Each year, the Department of Medicine nominates junior faculty to the Institute of Clinical and Translational Research (ICTR) KL2 Scholars Program, which trains and supports early career faculty pursuing clinical and translational research and are committed to developing an independent research program.

For successful applicants, an initial KL2 appointment lasts two years and is funded by the National Institutes of Health National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NIH-NCATS) through the ICTR Clinical and Translational Science Award (CTSA).

The next appointment period starts on July 1, 2027, contingent on funding. Review ICTR's Request for Nominations (RFN) from last year for more details.

To ensure sufficient time for DOM's nomination process, the department begins its process each year before ICTR issues its current request for nominations.

Please note: The ICTR KL2 program is anticipated to transition to a K12 program in summer 2027. The RFN linked above and the information on this webpage reflect the existing KL2 program and should be used as guidance through the transition phase. Changes could include appointments for up to three years. See ICTR's KL2 Scholars Program webpage for more details.

Eligibility

Prospective nominees must hold the rank of assistant professor (tenure-track or CHS) by July 1, 2027. They must also be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. Refer to the RFN for additional eligibility criteria.

Submitting a Letter of Intent (LOI)

To be considered for nomination by DOM, submit a LOI no longer than 2 pages by 5 pm on Wednesday, July 8, 2026.

A strong LOI will briefly provide:

  • Introduction and intent
  • Research focus and significance
  • Career development goals
  • Mentorship plan
  • Qualifications/readiness
  • Closing statement
DOM's Review Process

The DOM Research Council reviews LOIs and confirms nominees. ICTR performs its own review of all nominees received from DOM and across SMPH and selects three to participate in the K12 Scholars Program (formerly KL2 program) overall.

Submitting a Nomination Packet

Confirmed DOM nominees must submit the below materials by 5 pm on Friday, August 21, 2026:

  1. A nomination letter (as a Word file) that includes:
    1. Your division chief's signature
    2. An unsigned signature block for the department chair (the DOM Office of Research Services (ORS) will coordinate obtaining the chair’s signature on the letter if you are chosen as a nominee)
    3. A testament that you will have a faculty position by July 1, 2027, with at least 75% effort (50% for surgeons/other procedurally intensive specialties, with strong justification for the reduced time that includes details about how research and career development will not be impaired) protected for research. It must also include a detailed description of your duties to demonstrate, if awarded, 75% protected time for research and training activities throughout your participation in the program.
    4. A commitment to your long-term career development
    5. The names of at least two committed mentors (ideally from different disciplines) to assist in your research and career development. The primary mentor must be clearly identified. Mentors must document completion of formal mentor training; see the RFN for more details.
    6. DOM ORS will insert information into the letter about departmental financial support
  2. A single PDF containing:
    1. A separate page that provides a research abstract outlining the long-term goals and short-term specific aims of your proposed research, with enough detail to identify potential reviewers.
    2. A Biosketch with Other Support page.
    3. A statement of your need for additional training with specific milestones, limited to one paragraph.

 

Nominees should use this checklist to prepare a complete nomination letter and packet.

Important Dates
  • July 2026: Anticipated release of ICTR's Request for Nominations
  • July 8, 2026: Deadline to submit DOM Letter of Intent (LOI)
  • July 24, 2026: DOM will notify the nominees confirmed by the Research Council
  • August 21, 2026: Deadline to submit DOM Nomination Packet materials
  • September 30, 2026: Deadline for Dean/Chair nomination letter
  • October 2026: ICTR's Nominee Information/Q&A session
  • December 1, 2026: Application due date
  • January 2027: Study Section review
  • March 2027: Award selection
  • March 2027: Award JIT
  • March 2027: Award announcement
  • July 1, 2027: Award recipients start appointments, contingent on funding

 

Questions?

If you have questions or need more information about this process, please email the DOM Office of Research Services at [email protected].