NIH Pathway to Independence Award (K99/R00)
A two-phase award that carries a promising postdoc through the last of mentored training and into their first independent faculty position.
Official program page- Sponsor
- National Institutes of Health
- Mechanism
- K99/R00
- Typical award
- Up to 5 years total across both phases; the R00 phase activates once the awardee secures an independent, tenure-track (or equivalent) position.
- Deadlines
- Three standard cycles a year: generally Feb 12, Jun 12, and Oct 12.
What it funds
- A mentored postdoctoral phase (K99), typically up to 2 years
- An independent faculty phase (R00), typically up to 3 years
- Salary and research costs across the transition
Who can apply
Postdoctoral researchers with, generally, no more than 4 years of postdoctoral research experience at the time of application. Open to non-citizens.
Best for
A senior postdoc on the faculty job market who wants funding to carry into their first lab.
Figures and deadlines change year to year: always confirm current details on the official program page before applying.
Deadlines
K awards use their own standard cycle, due by 5:00 PM local time of the applicant organization.
| Application type | Cycle 1 | Cycle 2 | Cycle 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| New | February 12 | June 12 | October 12 |
| Renewal, resubmission, revision | March 12 | July 12 | November 12 |
Eligibility window
Applicants must apply within 48 months of starting postdoctoral research training, measured to the application due date. NIH temporarily extended eligibility for some applicants whose window closed in late 2025 (NOT-OD-26-021), so check whether that applies to you.
Changes coming in 2027
NIH is consolidating its K awards. For due dates on or after October 12, 2027, the K99/R00 and K22 will be replaced by a single KT1/R00 Career Transition to Research Independence Award, and current K99 announcements expire by July 13, 2027. K funds will also no longer support leading a clinical trial.
Frequently asked questions
Who is eligible for the K99/R00?
Postdoctoral researchers within 48 months of starting postdoctoral training at the application due date. U.S. citizenship is not required.
When are K99 deadlines?
New applications are due February 12, June 12, and October 12; resubmissions March 12, July 12, and November 12.
Is the K99/R00 going away?
It is being replaced. For due dates on or after October 12, 2027, NIH will use the KT1/R00 Career Transition to Research Independence Award instead of the K99/R00 and K22.
Related programs
All NIH opportunitiesNIH's career development awards provide protected time and mentoring for early-career scientists and clinicians on the path to research independence.
An NIH fellowship supporting postdoctoral research training under an established sponsor.
NIH's flagship, investigator-initiated grant for a discrete, mature research project.
Managing a NIH K99/R00 proposal?
GrantsManager tracks the deadline, budget, and submission from first draft to award.