have a clinical doctoral degree (M.D., M.D./Ph.D., D.O., D.D.S., D.M.D., R.N./Ph.D. or equivalent) from an accredited domestic or foreign institution
  • have a professional license to practice in the United States
  • be no more than 10 years from completion of their core residency training
  • pass a federal background check

The program is intended for investigators at the early stages of their independent careers. Applicants have generally completed or will be completing a post-residency clinical fellowship and will have demonstrated significant patient-oriented research experience to qualify for a tenure-track level appointment.

NIH Contact

Charles “Chuck” Dearolf

Length of Award

The program combines a five to seven-year period of independent research as an NIH Principal Investigator with the opportunity to remain at the NIH (and become eligible to apply for a Senior Investigator position) or apply for up to five years of extramural financial support ($500,000 per year plus overhead) at a university or other external research institution.

Benefits and Services

Learn about numerous benefits and services available to investigators in this program.

Federal Background Check

To be approved for access to NIH facilities and systems, candidates must be able to pass a federal background check, using Standard Form-85 (read SF-85 (PDF, 204 KB) ). NOTE: Section 14 of the form asks, “In the last year, have you used, possessed, supplied, or manufactured illegal drugs?” The question pertains to the illegal use of drugs or controlled substances in accordance with Federal laws, even though potentially permissible under state laws.

Last Reviewed September 2024