Requirements & Eligibility

Scholar Requirements Heading link

  • Undertake research/career development under a 75% protected time agreement
  • Attend all CATS Scholars programmed career development activities (2-3 hours per month)
  • Under program guidance, prepare an Individual Development Plan and undertake the recommended elements of that plan
  • Participate in an annual self-assessment
  • If using human subjects, provide NIH format Human Subjects section prior to appointment to the program
  • If conducting animal subject research, provide a current IACUC approval letter in application

Mentor/Department Requirements Heading link

  • Guarantee 75% protected time to the Scholar for the duration of the award, and 50% protected research time for (1) year following completion of the program
  • Guarantee a high level of commitment from the Department and College.
  • Mentors agree to meet regularly with Scholars to support their development, and to attend the annual scholar assessment meeting
  • Mentors are encouraged to attend mentor training as offered, and will be asked to assist in career development activities for Scholars as appropriate

Eligibility for Application Heading link

  • Junior faculty (assistant professor and below) holding a research and/or health-professional doctoral degree or its equivalent and prior research training, e.g., the MS CTS (through the CCTS), a PhD, MD, or equivalent *Postdoctoral fellows are not eligible*
  • Department/unit assurance of 75% protected time for research once in the program
  • Substantial prior research experience that allows development of an independent research program
  • Primary research interest in clinical and/or translational science
  • Interest in active participation in a mentored career development program
  • NIH requires that applicants must be United States citizens, non-citizen nationals, or individuals lawfully admitted for permanent residence who hold an Alien Registration Receipt Card (I-151 or I-551, or some other verification of legal admission as a permanent resident). Individuals on temporary or student visas are not eligible.
  • Those who have served as former or current principal investigators on any NIH research project grant (other than NIH Small Grants (R03) or Exploratory/ Developmental (R21) grants or their equivalents), or on any equivalent non-PHS peer-reviewed research grants that are over $100,000 direct costs per year, or as project leaders on sub-projects of program project (P01) or center grants (e.g. a P50 grant) are NOT eligible.
  • Candidates who have a currently pending NIH K series (i.e., K01, K08, K99, etc.) application are NOT eligible. Those who held a K previously are encouraged to inquire about their potential eligibility.
  • Applicants from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply. UIC is dedicated to increasing the participation of individuals currently underrepresented in the biomedical, clinical, behavioral, and social sciences.