DoD Neurofibromatosis Postdoctoral Traineeship Award | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the DoD Neurofibromatosis Postdoctoral Traineeship Award?

The DoD Neurofibromatosis (NF) Postdoctoral Traineeship Award is a funding opportunity administered by the U.S. Army Medical Research Acquisition Activity (USAMRAA) under the Neurofibromatosis Research Program (NFRP). It is designed to help newly trained scientists and clinicians transition into independent careers specifically focused on NF research.

Is this a traditional research grant or a training-focused award?

This mechanism is primarily a structured, mentored postdoctoral training award rather than a traditional research grant. While an NF-focused project is required, the central emphasis is on building the trainee's skills, publications, and long-term career trajectory in the NF field.

Who is considered the Principal Investigator (PI) for this award?

The postdoctoral trainee is treated as the Principal Investigator (PI). The trainee is expected to take real ownership of the application and the proposed NF-focused project, including writing the project narrative and laying out the training and career development plan, while working under the guidance of an experienced mentor.

What does it mean that the trainee "takes ownership" of the project?

It means the trainee is expected to lead the scientific and career-development vision of the application by clearly describing the NF research project, the training plan, and how the experience will support the trainee's transition toward independence. The trainee is not just participating in a mentor's project; the application should reflect the trainee's direction and professional goals within NF.

What are reviewers likely to emphasize when evaluating an application?

Review emphasis is strongly placed on the individual trainee, the designated mentor, and the overall quality of the training program and environment. Practically, the application should make a convincing case that (1) the trainee is committed to an NF research career, (2) the mentor has the track record and active engagement needed to develop the trainee, and (3) the research setting supports meaningful growth into independence.

Is a mentor required?

Yes. The traineeship is structured around active mentorship. The trainee must identify a mentor and the award is designed to require real, ongoing mentor involvement, not just nominal supervision.

What qualifications must the mentor have?

The mentor must already be established in neurofibromatosis research. The announcement describes this as being demonstrated through prior and/or current funding and peer-reviewed publications in the NF field.

Does the mentor need to be actively involved, or is a nominal role acceptable?

The opportunity requires active mentor involvement. The mentor is expected to be engaged in developing the trainee and supporting the trainee's growth, rather than serving as a name-only supervisor.

Do applicants need prior neurofibromatosis (NF) research experience to apply?

No. The trainee does not need prior experience specifically in NF research to apply.

If prior NF experience is not required, what must be NF-related?

The proposed work must clearly be NF research. This mechanism allows strong candidates from adjacent fields to pivot into NF, as long as the project and training plan are tightly aligned with NF questions and the mentorship environment supports that transition.

What is the central goal of this traineeship award?

The central goal is career development: building the awardee's skills, publication record, and professional trajectory so the trainee can progress toward an independent NF research career and compete for future independent funding.

How competitive is this funding opportunity?

The announcement describes the mechanism as relatively small and competitive. Historically, since the mechanism began, 18 applications had been received and 11 had been recommended for funding.

What is the Funding Opportunity Number for this award?

The Funding Opportunity Number is W81XWH-11-NFRP-PTA.

When was this opportunity posted, and what were the deadlines?

The opportunity was posted on April 28, 2011. The original and final closing date was August 1, 2011. The archive date was August 31, 2011.

What type of award instrument is used?

The listing describes it as a discretionary award using a cooperative agreement/grant instrument type.

What is the program and category associated with this opportunity?

It is offered under the Neurofibromatosis Research Program (NFRP) within the Science and Technology and other Research and Development category.

How many awards were expected and what was the estimated total funding amount?

The listing indicated an expected 1 award with an estimated total funding amount of $108,000.

Is cost sharing or matching required?

No. The listing explicitly stated that cost sharing or matching was not required.

Who was eligible to apply?

Eligibility was described as unrestricted (open to any type of entity), subject to any clarifications provided in the full announcement text.

What is the CFDA number associated with this opportunity?

The associated CFDA number is 12.420 (Military Medical Research and Development).

Where can applicants get submission or access support?

The announcement referenced PA HELP and the eReceipt/CDMRP Help Desk for access or submission support. The contact information provided was 301-682-5507 and help@cdmrp.org.

What is the main takeaway for applicants preparing an application?

The application should clearly demonstrate (1) the trainee's commitment to a neurofibromatosis research career, (2) a credible and engaged NF-experienced mentor with relevant funding and publications, and (3) a training environment that will help the trainee develop skills, productivity, and professional standing needed to move toward independence.