Q. Where can I find general information about pharmacy training and practice opportunities?
A. This Web site is limited to information about research. If you are interested in information about clinical practice or other pharmacy-related issues, try the American Pharmacists Association, the National Community Pharmacists Association, the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (AACP), or the American College of Clinical Pharmacy (ACCP).
Q. What can Pharm.D.s offer to the biomedical research enterprise?
A. Pharm.D.s are well suited to ask and answer a variety of research questions that fall within the NIH mission. Specialized knowledge about drug absorption, disposition, and action is relevant to research supported by multiple NIH institutes and centers (ICs). A broad knowledge base combined with clinical and translational experience and interest provide pharmaceutical scientists with a unique skill set to conduct research directed toward achieving the goal of personalized medicine.
Q. Can Pharm.D.s apply for NIH grants?
A. Yes. Pharm.D.s are eligible to apply for many types of NIH funding, including training grants, fellowships, mentored research awards, and research project grants.
Q. Where can I find information about NIH funding opportunities for Pharm.D. students and postdoctoral fellows?
A. The NIH Web site for Grants and Funding Opportunities provides the most up-to-date information about NIH funding opportunities. Pharm.D. students are eligible for Ruth L. Kirchstein National Research Service Awards (NSRA F31, F32, T32). View a full listing of NIH grant types.
Q. I am a Pharm.D. student who is enrolled in a separate Ph.D. program. Am I eligible for NIH predoctoral fellowships?
A. Yes. Individuals who are in seeking a joint professional degree/Ph.D. program may apply for the Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Awards for Individual Predoctoral Fellows (F31). A Pharm.D. student enrolled in a separate Ph.D. program and on leave from their Pharm.D. program is eligible to participate in an NIH predoctoral institutional training award (T32). In addition, if you are from a racial and ethnic group that is underrepresented in biomedical or behavioral research, have a disability, or come from a disadvantaged background, you may also be eligible to apply for a Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award for Individual Predoctoral Fellowship (F31) to Promote Diversity in Health-Related Research.
Q. Should Pharm.D. students interested in research do a postdoctoral fellowship?
A. A postdoctoral fellowship is an excellent way for Pharm.D.s to gain experience in conducting research and the practice of science. Combined Pharm.D./Ph.D. training programs also provide valuable exposure to research.
Q. Which pharmacy schools have a combined-degree (Pharm.D./Ph.D.) program?
A. Please contact the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (AACP) for information about schools of pharmacy offering combined-degree programs.
Q. Can Pharm.D. students be supported by postdoctoral training grants?
A. Yes. Pharm.D. students may apply for Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Awards for Individual Postdoctoral Fellows (F32) and NIH Pathway to Independence Awards. Some professional societies and advocacy organizations also offer funding support for postdoctoral researchers, including Pharm.D.s.
Q. Where can I find information about NIH funding opportunities for faculty at schools of pharmacy?
A. The NIH Web site for Grants and Funding Opportunities provides the most up-to-date information about NIH funding opportunities. Published weekly, the NIH Guide for Grants and Contracts is the official publication for NIH biomedical and behavioral research grant policies, guidelines, and funding opportunities. CRISP is a searchable database of federally funded biomedical research projects conducted at universities, hospitals, and other research institutions.
View a listing of NIH funding mechanisms most relevant to Pharm.D.s.
In addition, NIH ICs have a range of specific training and career award programs tailored to their individual missions.
Q. Do I need to do a residency to conduct research?
A. No, although clinical experience is a valuable way to understand research needs and the impact of pharmaceutical science on human health.
Q. I have a lot of school debt and doubt that I can afford to pursue research at this time. Where can I learn more about NIH loan repayment programs?
A. NIH sponsors loan repayment programs that offer up to $35,000 per year to pay off educational debt in exchange for a 2-year commitment to a research career.
Q. What are K awards?
A. Most K awards are designed to provide support and "protected time" (3, 4, or 5 years) for an intensive, supervised career development experience leading to research independence in the biomedical, behavioral, or clinical sciences. Some career awards are available to mid-career and senior scientists. See the NIH K Kiosk for more information.
Q. Can Pharm.D. students apply for K awards?
A. Yes, a range of K awards are available to Pharm.D.s. For a list, visit the K Kiosk, or try the Career Award Wizard to see which type of career award might be right for you.
Q. Are there other sources of government funding support, besides NIH, for pharmaceutical scientists?
A. Other federal agencies, such as the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) and the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) provide funding support for pharmaceutical scientists and other biomedical researchers. In addition, many professional societies and private foundations offer funding support for pharmaceutical scientists.
Q. How do I find a good mentor?
A. First, appreciate that potentially great mentors are all around you, or they may be at another school, perhaps even in a different state. Talk to faculty members with whom you feel comfortable and ask them to recommend people. Most important, remember that a good mentor is interested in you and serves multiple roles as teacher, guide, role model, coach, and even confidant. Do not choose a mentor based upon the person’s scientific achievements alone.
Q. Can I have more than one mentor?
A. Yes, it is a good idea to have more than one mentor. Doing so can help assure that you get balanced advice and guidance.
Q. Where can I find tips for writing a good grant application?
A. Many helpful resources are available to help you with grant writing. View a list of grant-writing tips posted by NIH. It is also very useful to ask faculty or peers to review any grant application you write before you submit it to a funding agency.
Q. Can pharmaceutical scientists participate in the NIH-funded Clinical and Translational Science Award (CTSA) program?
A. Yes. To date, many faculty at schools of pharmacy have played an active role in developing CTSA applications. See the NIH CTSA Web site for more information.
Q. How can I communicate my ideas to NIH?
A. We’d love to hear your ideas. Please visit our online feedback form.
