it also depends on the lab. It's a very small world for various reasons and sometimes, there's a good combination between a PI and a hosting institution. Som

it also depends on the lab. It's a very small world for various reasons and sometimes, there's a good combination between a PI and a hosting institution. Sometimes there's not. If the guy who's doing what you want to do has his lab at UAB, you go to UAB. That being said, once you get your K23 or R01, because of NIH matching funds, you have more of a choice of where you go.