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Postdoctoral Award

Purpose: Conduct mentored training of postdoctoral investigators engaged in hypothesis-driven research that is focused on contributing to the advancement of one or more stated TRDRP research priorities. Highly innovative proposals with clear potential for future impact are key components of this award. The goal is to support the applicant’s own research project to enhance the individual’s potential to develop into a productive, independent researcher or career within tobacco-related research priorities.

 Award overview:

  • Maximum stipend amount per year: Up to $70,000 
  • Maximum duration: 3 consecutive years  
  • Allowable direct costs: 
  • Stipend: Postdoctoral stipend must adhere to NIH experience scale, or the rates set by their institution with institutional documentation of the alternate payment scale 
    • Institutional Allowance:The applicant may request an institutional allowance to help defray the cost of expenses such as health insurance, medical liability or other special insurance, research supplies, equipment, courses and educational materials, project related travel, and travel to scientific meetings. TRDRP will cover up to $38,000 per year for these costs. The institutional allowance is a fixed amount, and the institution is not required to account for these expenses on an actual cost basis. 
    • Travel to TRDRP Conference: All applicants should budget a separate one-time $750 expense under year 1 for "Travel - RGPO Meeting" to attend the TRDRP conference.  This $750 expense is not part of the institution allowance. 
  • Indirect Costs: Not allowed 

A Note on Stipends and Employee BenefitsSince TRDRP Postdoctoral Awards are not provided as a condition of employment with either TRDRP or the sponsoring institution, institutions may not seek funds, or charge individual awards, for costs that normally would be associated with employee benefits (e.g., FICA, workman’s compensation, life insurance, union dues, and unemployment insurance). 

Award requirements:

  • A minimum 75 percent time commitment on the part of the postdoctoral trainee is required 
  • The candidate must be recognized by the applicant institution as a postdoctoral trainee no later than the award start date.   
  • The application must be prepared and submitted by the trainee and the mentor should participate in the preparation by providing guidance and feedback. The application must describe an original research project. The project should not have identical aims with an application or grant of the mentor, whether funded by TRDRP or another source.  
  • A letter of support from the mentor and a minimum of two additional references are required. Letters should address the candidate’s training, potential, and the commitment of the mentor and the department to the candidate’s career development.
  • The mentor must provide a biosketch and a detailed mentoring plan that is prepared in consultation with the applicant. The mentoring plan should be unique to the applicant and tailored to address the specific needs of the applicant. 
  • U.S. citizenship is not a requirement