Develop Your Career as an Independent Clinical Researcher
The CTSI K Scholars Program is a community of early-career investigators committed to advancing clinical and translational research. Through structured mentorship, interdisciplinary collaboration, and protected time for scientific development, the program helps junior faculty build the skills, confidence, and research portfolio needed to become independent investigators. Participants come from schools and departments across UCSF and share a commitment to rigorous science, collaborative learning, and career development.
Whether you are applying through the CTSI K12 or joining with an existing NIH K or equivalent career development award, you'll become part of a collaborative cohort that meets regularly to refine research ideas, strengthen grant applications, and learn from experienced faculty mentors.
What You'll Experience
The program combines formal instruction with individualized mentorship and peer feedback. Throughout the year, participants:
- Receive feedback on grant proposals and manuscripts
- Present works-in-progress in a supportive environment
- Learn advanced research methods and study design
- Build lasting mentoring relationships with senior investigators
- Develop a network of peers across departments
This combination of structured learning and collaborative discussion helps scholars strengthen both their research and their careers.
A Typical Friday
K Scholars meet every other Friday from September through May. Each session combines formal instruction with collaborative discussion. Sessions are held in person and by Zoom.
9:00-10:00 AM
Methods seminar featuring research methodology, career development, or invited speakers.
10:00-11:45 AM
Works-in-progress presentations where 10-15 scholars receive detailed feedback from faculty mentors and peers.
On in-person Fridays we gather for breakfast at 8:30 AM and lunch at 12:00 PM. These informal gatherings provide a warm and welcoming environment to get to know one another.
Two Ways to Join
- Apply for a CTSI K12 Award. Competition is rigorous as the program receives applications from early-career faculty from across campus. Resources include salary support and research project support, and is three years in duration. Applications will open in October 2026 with a February 7, 2027 deadline.
- Join the K Program with an Existing Award. Faculty who already hold an NIH (or equivalent) career development award may apply to participate in the K Scholars program on a rolling basis between April and September. The annual program fee is $4,000 and grant funds can be used for this expense.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much time should I expect to commit?
Scholars should expect to commit about 5 hours per week to the program. This includes 4 hours every other Friday and 1 hour WIP prep. You are expected to actively engage by presenting your own research, providing feedback to peers, and interacting with your career and biostatistical advisors.
Can faculty from affiliated institutions participate?
Yes. Faculty from UCSF-affiliated institutions are eligible to apply. Faculty from UC Berkeley and investigators from the Kaiser Division of Research are also eligibly to apply.
Do I need to appointed to the faculty to apply?
You must be appointed to the UCSF faculty as an assistant professor by the beginning of the academic year you would start the program (July 1.) You may apply as a fellow or postdoc but must confirm that you will be appointed to the faculty with a letter from your chair if you are selected.
More Questions?
We're happy to discuss eligibility, application pathways, or whether the K Scholars Program is the right fit for your career stage. Contact us at [email protected].
CTSI is part of the Clinical and Translational Science Award (CTSA) program funded by the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS) at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) (Grant Number UL1 TR991872). The content of this website is solely the responsibility of CTSI and does not necessarily represent the official views of the NIH.
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