We train and develop early stage investigators to conduct translational science.

Historically, scientists have been trained to conduct research within their own individual disciplines. Such a single-discipline approach to complex biomedical and health-related problems is unlikely to generate comprehensive solutions or to efficiently move discoveries from the basic science laboratory to clinical trials and into practice settings that improve population health. Bringing scientific discoveries from the bench through to population health is called translational research.

More recently, the National Center for Advancing Translational Science (the NIH Institute that funds TraCS and the K program) has shifted to prioritize translational science. Translational science approaches are designed to test potential solutions that may improve the efficiency and generalizability of research for more than one field, disease, and/or population.

The TraCS K Program is a mentored career development award in translational science. Under the direction of mentors and the TraCS K leadership team and faculty, scholars will conduct translational science projects and receive training to develop leadership and mentoring skills in the principles of translational science—and learn how those principles can be applied to develop solutions for research barriers and inefficiencies.

Fast Facts about the TraCS K12:

• Leadership: The TraCS K Program is led by Drs. Michelle Hernandez and Jonathan Juliano.
• Support: The K12 will support up to $120,000 per year for each K12 scholar exclusive of fringe benefits for up to 2 years. Scholars will not have support extended if they take leave during K12 funding. Scholars will devote 75% of their time to research and training. (Individuals in certain specialties may request permission for reduced research time with approval of NIH). The length of support is contingent upon achievement of research milestones as stated in the application, participation in required K activities, submission of an external grant, and NIH policies regarding transition to independent mechanisms of support (e.g., R01).
• Mentorship: Scholars must propose at least 2 mentors, one of whom must be a clinician, and one designated as a Primary Mentor.
• Research: The research project proposed should be designed to address a translational science barrier.
• Training: Applicants must provide a rationale for further training and describe skills specific to their work they wish to learn during the K. In addition, all scholars attend seminars to review research products, to develop leadership and mentoring skills, and to obtain training in the principles of translational science.
• Program Components: Applicants will include in their applications their plan for training in additional skills needed for their specific area of research. In addition, all Scholars will train together in principles of translational science including systems science, research rigor, mentorship, team science, communication skills, and strategies to design research that promotes health equity. This training will be done through a combination of the weekly mandatory in-person K Seminars, annual onboarding retreat, and other trainings throughout the year. Scholars will participate in national consortium activities with K Scholars from other institutions, and Scholars will have access to career coaching.
• Eligibility: US citizen or noncitizen national, have a research or health professional doctoral degree or equivalent, have a faculty position by the time of K appointment, and have departmental commitment to devote 75% time to research and training activities.
  • Individuals are not eligible if they have a NIH K grant pending review.
  • Postdoctoral fellows may apply to the K Program and are required to submit a letter confirming the commitment of the department that will support the applicant's faculty position by the time of appointment.
  • Individuals interested in global health are only eligible to apply to the K12 if the proposed research project utilizes samples or data that are already in the U.S.

Submission deadlines & timeline

The current application cycle is open for positions beginning July 1, 2026. Note that applicants may apply as postdocs or clinical fellows but must submit a letter confirming a faculty position by July 1, 2026. Applicants are strongly encouraged to attend one of the two informational meetings below to meet the leadership and ask questions about program content, the application and eligibility.

Key dates

Informational meetings (same content at each meeting):
September 15, 2025, 10-11 a.m. | Brinkhous-Bullitt, room 219
September 25, 2-3 p.m. | Brinkhous-Bullitt, room 219

Deadline for letters of intent: November 19, 2025 by 5 p.m.

Application deadline: December 19, 2025 by 5 p.m.

If you cannot attend an informational meeting, please contact Kate Matthews (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) with any questions.

download application

More information

• Applicants should review the information at ncats.nih.gov/translation/translational-science-resources to learn more about translational science.
• Also, review the links provided in the application to learn about translational science and examples of research projects.
• Sign up for the NC TraCS weekly newsletter, if you are not already, to receive updates on the application cycle.
• For specific questions about the application, timelines, program components, etc. contact Kate Matthews at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Leadership and Program Faculty

Leadership

Michelle Hernandez, MD
Professor, Pediatric Allergy-Immunology
Director, NC Child Health Research Network
Associate Director of Clinical Research, Children's Research Institute
UNC School of Medicine
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Jonathan Juliano, MD
Co-PI (K12)
Professor, Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases
Associate Chief of Research
Associate Director, Institute for Global Health and Infectious Diseases
UNC School of Medicine
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Susan Pusek, DRSc
Director, Training and Career Development, NC TraCS
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Kate Matthews
K12 Program Administrator
Research Project Manager
Children's Research Institute
UNC Department of Pediatrics
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Faculty

Kim Boggess, MD
Professor of Maternal Fetal Medicine
UNC School of Medicine
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Bradley Gaynes, MD MPH
Professor of Psychiatry and Epidemiology
UNC School of Medicine
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