Career Development Program

The Research Career Development Program is an award series under which both clinically and non-clinically trained researchers may gain protected time for a mentored research experience intended to advance awardees toward independence as funded VA investigators. Awardees from this program have become national and international leaders in their research fields.

Awards are provided in all areas of Investigators, Scientific Review & Management (ISRM), including Brain, Behavioral and Mental Health (BBMH), Health Systems Research (HSR), Medical Health (MH), and Rehabilitation Research and Development and Translation (RRDT) Broad Portfolios. It is expected that the applicant, with sufficient input from the mentor(s), will carefully choose a research project that is feasible and integrates the nominee's background and interests to form the foundation for a successful VA research career.

Career Development Award Levels

• CDA-1:This entry-level career development program is open to both clinicians and non-clinicians. Review criteria emphasize candidate qualifications, mentorship, and career development plan for a 2 year duration.
• CDA-2:This mid-level program also is open to both clinicians and non-clinicians who must specify their career development plans and research project over a 3-5 year duration.
• CDEA:The career development enhancement award for senior VA scientists is open to both non-clinicians and clinicians. This award will provide up to six months of salary for scientists to learn new research skills and combined with local support for six months offers the opportunity for a year "sabbatical."

How to Apply

Candidates for Career Development Awards need not have a VA appointment at the time they apply but must be nominated by a VA facility and must identify an appropriate VA mentor. The Career Development Program is open to all researchers, both MDs, clinicians, and PhDs, who have the appropriate experience and training.

Nominees should work closely with their sponsoring research office to prepare a preapplication, which is the first step in the review process. If the preapplication  is approved, the nominee may prepare an application in accordance with one of the Career Development Award RFAs. The sponsoring VA research office must submit the application on behalf of the nominee.

The deadlines for preapplications  for each review cycle are listed below.
Note: If the deadline falls on a weekend or holiday, submission is due the next business day. Early submission of preapplications is  encouraged. (Deadline dates and contacts are summarized below.)

For questions about the Career Development Award Program: vhacadereview@va.gov