Organization

National Institutes of Health (NIH)

Reference Code

NIH-NIGMS-2026

How To Apply

Click on Apply below to start your application. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling-basis for one year, and selections made as projects for participation become available.

Description

This research opportunity is currently available within the National Institutes of Health (NIH), National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS). NIGMS is seeking recent Post-Master's and Postdoctoral graduates to apply for research and training opportunities at NIH NIGMS. With the support of an assigned mentor, participants will have an immersive STEM learning and training opportunity that complements their educational background. This experience will provide an avenue to connect fellows to unique resources and tools available at NIH NIGMS, while learning along-side of top scientists.

As part of its active stewardship of public funds, NIGMS regularly conducts detailed analyses of its grant programs. These analyses regularly include questions related to the impact of the investments that NIGMS makes in institutions across the United States, including longer-term economic impacts, outcomes for students and fellows participating in training and career enhancement programs, and downstream use of research supported by NIGMS in both clinical and commercial settings.

What will I be doing?

Participants in this STEM learning opportunity will engage in collaborative research projects guided by mentorship from an interdisciplinary team of experts. Through hands-on exploration, participants will deepen their expertise in areas such as social sciences, natural sciences, and data science while broadening their knowledge across additional disciplines. This experience is designed to cultivate well-rounded researchers equipped to tackle complex scientific questions.

As Part Of The Program, Participants Will Contribute To One Of Several Dynamic Research Projects That Integrate Interdisciplinary Methods And Address Critical Questions Within The “Science Of Science” Field. These Projects Include

• Exploring the Impacts of Capacity-Building Efforts in Resource-Limited Institutions and States This project investigates how scientific networks form, research centers of excellence develop, and research capacity grows in institutions and states with limited resources. By examining practices that stimulate impactful biomedical research, participants will contribute to a deeper understanding of strategies for fostering scientific growth in underfunded regions.
• Analyzing the Long-Term Impacts of Investments in Basic Biomedical Research Fundamental biomedical research serves as the cornerstone for medical advancements, but its path to breakthroughs is often complex and non-linear. This project focuses on bibliometric analysis, methods for defining and measuring innovation, and approaches to identify or predict potential scientific breakthroughs stemming from basic research.
• Investigating Factors Influencing the Biomedical Research Enterprise The biomedical research ecosystem is a vast, interconnected network of individuals, organizations, and resources. This project aims to study how researchers progress through training and academic positions, how their knowledge and networks evolve, and how research topics and methodologies change over time. Participants will also explore how the organization and support of research efforts affect scientific innovation and outcomes.

Through these projects, participants will apply and refine key STEM skillsets such as data quality management, data alignment and disambiguation, network analysis, regression analysis, and economic analysis. This immersive experience will empower participants to contribute to the advancement of knowledge in the "Science of Science" while developing interdisciplinary research capabilities.

Why should I apply?

Participants will have the opportunity learn and to add their perspective and academic expertise to innovative research in projects related to the projects described above. An additional goal is to prepare the participants for the next step in their careers.

Where will I be located?

Fellows are expected to be engaged in-person Bethesda, MD, with the possibility of some telework flexibilities.

What are the provisions?

Participants will receive a competitive monthly stipend to help offset living and other expenses during this appointment. Stipend rates are determined by NIH officials and are based on the candidate’s academic and professional background. In addition, NIH may provide a health insurance supplement to cover the monthly premium costs if you elect the ORAU/ORISE health insurance plan, as necessary.

What is the length of the appointment?

The appointment will initially be for one year but may be renewed an additional year upon recommendation of NIH and is contingent on the availability of funds.

When are selections made?

NIH actively reviews applications throughout the year and looks to fill opportunities on a rolling basis, as soon as qualified applicants are identified.

What is the Nature of the Appointment?

This program, administered by ORAU through its contract with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to manage the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE), was established through an interagency agreement between DOE and the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Participants do not become employees of NIH, DOE, ORISE, nor ORAU, and there are no employment-related benefits.

While participants will not enter into an employment relationship, this opportunity will require a suitability/background investigation by NIH. Any offer made is considered tentative, pending favorable outcome of the investigation.

Qualifications

The qualified candidate must be 18 years or older at the time of application and should have received a Master's or Postdoctoral degree in one of the relevant fields. The degree must have been received within the last five years of the appointment start date. Current graduate students who are nearing degree completion may apply but must have completed their degrees by the start of the fellowship. Additionally, candidates must be a U.S. Citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident in order to apply.

Ideal Candidates Will Have

• Strong quantitative analysis skills
• Excellent communication skills
• Ability to take initiative and collaborate effectively in a multidisciplinary environment
• Study design experience
• An interest in using data science to quantify the impact(s) of investments as applied to scientific research and policy.

Citizenship Requirements: This opportunity is available to U.S. citizens and Lawful Permanent Residents (LPR).

A Completed Application Consists Of

• A complete Zintellect profile.
• A program specific application submitted in Zintellect.
• Transcript(s) – Submit a copy of your most recent official transcript. For this opportunity, an unofficial transcript or copy of the student academic record printed by the applicant or by academic advisors from internal institution systems may be submitted to complete the application requirement, if you do not have a copy of your official transcript at the time of application. The transcript or academic record must include the name of the academic institution, name of the student, courses completed/in progress, grades and degree expected/awarded. A copy of your official transcript and/or letter showing proof of your degree may be required prior to starting the appointment. All transcripts must be in English or include an official English translation.
• A current resume/CV, including academic history, employment history, relevant experiences, and publication list.
• One Recommendation - Applicants are required to provide contact information for a recommendation in order to submit the application. You are encouraged to request a recommendation from professionals who can speak to your abilities and potential for success, as well as your scientific capabilities and personal characteristics. Recommendation requests must be sent through the Zintellect application system. Recommenders will be asked to complete a recommendation in Zintellect. Recommendations submitted via email will not be accepted. Recommendations must be submitted before your application can be reviewed.

All documents submitted must be in English or include an official English translation. All social security numbers, student identification numbers, and/or dates of birth should be removed (blanked out or blackened out, made illegible, etc.) prior to uploading into the application system. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.

If you have questions, send an email to NIHprograms@orau.org. Please include the reference code NIH-NIGMS-2026 for this opportunity in your email.

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Stipend

$5,416.00 – $7,083.00 Monthly

Point of Contact

Daphne

Eligibility Requirements">5 )

• Citizenship: LPR or U.S. Citizen
• Degree: Master's Degree or Doctoral Degree received within the last 60 months or currently pursuing.
• Discipline(s):
• Chemistry and Materials Sciences (
• Bio-inorganic Chemistry
• Bio-organic Chemistry
• Biophysical Chemistry
• Chemistry (General)
• Physical Chemistry
• Computer, Information, and Data Sciences (1 )
• Life Health and Medical Sciences (16 )
• Mathematics and Statistics (2 )
• Social and Behavioral Sciences (6 )
• Age: Must be 18 years of age

Affirmation

I affirm that I have received my Master's or Doctoral degree within the last five years or am currently enrolled in a graduate program. If currently enrolled, I understand that my degree must be received before the appointment start date.