Clinical & Translational Science Institute Scholars Program

Clinical & Translational Science Institute Scholars Program

The Scholars Program trains junior faculty and supports them with National Institutes of Health (NIH) KL2 funding or institutional awards. We teach the skills necessary to effectively accelerate scientific discoveries that improve health, with specific coursework, experiential learning, and individualized mentoring and leadership development. We also prepare scholars to apply for research grants (R funding) or career development awards (K funding) from the NIH or equivalent resources to support their work.

CTSI Scholars Research Training Program

Scholars without advanced master’s-level training in research methodologies may participate in the MS in Clinical Investigation with concentrations available in translational research and health innovations, health equity and therapeutics.

 Those who have already completed master’s-level advanced training may submit proposals for targeted training experiences designed to expand their expertise in areas specific to their research interests.

Proposals may include courses or programs offered at NYU schools and colleges or other universities, seminar programs at institutions such as the National Institutes of Health (NIH) or Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, or mini-sabbaticals at universities or foundations or within industry.

All training proposals are reviewed and approved by NYU Langone’s CTSI Scholars executive committee. The committee oversees the pairing of scholars with faculty mentors, performs scholar evaluations, and monitors the progress of scholar research activities.

Other CTSI Program Training

If selected, scholars complete an Ethical Conduct of Research course and a 2-day workshop in Team Science.

Scholars also attend Translational Research Education and Careers Grand Rounds, a monthly seminar focused on junior faculty advancement, and have an opportunity present their research at the Translational Research in Progress seminar.

All trainees are expected to maintain a high level of research productivity. This includes submitting abstracts and studies for publication and presentation at the annual meeting of the Association for Clinical and Translational Science and submitting applications to secure NIH research grants (R funding) or career development awards (K funding), or similar level federal and non-federal funding.

Mentoring

Scholars meet monthly as a group, along with a member of the CTSI Scholars executive committee, to receive feedback from colleagues and leadership on current research projects. These monthly meetings provide opportunities for troubleshooting problems, addressing roadblocks, securing recommendations for networking, and promoting research. Program directors are available between meetings for individual consultations.

 In addition to peer and program director mentorship, each scholar is expected to have at least two scientific mentor who they meet with regularly.

Salary Support

We provide up to two years of salary and other financial support. Based on NIH guidelines, CTSI scholars’ salary support is set at 75 percent of an applicant’s salary.

The program provides additional funding for educational courses, research support, other training-related expenses, and travel expenses related to attending scientific meetings. Please note that scholars who succeed in obtaining other NIH funding or another equivalent grant award will be rotated off the CTSI KL2 Scholars Program. Trainees are also eligible to apply for other CTSI training and support options.

Program Eligibility and Funding

To be eligible for the CTSI Scholars Program, applicants must have a faculty appointment at or below the level of assistant professor at the start of the grant funding. They must be able to devote 75% of their time to research at NYU Langone Health, other NYU schools or an NYC Health and Hospitals Corporation affiliate. Applicants are not eligible if they have had previous R or K funding, or have a K or R application under review at the time of application.

Candidates must demonstrate a record of success and the potential for an independent career in translational research, be well established within a research group, and have the support of their Division/Department and at least two mentors.

CTSI scholars are funded in two ways—through a KL2 award, also called a Mentored Career Development Award, or an institutional award. Those with KL2 funding are supported by NIH career development awards for  faculty-level researchers, whereas CTSI scholars with institutional funding receive equivalent salary and training support, but are not formally obligated to the NIH.

Leadership and Executive Committee

The CTSI Scholars Program executive committee reviews training proposals, provides feedback on manuscript and grant ideas, and offers advice on professional development and work–life balance.

Aasma Shaukat, MD, MPH
Co-Director

Michal Melamed, MD, MHS
Co-Director

Michael H. Pillinger, MD
Executive Committee Member Director
Clinical and Translational Science Institute Education and Careers Unit

How to Apply 

Our application cycle will open in Spring 2025. Applicants should complete the CTSI Scholars Program application form. Please review our RFA, application components for more information.

The following application materials are required:

• an NIH biosketch
• the NIH biosketch of your proposed mentor
• a personal statement that describes your reasons for applying and your career plans beyond training
• a research plan
• three letters of recommendation

We encourage applications from women, people who are underrepresented in medicine, people of different physical abilities, and people from disadvantaged backgrounds. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents.