Click on Apply below to start your application. An initial review of applications will occur on July 1, 2026. Thereafter, applications will be reviewed on a rolling-basis throughout the 2026 calendar year, and selections made as projects for participation become available.

The National Institutes of Health (NIH), Office of the Chief Artificial Intelligence Office (CAIO), is offering a unique hands-on STEM learning experience for recent Post Master's or Post Doctoral applicants. This immersive research opportunity allows participants to explore the dynamic intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and biomedical science while contributing to the understanding of NIH's historical and current investments in AI-related fields.

What will I be learning and doing?

As a participant, you will engage in a mentored research project designed to deepen your understanding of AI's evolution within NIH. Through this experience, you will:

• Develop Analytical Expertise: Learn to apply advanced data analysis, text mining, and natural language processing techniques to examine NIH’s extensive portfolio of funded research projects.
• Explore Historical Trends: Gain hands-on experience in constructing data-driven narratives that highlight key areas of investment, impactful programs, and missed opportunities in AI and data science.
• Identify Strategic Insights: Learn how to synthesize complex quantitative and qualitative datasets to uncover trends, programmatic successes, and gaps in NIH’s AI-related initiatives.
• Communicate Findings Effectively: Build your skills in translating research insights into actionable recommendations through reports, presentations, and publications tailored for diverse audiences, including NIH leadership.

Why should I apply?

This STEM learning opportunity offers a chance to:

• Learn about NIH’s Research Ecosystem: Understand how NIH fosters collaborative research and supports AI and data science through various funding mechanisms and programs.
• Master Data Analysis Tools: Gain hands-on experience with NIH databases and modalities for evaluating research portfolios and identifying key metrics.
• Contribute to Strategic Insights: Develop recommendations for future AI and data science programs based on historical trends and data-driven insights.
• Expand Your Professional Skillset: Work alongside experienced mentors to enhance your expertise in research analysis, strategic planning, and scientific communication.

By participating in this program, you will gain invaluable experience in shaping the narrative of AI within the world’s largest biomedical research agency, while building the skills and knowledge to inform future advancements in AI and data science.

Where will I be located?

Fellows are expected to be fully engaged remotely. 

What financial provisions will I receive?

The selected candidates will receive a 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 and may be renewed annually up to an additional four years, upon recommendation of NIH and is contingent on the availability of funds. 

When are selections made?

An initial review of applications will occur on July 1, 2026. Thereafter, applications will be reviewed on a rolling-basis throughout the 2026 calendar year, and selections made as projects for participation become available.

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.

The qualified candidate must be 18 years or older at the time application and should have received a Master's or Doctoral 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.

Citizenship Requirements: This opportunity is available to U.S. citizens, Lawful Permanent Residents (LPR), and foreign nationals. Non-U.S. citizen applicants should refer to the Guidelines for Non-U.S. Citizens Details page for information about the valid immigration statuses that are acceptable for program participation.

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 at least one recommendation in order to submit the application, but two are recommended. 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.

If you have questions, contact us at NIHprograms@orau.org. Please include the reference code NIH-DPCPSI-CAIO-AIPortfolioAnalysis-2026 for this opportunity in your email.

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• Degree: Master's Degree or Doctoral Degree received within the last 60 months or currently pursuing.
• Discipline(s):
  • Computer, Information, and Data Sciences (4 )
  • Life Health and Medical Sciences (1 )
  • Mathematics and Statistics (2 )
• Age: Must be 18 years of age

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.