Frequently Asked Questions About the TRI Mentored Career Development Scholars Program
For whom is the Program designed?
The TRI Career Development Scholars Program is designed for full time faculty with a terminal degree (PhD, MD, PharmD, DrPH, DO, etc.) who are committed to pursuing academic careers in multidisciplinary clinical or translational research.
What is the purpose of the Program?
The overall goal of the Program is to increase the number and quality of independently funded clinical and translational research investigators.
How is translational research defined in this multidisciplinary training program?
The program’s intent is to support the early career development of translational researchers from a variety of disciplines engaged in all types of translational research.
TRI defines translational research as that which transforms scientific discoveries arising from laboratory, clinical, or population studies into clinical applications to reduce disease incidence, morbidity, and mortality. TRI conceptualizes translational research as occurring on a bi-directional continuum of T1 through T4 research that addresses human health questions and creates human health interventions. Recently, NCATS introduced translational science principles that underlie translational research. Applicants should be prepared to describe the translational science principles in their own project/research approaches. You can learn more here.
Research may include patient-oriented research, translational research, small and large-scale clinical investigation and trials, and epidemiologic and natural history studies.
How is the Program funded?
K12 Scholars are funded through both a federal K12 Mentored Clinical Research Career Development Award, a key component of the Clinical and Translational Science Award (CTSA) at TRI, and institutional sources at our participating institutions.
Who are the participating institutions?
The schools and colleges of the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (all campuses), Arkansas Children’s Hospital, Arkansas Children’s Research Institute, and Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System.
What is the duration of the training period?
The traditional training period is two years, but an optional third year extension is available on a case-by-case basis.
What are the benefits of the program?
Scholars will receive 75 percent of their salary (up to $118,000, including fringe). If 75 percent salary exceeds $118,000, the college/department/division will need to support the balance. Scholars will also receive up to $25,000 per year for research, tuition, travel expenses and education materials in support of their career development plan.
What permissible work/education activities fall within the 75 percent protected time?
Scholars are required to dedicate 75% of their professional effort to research and career development activities within the program. They engage in structured mentorship, working closely with senior faculty who guide their research, career planning, and professional growth. Participation in interactive discussions, seminars, and workshops is expected to enhance their knowledge and skills in clinical and translational research.
What should I expect regarding the activities within the program from a time commitment perspective?
Scholars typically engage in didactic coursework, including training in research methodologies, grant writing, leadership, and team science. They attend regular seminars and networking events, where they interact with peers, faculty, and visiting experts in the field. Scholars participate in multidisciplinary research projects, collaborating with clinicians, scientists, and other stakeholders to translate research findings into practice. Opportunities for funding, travel grants, and professional development further enhance their experience. Awardees will be provided a full list of required meetings, seminars, and events, but in general, scholars should expect weekly commitments of ~1-2 hours minimum, as well as regular monthly and quarterly meetings and seminars.
What permissible work/education activities fall within the 25 percent of non-protected time?
The scholar’s non-supported effort must be devoted to activities related to the development of a successful clinical and translational research career.
Typically, these activities include clinical, administrative, and/or teaching efforts. The divisions/departments must not require extra duties or responsibilities that reduce the scholar’s protected time that would interfere with the purpose of the career development award.
May I negotiate to devote less than 75 percent effort?
The NIH requires scholars commit 75 percent effort to the program. Certain surgical specialties may commit less than 75 percent, but no less than 50 percent, protected time for this program. Justification will require documentation that more than a 25 percent clinical commitment is required to avoid loss of competence or credentialing in specified clinical skills. Any applicant who is interested in applying while committing less than 75 percent effort for the academic aspects of the project should discuss their interests with the program leadership before applying.
I have another award that supports me for 75 percent of my research effort; can I retain that award while keeping the TRI Career Development Scholar Award?
No. Accepting the TRI Scholar Award indicates that the awardee accepts the entire award at 75 percent effort toward their TRI Scholar research proposal.
Are other federal grants (e.g., R01 or R21) allowed to support the remaining 25 percent salary not covered by the TRI Career Development Scholar award?
Scholars must comply with the guidelines set forth in the NIH Grants Policy Statement: https://grants.nih.gov/grants/policy/nihgps/html5/section_12/12_research_career_development__k__awards.htm
Funding the remaining 25% effort through other federal sources is allowable under certain circumstances. In general, the aims of the K12 project and the aims of the additional federally funded project must not overlap. These determinations must be made by K12 program leadership.
Applicants are encouraged to ask specific questions if they feel this rule may apply to them.
Can scholars apply for individual K and/or R Awards while in the program?
Scholars may apply for independent federal funding (K and R awards). If successful, program effort requirements may be adjusted to account for the effort of the new award. Allowances and adjustments are made on a case-by-case basis and must follow the NIH guidelines for level of effort: https://grants.nih.gov/grants/policy/nihgps/html5/section_12/12.3.6_level_of_effort.htm
Can I work on several research projects under my 75 percent protected time?
Yes. However, these research projects should be approved by K12 leaders and be aligned with your overall research theme, objectives, and specific aims.
What percentage of clinical time is allotted?
Depending on your other non-research responsibilities, you can devote up to 25 percent of your time to clinical activities.
Do I need research mentors to apply?
Yes. TRI Scholars must have research mentors to apply to this program. The qualifications and commitment of the research mentors relative to the goals and objectives of the applicant is an important consideration in the review of TRI Career Development Scholar applications.
Primary mentors need to be from UAMS, ACH/ACRI or CAVHS. Additional members of your mentorship team can be from other academic institutions.
How do I select a mentor?
Scholars are responsible for recruiting their own mentors. Scholars should have one primary mentor as well as two or three other mentors on their mentoring team. The program directors and staff are available to assist with this process.
Your mentor should be committed to helping you attain research and career development goals. For research this may include direct support of research studies, assistance in experimental design, analysis/interpretation of research results, preparation for formal presentations, manuscripts, and grant applications. For career development this may include notifying you of scholarships/awards/programs that may be of benefit to your career development, helping you network and build professional connections in your field of study, assistance with promotion and tenure, providing support and advice for long-term goal setting.
The strength of an applicant’s mentors will be an important factor in assessing his/her application for funding.
Will there be funding provided to potential mentors?
The primary mentor will receive salary support for 5 percent effort; other mentors do not receive support. This compensation is provided by TRI and is not part of your scholar budget.
Is there a limit on time since completing postdoctoral training, or at what stage should prospective TRI Scholars be?
The TRI Career Development Scholars Program is designed for applicants who are early in their professional careers, typically within five years of completion of training or would meet the NIH definition of early career investigator. This award is not meant to serve as support for applicants already established in their field, nor is it meant to aid in a career change. Individuals who have achieved the rank of Associate Professor are not eligible. Scholars must hold a terminal degree and have a faculty appointment at the rank of Instructor or Assistant Professor. We are seeking individuals at an early stage of their career, even while they are in subspecialty training. Post docs are eligible to apply if their department provides a letter of support stating they intend to develop the applicant into a full-time faculty position by the time the award would start.
Do I have to have a faculty appointment?
Yes. At the time of the application, each potential TRI K12 Career Development Scholar must be a faculty member and have the full support of their research mentor, home department, and school.
If I am a faculty with a VA appointment, does this limit my eligibility for the Program?
Possibly, depending upon the extent of commitment (percent effort) to the VA. Federal salaries cannot be considered as part of the Scholar commitment as federal salaries are separate appointments that are not included in the institutional appointment or payroll distribution. Thus, Scholars may NOT be supplemented with VA sources in a manner to meet the basic eligibility requirement of the award (75% of a fulltime appointment with the institution). Applicants with VA Appointments are encouraged to talk to the Program directors before submitting an application.
If I have applied for permanent resident status but have not yet received an alien registration card, am I eligible for the Program?
No. All Scholars must be a citizen or a non-citizen national of the United States or have been lawfully admitted for permanent residence (i.e., possess a currently valid Permanent Resident Card USCIS Form I-551, or other legal verification of such status).
Are Scholars permitted to take courses?
Yes. Scholars are encouraged to take courses to supplement their individual backgrounds and research needs. This should be described in the training/career development plan in the application
Is travel support available for those who wish to attend scientific meetings?
Each scholar is allocated up to $25,000 per year for research, tuition, travel expenses and education materials in support of the scholar’s career development plan. Scholars are expected to attend the annual Association for Clinical and Translational Science Conference and should factor the cost of this trip into their travel budget.
Am I eligible for the Program if I have already applied for another career development award (including a federal K award)?
Please consult with Program leadership regarding the timing of submission for TRI Career Development Scholars Program support in relation to other career development awards.