APPLICATION PROCEDURES
Potential applicants are encouraged to contact or meet with the KL2 Program Directors Diane Thiboutot, MD or Gordon Jensen, MD/PhD before submitting an application.
Applicants must submit a completed application by e-mail to Mardi Sawyer (msawyer@hmc.psu.edu) that includes:
a. KL2CoverPage – Click on the link to view the cover page required, which includes signature pages.
b. Abstract – one page (maximum) summary of the proposed research project and clinical and/or translational research training goals and activities
c. Research and Training Plan (12 pages maximum: ~5 to 8 pages for research plan, ~3 to 4 pages for the training plan), single spaced, at least one-half inch margins (top, bottom, left and right). This section should include the candidate’s specific aims and goals in the KL2 program, including a hypothesis driven clinical and/or translational research proposal that they would develop under the guidance of their lead mentor (Research Plan) as well as plans for didactic and mentored clinical and/or translational research training (Training Plan). The Training Plan should indicate the candidate’s background and career goals and should also describe the faculty member who will serve as the lead mentor as well as a planned schedule of interactions between the trainee and mentor (be specific and indicate frequency of meetings, types of interactions, etc.). The Training Plan should also include a description of the didactic training that is planned and should include coursework drawn from the curriculum leading to a Certificate in Clinical and Translational Research . The lead mentor should be an established and successful clinical and/or translational investigator and be described in the Research and Training Plan and a member of one of Penn State’s Translational Research Clusters. Applicants should also include detailed information on what portion of their time would be devoted to clinical activities and what their clinical activities and responsibilities would be if accepted into the KL2 program.
The entire Research and Training Plan should be a maximum of 12 pages with at least one-half inch margins (top, bottom, left and right). Font size should be 11 points or larger in either Arial, Helvetica or Georgia Typeface. It is suggested that the NIH SF424 guidelines be used, including a section on Hypothesis and Specific Aims; Background and Significance; Preliminary Data (if any, but not required); Research Design and Methods; Biostatistics (can be included in the Methods section); and Data Safety and Monitoring Plan (if applicable). A suggested format for the Research and Training Plan is 3-4 pages devoted to the training component (similar to information provided in NIH F-32 applications and other career development awards) and 5-8 pages for the research plan.
If human subjects or samples are used in the research, the proposal must include a section on Human Subjects Protection and Recruitment of underrepresented minorities as is required for NIH applications. These sections are not included in the 12 page limit.
d. Literature citations should be listed on a separate page in a standard bibliographic format following the research and training plan and does not count toward the 12-page maximum.
e. Budget may be submitted on the NIH SF 424 forms or can be a line item listing and should include applicant’s salary (show salary as well as 75% requested) along with fringe benefits at the current rate (check with your departmental financial administrator). Applicants are allowed up to $22,000/ year for research related costs. Do not include items not allowed on Federal Grants such as computers, software, books, administrative support staff (ask if uncertain). Applicants are eligible for tuition support for up to 3 courses/year and $1000 to offset costs of travel to a meeting directly related to the research. Travel requests must be approved 3 months in advance by the Mentoring and Career Development Panel following receipt of a description of how attendance at the meeting will further the applicant’s research education and training. Include a budget justification of no more than two pages (not included in the 12 page limit).
f. Letters of Support from the Lead Mentor and Department Chair. The letter from the Department Chair must guarantee that the applicant will have protected time (equivalent to the salary support provided by the program) to carry out clinical research training if accepted into the KL2 program. The Lead Mentor’s letter should reflect willingness to serve as mentor for the candidate, their assessment of the candidate, prior trainees they have mentored, a brief summary of the applicant’s research proposal and a brief summary of plans for mentoring and enhancing the research capabilities of the applicant. The lead mentor’s letter should name the translational research cluster with which they are affiliated and describe the training plan in reference to the applicant’s participation in the activities of the cluster. Guidance on this can be provided by the CTSI Research Facilitators. Letters from applicant’s proposed advisory committee members are not required but suggested and welcomed. Letters should be sent by e-mail to Mardi Sawyer (msawyer@hmc.psu.edu) directly from the writers.
g. Cover letter from applicant should indicate the applicant’s rank (e.g. Senior Associate, Instructor, Assistant Professor, etc.) as well as the name of the applicant’s lead mentor. The candidate should indicate their interest in pursuing a career in clinical and/or translational investigation. The applicant should also state they will:
- agree to the rules of the KL2 program,
- meet with the Mentoring and Career Development Advisory Panel at least once every 6 months to review progress
- submit semi-annual progress reports in advance of the meeting
- keep the program office updated on publications and grant submissions/awards during AND AFTER completion of the program,
- submit a NIH K23 or other appropriate NIH application (e.g. K01, K08) during their period of support from the KL2 program.
h. NIH Biosketch and Other Support Page of candidate and lead mentor as well as co-mentor (if applicable).
Plan for Recruitment and Retention of Underrepresented Minorities, Women and those with Disabilities
The KL2 program is committed to meeting the NIH/NCRR goal and that of Pennsylvania State University to increase the participation of women and individuals from ethnic or racial groups underrepresented in the biomedical and behavioral sciences. Such groups include American Indian or Alaska native, Asian, Black or African-American, Hispanic or Latino, and Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander. Applications from women and minority candidates are encouraged. In addition, accommodations will be made to assist any individuals with disabilities so those persons who are qualified applicants can complete the program.
