NIH Research Software Engineer (RSE) Award (R50 Clinical Trials Not Allowed)

US · MD · Bethesda National Institutes of Health (NIH) grant open #RFA-OD-24-011

Response due Dec 04, 2026 · 00:00 UTC

Summary

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is offering the Research Software Engineer (RSE) Award under funding opportunity RFA-OD-24-011. This R50 mechanism supports dedicated research software engineers embedded within NIH-funded research teams. Clinical trials are explicitly not allowed under this award. The opportunity is posted on Grants.gov and remains open for applications through December 2026.

What they want

Fund Research Software Engineers (RSEs) who contribute to NIH-funded biomedical research projects by developing, maintaining, and advancing research software. The R50 award mechanism supports individuals rather than projects, specifically prohibiting clinical trials. Applicants must propose RSE activities in support of an NIH-funded research program.

Technical requirements

Clinical trials not allowed
R50 award mechanism applies
RSE must be embedded in or supporting an NIH-funded research program
Software engineering activities must directly support biomedical or scientific research

How they evaluate

Submission: Grants.gov federal grants portal

Risks & flags

Minimal detail provided in source text — scope, budget, evaluation criteria, and key personnel requirements are not described, limiting competitive intelligence
R50 mechanism is individual/person-centered, which may inherently favor candidates already embedded in established NIH-funded labs

Market context

inferred from NAICS

R&D in Physical, Engineering, Life Sciences (except Nanotech & Biotech)

NAICS 541715

US market size: $95B
Typical award: $100K – $50M+

Typical buyers

DoDNSFNIHNASADOE

Commonly required

DCAA-compliant accountingITARCMMC L2

NIH Research Software Engineer (RSE) Award…

Due Dec 04

Onboard ↗