The NIH Pathway to Independence Award combines a mentored K99 phase of one to two years with an R00 independent-research phase of up to three years. It is intended for promising postdoctoral researchers whose work fits the mission of a participating NIH institute or center and who need further mentored development before moving to an independent tenure-track or equivalent position. Institute-specific participation, eligibility windows, budgets, and scientific scope must be checked in the current notice of funding opportunity. NIGMS, for example, limits applicants to mentored postdoctoral positions and normally no more than four years of postdoctoral research experience.