Career Awards at the Scientific Interface Grant

Career Awards at the Scientific Interface Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Burroughs Wellcome Fund
Amount: US $560,000
Last Updated: September 13, 2025

Summary

The Burroughs Wellcome Fund's Career Awards at the Scientific Interface provide $560,000 over five years to support early-career researchers transitioning from physical and computational sciences to biological sciences. Launched in 1999, these awards aim to enhance academic research careers for U.S. and Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and temporary residents, fostering a diverse and innovative scientific workforce essential for advancing human health.

Overview

Burroughs Wellcome Fund The Burroughs Wellcome Fund serves and strengthens society by nurturing a diverse group of leaders in biomedical sciences to improve human health through education and powering discovery in frontiers of greatest need. BWF’s financial support is channeled primarily through competitive peer-reviewed award programs. BWF makes grants primarily to degree-granting institutions on behalf of individual researchers. To complement these competitive award programs, BWF also makes grants to nonprofit organizations conducting activities intended to improve the general environment for science. BWF believes that a diverse scientific workforce is essential to the process and advancement of research innovation, academic discovery, and public service. Career Awards at the Scientific Interface BWF's Career Awards at the Scientific Interface (CASI) provide $560,000 over five years to bridge advanced postdoctoral training and the first three years of faculty service. These awards are open to U.S. and Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and temporary residents. The Burroughs Wellcome Fund launched the Career Awards at the Scientific Interface in 1999 to foster the early career development of researchers who are transitioning from training environments in the physical, mathematical, computational sciences and/or engineering into postdoctoral work in the biological sciences, and who are dedicated to pursuing a career in academic research.

Eligibility

We've imported the main document for this grant to give you an overview. You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website.

Application Details

CAREER AWARDS
AT THE SCIENTIFIC
INTERFACE (CASI)
Letter of Intent deadline:
September 4, 2024
Invited full proposal deadline:
January 10, 2025
1 CAREER AWARDS AT THE SCIENTIFIC INTERFACE (CASI)

KEY DATES
Grant application portal available On or before July 1, 2024
Letter of Intent (LOI) applications due September 4, 2024, 3:00 pm (EDT)
Invitation to submit a full proposal By November 25, 2024
Full proposal due January 10, 2025, 3:00 pm (EST)
Finalist interviews April 22-23, 2025
Notice of award By June 1, 2025
Award start date July 1, 2025
Award end date June 30, 2030
PROGRAM BACKGROUND
Recognizing the vital role cross-trained scientists will play in furthering biomedical science, the Burroughs Wellcome Fund
developed the Career Awards at the Scientific Interface. These grants are intended to foster the early career development
of researchers who are dedicated to pursuing a career in academic research. The specific target group are researchers who
have transitioned from graduate work in the physical/mathematical/computational sciences or engineering into postdoctoral
work in the biological sciences.
research enterprise, including but not limited to:
Career Awards at the Scientific Interface
women of any ethnic or racial group; any person
BWF’s Career Awards at the Scientific Interface (CASI)
identifying as Black or African American, Latino/a or
provide $560,000 over five years to bridge advanced
Hispanic American, Native American, Alaska Native,
postdoctoral training and the first three years of faculty
Native Hawaiian, indigenous to the Pacific Islands,
service. These awards are open to U.S. and Canadian
indigenous Canadian; persons with disabilities;
citizens, permanent residents, or temporary residents.
persons from disadvantaged backgrounds (see
Scientific advances such as genomics, quantitative https://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-
structural biology, imaging techniques, and modeling of OD-20-031.html for examples); and individuals who
complex systems have created opportunities for exciting identify as LGBTQIA+.
research careers at the interface between the physical/
n In addition to seeking participants from the historically
computational sciences and the biological sciences.
underrepresented groups described above, BWF
Tackling key problems in biology will require scientists
is also interested in increasing diversity based on
trained in areas such as chemistry, physics, applied
characteristics such as geographical location of
mathematics, computer science, and engineering.
institution, personal experiences and background. If
desired, any of the characteristics mentioned in these
Special Considerations first two bullets may be addressed in the personal
Proposals that include deep or machine learning applications statement for consideration.
of artificial intelligence are particularly encouraged. Special
n BWF believes that a diverse scientific workforce is
consideration will also be given to proposals that investigate
essential to the process and advancement of research
the connection between climate change and human health.
innovation, academic discovery and public service.
n BWF strongly encourages applications from persons
who have been historically underrepresented in the
2 CAREER AWARDS AT THE SCIENTIFIC INTERFACE (CASI)

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
To understand the expectations of the Career Awards at n Candidates who hold an MD are eligible to apply if
the Scientific Interface program, it is important to read the they hold both an MD and a PhD, and the PhD is in
eligibility requirements below, in addition to the proposal one of the fields of mathematics, physics, chemistry,
elements, terms of grant, and selection. computer science, statistics, or engineering. This
includes related areas of physical and computational
The FAQs may also provide eligibility clarification.
science. Exceptions will be made only if the applicant
Candidates are expected to draw from their training in a can demonstrate significant expertise in one these
scientific field other than biology to propose innovative areas, evidenced by publications, undergraduate
approaches to answer important questions in the biological major, or master’s degree. In addition, the applicant
sciences. Examples of approaches include, but are not cannot have spent more than 60 months in postdoctoral
limited to: physical measurement of biological phenomena, research since receipt of terminal degree. If the
computer simulation of complex processes in physiological candidate holds an MD without also holding a PhD,
systems, mathematical modeling of self-organizing behavior, the candidate is not eligible to apply to this program.
building probabilistic tools for medical diagnosis, developing
n Candidates who meet the other eligibility criteria must
novel imaging tools or biosensors, developing or applying
demonstrate that their work is truly interdisciplinary.
nanotechnology to manipulate cellular systems, predicting
cellular responses to topological clues and mechanical n Candidates must have completed at least 12 months
forces, and developing a new conceptual understanding but not more than 60 months of postdoctoral
of the complexity of living organisms. research by the date of the full invited application
deadline. Post PhD work experience in any scientific
In addition:
research field (including outside academia) cannot
n Candidates must hold a PhD degree in one of the exceed 60 months. However, if a portion of the post
fields of mathematics, physics, chemistry, computer PhD work timeline was not in a science research field,
science, statistics, or engineering. This includes and the total scientific work experience does not exceed
related areas of physical, mathematical, computational, 60 months, the candidate may be eligible but must
theoretical, and engineering science. Exceptions gain prior approval from the BWF program officer.
will be made only if the applicant can demonstrate No exceptions to this requirement will be made.
significant expertise in one of these areas, evidenced by
n Generally, 60 months of postdoctoral research will
publications, undergraduate major, or master’s degree.
occur within 60 months of receiving one's doctoral
n Candidates whose PhD is in biochemistry/biophysics/ degree. The doctoral degree receipt date can be
biology/cell biology/etc. may be eligible if significant considered as the date of thesis defense or degree
accomplishment or competence in one of the areas of conferral. Parental or other well-justified family/medical/
mathematics, physics, chemistry, computer science, military leave does not count against the 60-month
statistics, or engineering can be shown (i.e., papers clock. Furthermore, an automatic 1-year extension will
published, advanced coursework, or undergraduate be granted for the birth or adoption of a child.
major), and if the proposal draws on that background.
n Candidates who are not titled “postdoctoral” fellows
Work must be interdisciplinary and make use of non-
may be eligible if (1) work experience equals at least 12
biological approaches.
months, but not more than 60 months of postdoctoral
research experience, including time as, for example,
a research associate, or non-tenure track research
faculty, and (2) all other eligibility requirements are met.
3 CAREER AWARDS AT THE SCIENTIFIC INTERFACE (CASI)

n Candidates cannot hold nor have accepted, either in n Citizens and non-citizen permanent and temporary
writing or verbally, a faculty appointment as a tenure- residents of the U.S. and Canada who are legally
track assistant professor at the time of application qualified to work in the U.S. or Canada are eligible.
–both LOI and full application. This award cannot be Candidates who are temporary U.S. residents must
made to a tenure-track faculty member because it is a hold a valid U.S. visa (J-1, H1B, F-1 or O-1 visas).
transition award. If a faculty position is accepted after Temporary Canadian residents must hold a valid
the full application deadline, the candidate may not Canadian visa (Study Permit, C-43, C-44, C-10, or
start the new position until after the start date of the C-20 work permits/visas). If a grant is awarded and the
award. candidate’s visa does not allow for such a stay, BWF
may terminate the grant. BWF will not intercede on
n Candidates must be committed to a full-time career
behalf of non-citizens whose stay in the U.S. may be
in research as an independent investigator at a North
limited due to their visa status. If invited to submit a full
American degree-granting institution.
application, the postdoctoral institution must verify the
n Candidates must have at least one first-author publication candidate’s immigration status as part of the application.
in a peer reviewed journal, including papers on which
n Candidates must not hold nor have accepted a K99
“first authorship” is shared. Candidates who have
award from the U.S. National Institutes of Health.
submitted a first-author manuscript from graduate or
undergraduate studies, but it has not yet been published, n Candidates may apply from the U.S. National Institutes
may apply if the manuscript is accepted for publication of Health (NIH) or HHMI’s Janelia Farm Research
or in press. Candidates may include in their list of Campus, with the same restrictions listed above. The
publications manuscripts that have been submitted NIH/Janelia Farm will support these award recipients
and published in pre-print journals such as bioRxiv or during the postdoctoral years.
arXiv. However, preprints will not count towards the
n Candidates with a K01 award from the NIH may apply
one first author peer-reviewed publication rule.
for this award as long as they meet all the remaining
n Candidates must be based at public or private non- criteria, however, if granted a CASI award, the NIH will
profit organizations [501(c)(3) or equivalent] in the need to fund the postdoc portion and BWF will only
United States and Canada, including degree-granting fund the faculty portion of the award.
academic institutions, research institutes, and teaching
n Candidates may not submit more than one LOI per
hospitals affiliated with academic degree-granting
application cycle. Candidates can re-apply in subsequent
institutions. A 501(c)(3) organization is an American
years as long as they remain eligible.
tax exempt, nonprofit organization. Candidates should
check with their institutional officials to confirm the
institution’s classification.
n Candidate’s primary postdoctoral mentor must also
hold an appointment at the same nonprofit institution
as the candidate in the U.S. or Canada. Two postdoc
mentors are permitted; one must be designated as the
primary mentor who will sign off on the LOI. Mentors or
institutions may not be changed after submitting a LOI.
Candidates moving to a new institution after submitting
the LOI will not be able to submit a full application,
even if invited to do so.
4 CAREER AWARDS AT THE SCIENTIFIC INTERFACE (CASI)

n Interdisciplinary nature of the research plan, the degree
IMPORTANT NOTES
to which non-biological methods are integrated, and
the degree to which the proposed work will open new
n In determining eligibility, candidates may use either
fields of inquiry.
their PhD defense date (or MD for MD/PhD) or the date
their degree was conferred by the institution. n Innovation and appropriateness of proposed methods;
creative and original scientific approaches.
n Candidates who are postdocs at an independent
research institute or teaching hospital may be eligible n Potential for large impact and ability to advance the
if the institute is a non-profit institution [501(c)(3) or field.
equivalent] in the U.S. or Canada. With the exception of
Investigator:
eligible postdoctoral fellows at the National Institutes of
Health, LOIs will not be accepted from federal facilities. n Depth and rigor of training in a scientific discipline
These policies are non-negotiable. other than biology.
n Grants can only be made to non-profit institutions n Scientific experience to move project forward.
[501(c)(3) or equivalent] in the U.S. or Canada on
n Potential of candidate to establish a successful
behalf of the award recipient.
independent research career, evidenced by
n Award recipients are required to devote at least 75 productivity during the postdoctoral period prior to
percent of their time to research-related activities. application.
n Indirect costs may not be charged against BWF grants. n Quality of proposed collaborations, recommendations,
and personal statement.
Candidates with questions about their eligibility must
contact BWF in advance of the proposal deadline.
Impact of person on the BWF CASI community
BWF will make no exceptions to its policies.
n Provides impactful/unique voice to the BWF/CASI
community based on characteristics such as field
of research, institution, personal experiences and
SELECTION PROCESS
background, gender, race/ethnicity, etc.
n Cultivates collaborative and collegial relationships
The Interfaces in Science Advisory Committee will review
within the community.
all LOIs, select candidates to invite for submission of full
applications, interview finalists, and make recommendations n Meets one of the “Special Consideration Criteria”
for awards to the BWF Board of Directors. for scientific research project, i.e. AI/ML or Climate
Change and Human Health.
Selection will be based on:
n All eligibility requirements having been met.
Project Plan:
Candidates selected to submit a full application will be
n Importance of biological questions identified in the
notified by November 25, 2024. The full application
proposal, and innovation in the approaches chosen
deadline is January 10, 2025. Candidates not selected
to answer them. Candidates should present clear
may reapply in the next award cycle, provided they
evidence of already beginning to tackle a biological
meet the eligibility requirements. BWF does not provide
problem.
critiques of unfunded proposals.
5 CAREER AWARDS AT THE SCIENTIFIC INTERFACE (CASI)

TERMS OF GRANT/ USE OF FUNDS
Indirect costs may not be charged against the grants. Burroughs Wellcome Fund allows for an institutional
allowance of up to 10% of the total award to support the
BWF’s Career Awards at the Scientific Interface (CASI)
cost of fringe benefits, such as health insurance premiums,
provide $560,000 over five years to bridge advanced
vacation, or retirement for the named investigator.
postdoctoral training and the first three years of faculty
Additionally, up to $5,000 per year may be used towards
service. These awards are open to U.S. and Canadian
childcare expenses. When the cost of fringe benefits
citizens or permanent residents as well as temporary
exceeds the BWF institutional allowance, the institution
residents.
is expected to cover these costs as an indication of
Grants are made to institutions on behalf of the named support for the named investigator. Any portion of the
award recipients. The institutions must qualify as a 501(c) institutional allowance which is not used to support the
(3) or equivalent and the institution’s most current U.S. Tax named investigator’s benefits will be added to the named
Determination Letter must be on file with the Burroughs investigator’s research allowance.
Wellcome Fund (BWF). The institutions are responsible
BWF acknowledges that most postdoctoral fellows will
for disbursing the funds and for maintaining adequate
receive offers from and will move to new institutions to
supporting records and receipts of expenditures.
begin their independent research careers; therefore, this
Award recipients must provide BWF with an annual award is “portable.” Written approval from BWF is required,
progress report, and institutions must provide an annual however, in order for the grant to be transferred to the
financial report, using forms provided by BWF. Continued new institution. Requests must be received at least four
funding will depend on both the timely submission of these months prior to any move, and approval will be based
reports and their favorable review by BWF and its program on whether the move will enhance the award recipient’s
advisory committee. scientific growth and development, and whether the hiring
institution demonstrates adequate commitment to the
Award recipients may obtain funds from other sources for
award recipient’s career. Award recipients who change
research in the same or similar areas as that conducted
institutions may take with them any equipment or supplies
under these grants, so long as there is no conflict with
purchased under the award. The balance of any unused
meeting the terms of BWF’s award. Award recipients may
award funds will need to be sent back to BWF and then
not hold concurrent BWF awards or NIH K99/R00 awards.
will be transferred to the new institution. The awardee must
The support allocated for research is under the control of
transfer to a non-profit Institution in the U.S. or Canada for
the award recipient and may be used flexibly for such items
the faculty portion of the award.
as equipment, consumable supplies, travel to scientific
meetings, and laboratory personnel working with the award The award will be terminated for awardees transferring to
recipient. Prior approval by BWF is required when, within Institutions outside of the U.S. or Canada; the balance of
an award year, purchases of equipment exceed $20,000 any unused award funds will need to be sent back to BWF.
or travel costs exceed $8,000.
During the award period, unused research funds may be
carried over to the succeeding year. At the termination of
the grant period, unspent grant funds that exceed 5% of
the original grant awarded or $28,000 (whichever is less)
must be returned to BWF within 30 days, unless the named
investigator transfers to a new institution. Award recipients
may receive a no-cost extension for 12-24 months; requests
explaining why an extension is needed must be submitted
in writing at least four months prior to the end of the award.
6 CAREER AWARDS AT THE SCIENTIFIC INTERFACE (CASI)

When hiring a BWF award recipient to a tenure-track Award recipients should follow their institutions’ patent,
faculty position, the hiring institution must state in writing copyright, and intellectual property policies regarding
its intention to support an application for permanent discoveries that result from research conducted under
residency if requested by the award recipient and if the these awards. Award recipients are expected to adhere
permanent residency would take effect during the period to all federal, state, and local regulations regarding the
of employment by the institution. participation of human subjects, and the use of animals,
radioactive and hazardous materials, and recombinant DNA
BWF prefers that award recipients do not move from one
in their research projects. BWF expects that appropriate
institution to another during their three years of faculty
federal, state, and local guidelines with regard to scientific
service. Special training opportunities that require faculty-
misconduct are in place and enforced at all institutions with
level award recipients to spend up to a year away from
which BWF award recipients are affiliated.
their base institution may be considered; award recipients
must submit to BWF a written request that explains why Award recipients should share scientific findings in a timely
the training is needed. manner via the standard means of scientific communication,
including publications and/or presentations in scientific
Scientific publications or presentations that result from
forums. BWF encourages, but does not require, that
these awards must acknowledge the award recipient’s
awardees publish in open access journals. BWF will not
receipt of a Burroughs Wellcome Fund Career Award at
retain any rights to published results, intellectual property,
the Scientific Interface. Copies of journal articles and other
or patents that result from the research.
publications should be sent to BWF along with the annual
progress report.
7 CAREER AWARDS AT THE SCIENTIFIC INTERFACE (CASI)

INSTRUCTIONS ON HOW TO PREPARE
AND SUBMIT A COMPLETE PROPOSAL
Application Process How to Submit an Online
Applying for this award is a two-stage process: Letter of Intent (LOI)
To begin a LOI submission on or after July 1st, please visit
1. Letter of Intent (LOI). Interested candidates who meet
the BWF website for instructions on how to access the site:
the eligibility criteria will need to submit one online LOI
submission
through BWF’s Grant Application System by September
4, 2024, 3:00 pm EDT. The grant application portal will All proposals must be submitted through ProposalCentral.
be available by July 1, 2024. In brief, the LOI includes
The following will be required for the LOI:
applicant information (to be completed within the grant
portal), an essay, and a confidential primary postdoctoral n Applicant Information
mentor letter of recommendation.
n Applicant Demographics
2. Full proposals. Submission of full proposals will be by
n Institutional Information
invitation only after review of LOIs. By November 25,
2024, a selected group of applicants will be invited to n Proposal Information
submit a full application. Instructions on how to prepare
n List of Publications
a full research proposal (elements listed below) will be
n Essay (4,000 characters)
provided by email with the invitation to participate. Full
proposals will be due January 10, 2025 by 3:00 pm EST.
A confidential recommendation letter is required for
the LOI. Note that it is the responsibility of the applicant
Invited Full Proposal Elements:
to ensure that the confidential letter is submitted by the
n Graduate Advisor Recommendation Letter
deadline due date. An application will not be considered
(confidential)
complete without this confidential recommendation letter.
n NIH Biosketch The mentor will be able to upload the letter into the BWF
grants management system and information will be provided
n Personal Statement (1-page limit)
in the application instructions on or before July 1, 2024.
n Scientific Abstract (1-page limit)
Proposals that are not in compliance with instructions will
n Research Plan (6-page limit) be rejected out of fairness to all applicants.
n Bibliography (optional) Additional details on the application process will be posted
on the BWF website on or before July 1, 2024.
n Submitted Reprints (1 required, 2 optional)
n Collaboration Statements (2 optional) Questions?
n Institutional Certification Form Please review our online Frequently Asked Questions first.
Eligibility inquiries should be directed in advance to BWF
All communications, including the invitation to submit a full program staff by contacting:
proposal and declinations, will be made through email or
Tammy Collins, PhD, Program Officer
through the grantee portal.
tcollins@bwfund.org, 919-991-5120
BWF does not provide critiques or written comments of
unfunded proposals.
8 CAREER AWARDS AT THE SCIENTIFIC INTERFACE (CASI)

Postdoc to Faculty Transitioning The Faculty Portion of the Award
Information
The award provides the following levels of support during
The Postdoctoral/Fellowship Portion the faculty portion of the award:
of the Award Year 3: $120,000
Career Awards at the Scientific Interface provide the Year 4: $120,000
following levels of support during the postdoctoral/
Year 5: $120,000
fellowship portion of the award:
n Will be $560,000 minus the portion used during the
Year 1: $100,000
postdoctoral year(s).
Year 2: $100,000
n Normally will be five years minus the postdoctoral portion
n Should last a minimum of one year and a maximum of of the award.
two years.
n Up to 20 percent of the annual amount may be
n Provides maximum salary support of $80,000 in year applied towards the named investigator’s salary,
one and $85,000 in year two. Awardee salary may including fringe benefits. BWF does not set or
be supplemented from other sources. BWF expects cap the salary level of its awardees, nor does it
that support must meet or exceed the NIH pay scale require a minimum amount of the award be used
appropriate to the trainee’s level of experience. BWF for salary.
does not set or cap the salary level of its awardees, nor
n Allows awardees demonstrating adequate progress to
does it require a minimum amount of the award be used
be granted no-cost extensions up to the time they are
for salary.
reviewed for tenure.
n Up to 10% of the postdoctoral portion of the award may
be applied towards fringe benefits, and separately, up
to $5,000 per year may be applied towards childcare
expenses.
n Requires that any equipment purchased by the award
recipient be transferable to the institution providing the
faculty appointment.
n Encourages award recipients to use funds for
advanced course work in biology (at any institution).
Applicants should present a training plan in the
proposal if they intend to use award funds for
this purpose.
n Allows the unpaid balance of the postdoctoral portion
of the award to be added to the faculty portion of the
award if an award recipient moves to a faculty position
in less than two years.
9 CAREER AWARDS AT THE SCIENTIFIC INTERFACE (CASI)

Salary and Fringe Benefits Faculty Appointments
n If an institution’s salary scale for the position is higher n Most award recipients will accept a faculty position at a
than the salary amounts provided by the award, then different institution.
the institution must supplement the awardee’s salary.
n Before approving the faculty portion of the award,
n It is anticipated that institutions will make a contribution BWF requires the hiring institution to make a significant
to the awardee’s salary to maximize the amount that can commitment to the award recipient’s career development
be used for research. as represented by the financial and professional situation
offered.
n Burroughs Wellcome Fund allows for an institutional
allowance of up to 10% of the total award to support n BWF strongly prefers tenure-track faculty appointments,
the cost of fringe benefits, such as health insurance accompanied by salary support and support for starting
premiums, vacation, or retirement for the named up a laboratory or research group.
investigator. When the cost of fringe benefits exceeds
n If an award recipient chooses to accept a faculty position
the institutional allowance, the institution is expected
at a research institute, the research institute must be
to cover these costs as an indication of support for
closely affiliated with a degree-granting institution, and
the named investigator. Any portion of the institutional
the degree-granting institution must offer the award
allowance which is not used to support the named
recipient a joint tenure-track faculty position with some
investigator’s benefits will be added to the named
commitment to the award recipient.
investigator’s research allowance.
n If the institutional commitment to the award recipient is
n Up to $5,000 may be applied towards childcare
deemed inadequate, BWF reserves the right to terminate
expenses.
the faculty portion of the grant.
n The balance of the award is to be used to cover research
n Award recipients must be given the opportunity to take
expenses, at the discretion of the award recipient. These
an adjunct or joint appointment in a second department,
funds may be used flexibly for items such as equipment,
if desired.
consumable supplies, travel to scientific meetings, or
n The institution must name at least one tenured faculty
laboratory personnel.
member in a discipline complementary to the award
recipient’s primary discipline who is willing to serve as a
faculty mentor.
10 CAREER AWARDS AT THE SCIENTIFIC INTERFACE (CASI)