RELEASE DATE: October 27, 2014
REQUEST FOR APPLICATIONS (RFA):
CTSI KL2 Scholars Career Development Program
Administered by the CTSI - Research Education, Training and Career
Development (CTSI-Ed)
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75% salary support (up to $100,000 inclusive of fringe), $25,000 in research funds and
$1,000 travel funds a year, for 3 years
Assistant Professor with salaried appointment (in rank ≤ 6 years), primary mentor,
secondary mentor and biostatistician
Individualized educational and training plan
Weekly (Wednesdays, 2pm) K Scholar Multidisciplinary Seminar Series with BIRCWH
(Women’s Health K12), CHRCDA (Child Health K12) programs, CTSI Pre-K Scholars, and
Individual K awardees
Year 3 of financial support, (75% effort up to $100,000 inclusive of fringe, $25,000 research
funds, $2,500 for primary mentor, and $1,000 travel funds), to be covered by the AHC and
the Medical School Dean’s office for AHC Schools, or scholar’s home department for Schools
outside of AHC
Application due Thursday, December 18, 2014 (12:00pm)
Award announced February 2015
Start date March 1, 2015
Up to one award will be issued for this RFA
1. NATURE AND PURPOSE OF THIS RFA
The KL2 Scholars Career Development Program is designed to develop the next generation of
clinical investigators through a structured training program with a mentored, multidisciplinary
clinical research emphasis. The goal is for KL2 scholars to develop successful CTS research careers
with extramural funding and scholarly publications.
This three-year program aims to place junior investigators on the path to be competitive for NIH
independent K- or R01 Awards. This RFA will be issued and up to one award will be funded on this
cycle. Success of this program will be judged by the number who go on to secure NIH individual Kaward grants in the short term, and NIH R01 and R01 equivalent funding in the long term, for
clinical and translational research.
Applications from underrepresented populations are strongly encouraged.
CTSI KL2 Scholar Application 2/9/16
Page 1 of 14
2. ELIGIBILITY
1. United States citizen or permanent resident
2. Conduct human relevant clinical and/or translational research.
3. Have a clinical doctorate, PhD or its equivalent (MD, PhD, DO, DDS, DVM, OD, DC, PharmD,
DNP).
4. Be junior faculty (Assistant Professor with salaried appointment in rank ≤ 6 years), who has
the potential to establish their own funded research programs in clinical/translational
science. Applicants must have paid faculty appointments (rank of Assistant Professor 9403,
Clinical Assistant Professor 9403C, or Research Assistant Professor 9403R) OR have signed
and accepted an offer letter at the University of Minnesota at the time of application with a
start date before the start of the grant (must provide copy in application). Eligibility
includes affiliated faculty at the VA, HCMC, Regions Hospital, and the Children’s Hospitals of
Minnesota. Faculty members holding adjunct appointments are ineligible.
5. Identify at least two mentors from different disciplines with research experience and track
record of trainees at the rank of Associate Professor or higher, and a third faculty level
biostatistician mentor. If unsure about mentor choice, contact Dr. Jasjit S. Ahluwalia
(Associate Director, CTSI and Director of the KL2 Program).
6. Be able to spend 75% of full-time professional effort conducting research and research
career development activities as a CTSI KL2 scholar.
7. Not be, or have been, a principal investigator on an R01, R29 or subproject of a Program
Project (P01), Center Grant (P50, P60, U54), mentored career development grants (Kseries), or other equivalent research grant awards or career development awards such as
those from ACS, ADA, AHA, etc. Those serving as PI of an NIH R03 or R21 grant are eligible
to apply for this KL2 grant.
8. Commitment to a minimum of 3 years of research training.
9. Participants are required to apply for independent research grant support (NIH individual K
or R01; or national American Heart Association, American Cancer Society, or American
Diabetes Association equivalent funding) within first 18 months of receiving a KL2.
3. REQUIREMENTS
Spend a minimum of 75% effort on training, research, and career
development activities related to KL2 Program
With your mentoring team each year, address components of your
career development plan:
1. Develop your career vision and career mission.
2. Develop a Professional Development Plan for strategic and
annual goals with associated near-term objectives, specific
objectives, and competencies for the three years.
3. Identify what strategies (e.g. experiences, training, etc.) will
facilitate objective achievement and how experiences and
training will be acquired
CTSI KL2 Scholar Application 2/9/16
Page 2 of 14
Yr 1
Yr 2
Yr 3
Required
Required
required
Required
Required
Required
Submit a minimum of 2-3 peer-reviewed manuscripts each year
Submit an abstract to and attend the annual Clinical and Translational
Science conference, held in the spring each year. At the minimum you
are expected to attend the conference in year 1 and attend the
conference in year 2 and/or year 3
Submit at least one abstract to an additional relevant national scientific
meeting each year
Participate in the semester long grant writing workshop (offered by Drs.
Anne Marie Weber-Main, Cliff Steers, and John Grabowski) in year 1 or
year 2
Required
Required
Required
Required
Yr 2 and/or
yr 3
Yr 2 and/or
yr 3
Required
Required
Required
Yr 1 or yr 2
Yr 1 or yr 2
By end of
yr 2
Apply for independent research grant support (NIH K or R01 award; or
American Heart Association, national American Cancer Society, or
national American Diabetes Association) within first 18 months
Attend at least 75% the required weekly K Scholar Multidisciplinary
Seminar Series on Wednesday afternoons
Required
Required
Required
Required
Required
Required
At least
twice a
year
At least
twice a
year
At least
twice a
year
Required
Required
Required
Required
Required
Required
For Coordinate Campus Applicants: the 75% attendance policy for
the K Scholar Multidisciplinary Seminar Series will remain in place for
coordinate campus scholars, as it does for all scholars. Scholars must
attend at least 50% of the scheduled seminars in-person and the other
25% via video link
Present research at the CTSI Poster Session and Reception
Meet at regularly established times with your mentors individually and
as a team. Meetings with the full mentoring team must be held, at a
minimum, twice a year. Meeting with the primary mentor (substituted at
times by a secondary mentor) should be approximately weekly
Six-month Report of Progress and Committee Review Meeting
Annual Report of Progress
4. FUNDING
1. 75% salary support, (up to $100,000 inclusive of fringe) for protected time for
clinical/translational research career development
2. $25,000 per year for technical assistance and/or supplies to assist in obtaining data
3. All primary mentors will receive $2,500 per year
4. Travel funds of $1,000 a year
5. No carry forward after two years will be allowed
6. Year 3 of financial support, (75% effort up to $100,000 inclusive of fringe, $25,000 research
funds, $2,500 for primary mentor, and $1,000 travel funds), to be covered by the AHC and
the Medical School Dean’s office for AHC Schools, or scholar’s home department for Schools
outside of AHC
7. Up to one award will be made on this cycle
CTSI KL2 Scholar Application 2/9/16
Page 3 of 14
5. SELECTION CRITERIA
Scholars:
1. A 3-year career development and training plan with support of a primary mentor and
mentoring team
2. Multidisciplinary nature of mentoring team (i.e., primary and secondary mentors must be
from different disciplines – any questions, please contact Dr. Ahluwalia jahluwal@umn.edu)
3. Long-term career plan with milestones for later evaluation by advisory committee
4. Research study including significance, innovation, translation plan, incorporation of
Biostatistical analysis and potential for building a career
5. Plans for interacting with mentors
6. Previous research and academic experience
7. Passion for research
Department:
1. Commitment of 75% protected time for the scholar
2. Plan for integration of the scholar into the unit’s activities
Primary Mentor:
1. Plan for a long-term career path for the candidate
2. Experience with research theme proposed by the candidate
3. Plans for interaction with scholar and integration with mentoring team
4. Listing of NIH funding record (current and past)
5. Clinical or translational research publication record
6. Previous and current mentoring experience and success
Supporting mentors:
1. Experience with research theme
2. Plans for interaction and career development of scholars
3. Previous and current mentoring experience and success
4. Listing of NIH funding record (current and past)
6. QUESTIONS
Questions may be directed to:
Michelle Lamere, MPA – Assistant Director, CTSI Research Education, Training, and Career
Development
mlamere@umn.edu
CTSI KL2 Scholar Application 2/9/16
Page 4 of 14
7. APPLICATION AND INSTRUCTIONS
All applicants are required to contact the CTSI Biostatistical Design and Analysis Center (BDAC) for
an initial consult, at no charge, with a BDAC faculty biostatistician to review the statistical support
needs of the proposal. At the consultation, the applicant and a biostatistician consultant will
determine together the level of statistical support required by the project and the amount, if any,
needed to budget for in the proposal. This statistical support plan must be included in applications.
Contact Melissa Hansen, CTSI Research Navigator, at 612-626-2318 or ctsi@umn.edu to request the
consultation. It is recommended scholars schedule at the beginning of the application process to
ensure a meeting.
Submit your application online through the CTSI – Education website under training programs for
faculty:
http://ctsi.umn.edu/education/programs-opportunities/kl2/index.htm
Complete and submit an online application and upload all required documents through the
submission link above by 12:00 p.m. (noon) on Thursday, December 18, 2014. The submission site
will automatically close at 12:01 p.m. Late or partially completed applications will not be accepted
Completed applications should adhere to the guidelines below and must include:
APPLICATION COMPONENTS
(Arial 11 pt font, ½ inch margins, single-spaced)
1
CTSI Scholar Application Information
online form
**
FOR RESUBMISSIONS: submit a point-by-point response to
reviewers’ comments (include copy of reviewer comments)
Up to 2 pages
2
Research Proposal to include:
*Project Title
*Aims
*Significance
*Innovation
*Approach
*Analysis Plan
*Translation Plan:
A brief description of the translational, clinical or public
health impact of your research. Clearly state how a disease
or group of diseases will be better diagnosed, treated or
prevented, or how the successful completion of your
research will improve human health.
Upload up to 5
single-spaced
pages, exclusive
of references
3
Statistical Support Plan (attached)
Upload up to 3
pages
4
Research Background and Interest:
 Describe your background and research experience and the
origin of your interest in a career in clinical/translational
research.
 Identify a specific area of research or your planned research
theme. Tell us what you hope to contribute to this area in the
Upload up to 1
page
CTSI KL2 Scholar Application 2/9/16
Page 5 of 14
next ten years.
5
Career Development Plan to include:
Describe a 3-year career development plan with a timeline and
objectives that will advance your career goals. Present a
systematic plan to obtain the necessary educational
background, research experiences and skills, and mentoring
necessary to launch an independent career in
clinical/translational research. Describe your proposed research
project.
 Describe how the educational plan you propose
supplements your previous educational background
 Describe why an interdisciplinary approach is necessary
 Give the title of your research plan, specific aims, and
hypotheses, if relevant (briefly restated from section 2).
Describe how the project fits into the context of current
literature on the topic
 Give an outline of other projects or studies you plan to
pursue over the three years of KL2 funding
 Describe why interdisciplinary approaches and
mentorship are critical to your research area. Describe
what you intend to learn from each proposed mentor as
well as how the mentors will interact with you as a team
(i.e. meeting schedule, format, etc…)
Upload up to 4
pages
6
Budget: use NIH budget template (PHS 398) for each year of the
grant and provide a short justification narrative. Be sure to budget
for required conference travel and effort for a biostatistician. *The
primary mentor stipend should not be included in the budget.
Upload up to 5
pages
7
Initial start-up plan: Briefly describe the specific steps you will take
in the first three months of the award to operationalize your
research project.
Write and submit
~3-5 sentences
8
NIH Biosketch/Other Support (current as of date of application
submission)
Please add the following to the NIH biosketch:
*Include manuscripts In Press and Submitted (no abstracts)
* Include all current, pending, and previous research funding
Upload up to 4
pages
9
Department/Division Head Form (attached)
Upload up to 2
pages
10
Mentoring Team Form (attached)
Upload up to 3
pages
11
Primary Mentor Form (attached)
Upload up to 2
CTSI KL2 Scholar Application 2/9/16
Page 6 of 14
pages
12
Primary Mentor NIH Biosketch/Other Support
Upload up to 4
pages
12
Secondary Mentor Form (attached)
Upload up to 2
pages
13
Secondary Mentor NIH Biosketch/Other Support
Upload up to 4
pages
14
Tertiary Mentor Form (attached)
Up to 2 pages
15
Tertiary Mentor NIH Biosketch/Other Support
Up to 4 pages
1. Adhere to each section’s page limits. Applications that exceed maximum page limits and
incomplete applications will not be reviewed.
2. Submit your application documents in Arial 11 pt. font with ½ inch margins, single-spaced.
Do not alter the application format in any way.
3. Selecting mentors: select at least three mentors from different disciplines that are critical for
the implementation of your project. It is expected that the mentoring team will work closely with
the applicant in the development of the application. At least one mentor must be a
biostatistician. Contact the CTSI – Biostatistical Design and Analysis Center (BDAC) for
assistance in selecting the appropriate biostatistician for your proposed project. A PhD level
biostatistician is strongly recommended. Make sure to include the biostatistician’s effort in your
budget.
4. Submit biosketches and letters of support for all collaborators.
CTSI KL2 Scholar Application 2/9/16
Page 7 of 14
STATISTICAL SUPPORT PLAN
(Use additional pages as necessary)
All applicants are required to contact the CTSI Biostatistical Design and Analysis Center for an
initial consult, at no charge, with a BDAC faculty biostatistician to review the statistical support
needs of the proposal. At the consultation you and a BDAC consultant will determine together
the level of statistical support required by the project and the amount, if any, you will need to
budget in your proposal. This statistical support plan must be included in your application.
Contact Melissa Hansen, CTSI Research Navigator, at 612-626-2318 or ctsi@umn.edu to
request the consultation. It is recommended you schedule this meeting at the beginning of the
application process.
Name of KL2 Applicant:________________________________________________________
Name of BDAC Consultant:_____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
Consultant’s Signature
Date
Statistical Support Plan: Below, describe the level of biostatistics support required by the
project and the amount, if any, needed to budget in research proposal. Include name of
consultant-recommended biostatistics mentor. To be completed during consultation handwritten is acceptable.
Recommended Biostatistics
Mentor:______________________________________________
Plan Details, including anticipated costs for budgeting:
CTSI KL2 Scholar Application 2/9/16
Page 8 of 14
DEAN AND DEPARTMENT/DIVISION HEAD STATEMENT
(2 pages maximum)
Scholar Name:___________________________________________
Department/Division Head Name:___________________________________ Title:________
School:______________________ Department:___________________
Division:___________
Proposed Mentoring Team
1. Name:___________________________________________________________
2. Name:___________________________________________________________
3. Name (biostatistician):______________________________________________
1. Describe your evaluation of this scholar’s background and potential for a
successful academic clinical/translational research career (½ page, singlespaced).
2. Describe how this scholar will become integrated into the
research/teaching/clinical service of the unit. Describe the scholar’s proposed
non-CTSI scholar activities (½ page, single-spaced).
3. Describe your department’s research environment, resources available to the
scholar and other researchers within the department that will support the
scholar’s efforts (½ page, single-spaced).
In making this application, I understand that the position must be a faculty member. Protected
time for research, study, and participation in CTSI Scholar Program Activities at 75% will be
available for the duration of the 3-year award. I understand the CTSI will cover the following
costs for years 1 and 2. For year 3 of the award I understand the costs: 75% effort (up to
$100,000 inclusive of fringe), $25,000 research funds, $2,500 for primary mentor, and $1,000
travel funds, will be covered by the AHC and the Medical School Dean’s office for AHC Schools,
or by my department if it resides outside of the AHC. Continued availability of funds is
dependent on scholar’s adequate yearly progress. No carryforward is permitted.
___________________________________
__________________________________
Signature of Department/Division Head
Type Name of Department/Division Head
___________________________________
__________________________________
Signature of Dean
Type Name of Dean
CTSI KL2 Scholar Application 2/9/16
Page 9 of 14
MENTOR TEAM FORM
(3 pages maximum)
Scholar
Name:_________________________________________________________________
1. Describe the team’s evaluation of this scholar’s background and potential for a
successful academic clinical/translational research career (½ page, single-spaced).
2. Describe the intended long-term career path the team envisions for this scholar (½ page,
single-spaced).
3. Describe the 3-year timeline with specific mileposts for the clinical scholar’s development
in education, research, and networking (½ page, single-spaced).
4. Describe the nature, frequency and extent of interaction planned between the team and
the clinical scholar during the award period (½ page, single-spaced).
5. How will the mentoring team support the career development of the scholar (½ page,
single-spaced).
Mentors participating on CTSI-sponsored projects are required to meet with their scholarmentee regularly, attend the annual CTSI Poster Session, and required to participate in a CTSIdeveloped mentoring online learning module, in addition to providing data, submitting reports,
and attending occasional CTSI events as requested. It is expected that the mentoring team will
work closely with the applicant in the development of the application.
Mentor Names and Signatures
____________________________________________________________________
Primary Mentor (print name and sign) *By signing this form you are agreeing that you have
reviewed the application
____________________________________________________________________
Secondary Mentor (print name and sign) *By signing this form you are agreeing that you have
reviewed the application
___________________________________________________________________
Tertiary Mentor (If applicable) (print name and sign) *By signing this form you are agreeing that
you have reviewed the application
___________________________________________________________________
Biostatistics Mentor (print name and sign) *By signing this form you are agreeing that you have
reviewed the application
CTSI KL2 Scholar Application 2/9/16
Page 10 of 14
PRIMARY MENTOR FORM
(2 pages maximum)
Scholar Name:___________________________________________________________
Mentor Name:__________________________________ Title:__________________
School:________________ Department:____________________ Division:__________
1. Describe the nature and extent of the interaction planned between you and the
scholar during the proposed award period (½ page, single-spaced).
2. Provide a description of your past research experience and current research
focus (describe current and past grant funding) (1 page, single-spaced).
3. Provide a list of 5-10 trainees (postdoctoral students and junior faculty) you have
advised in the past 10 years in chronological order beginning with the most
recent.
Name of Mentor
School
Department
Name of trainee
(status while in
training)
Training Period
Degree
Sought
Area of Expertise
Title of
Research
Project while
training with
this mentor
Current or
last known
position
Current NIH
funding
Current or last
known research
topic AND NIH
grant numbers
____________________________________________________________________
Mentor Signature
CTSI KL2 Scholar Application 2/9/16
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SECONDARY MENTOR FORM
(2 pages maximum)
Scholar Name:___________________________________________________________
Mentor Name:__________________________________ Title:__________________
School:________________ Department:____________________ Division:__________
1. Describe the nature and extent of the interaction planned between you and the
scholar during the proposed award period (½ page, single-spaced).
2. Provide a description of your past research experience and current research
focus (describe current and past grant funding) (1 page, single-spaced).
3. Provide a list of 5-10 trainees (postdoctoral students and junior faculty) you have
advised in the past 10 years in chronological order beginning with the most
recent.
Name of Mentor
School
Department
Name of trainee
(status while in
training)
Training Period
Degree
Sought
Area of Expertise
Title of
Research
Project while
training with
this mentor
Current or
last known
position
Current NIH
funding
Current or last
known research
topic AND NIH
grant numbers
____________________________________________________________________
Mentor Signature
CTSI KL2 Scholar Application 2/9/16
Page 12 of 14
TERTIARY MENTOR FORM (If applicable)
(2 pages maximum)
Scholar Name:___________________________________________________________
Mentor Name:__________________________________ Title:__________________
School:________________ Department:____________________ Division:__________
1. Describe the nature and extent of the interaction planned between you and the
scholar during the proposed award period (½ page, single-spaced).
2. Provide a description of your past research experience and current research
focus (describe current and past grant funding) (1 page, single-spaced).
3. Provide a list of 5-10 trainees (postdoctoral students and junior faculty) you have
advised in the past 10 years in chronological order beginning with the most
recent.
Name of Mentor
School
Department
Name of trainee
(status while in
training)
Training Period
Degree
Sought
Area of Expertise
Title of
Research
Project while
training with
this mentor
Current or
last known
position
Current NIH
funding
Current or last
known research
topic AND NIH
grant numbers
____________________________________________________________________
Mentor Signature
CTSI KL2 Scholar Application 2/9/16
Page 13 of 14
BIOSTATISTCS MENTOR FORM
(2 pages maximum)
Scholar Name:___________________________________________________________
Mentor Name:__________________________________ Title:__________________
School:________________ Department:____________________ Division:__________
4. Describe the nature and extent of the interaction planned between you and the
scholar during the proposed award period (½ page, single-spaced).
5. Provide a description of your past research experience and current research
focus (describe current and past grant funding) (1 page, single-spaced).
6. Provide a list of 5-10 trainees (postdoctoral students and junior faculty) you have
advised in the past 10 years in chronological order beginning with the most
recent.
Name of Mentor
School
Department
Name of trainee
(status while in
training)
Training Period
Degree
Sought
Area of Expertise
Title of
Research
Project while
training with
this mentor
Current or
last known
position
Current NIH
funding
Current or last
known research
topic AND NIH
grant numbers
____________________________________________________________________
Mentor Signature
CTSI KL2 Scholar Application 2/9/16
Page 14 of 14