- The Program Director/Principal Investigator (PD/PI) and other individuals who contribute to the scientific development or execution of a project in a substantive, measurable way, whether or not they request salaries or compensation under the grant.
- Typically these individuals have doctoral or other professional degrees, although individuals at the masters or baccalaureate level should be included if their involvement meets the definition of key personnel.
- Consultants and those with a postdoctoral role should also be included if they meet the same definition.
- NOTE: Senior/key Personnel must devote measurable effort (described in person months) to the project, whether or not salaries are requested. "Effort of zero person months” or “as needed” are not acceptable levels of involvement for those designated as Senior/Key Personnel.