NIH Postdoctoral Opportunity in Office of Behavioral and Social Sciences Research Program Impact Analyses
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.
This postdoctoral research opportunity is currently available within the National Institutes of Health (NIH), Office of Behavioral and Social Sciences Research (OBSSR). The OBSSR regularly analyzes the outputs of its efforts to integrate the behavioral and social sciences into NIH training and career development grants programs. This research training project engages the participant in applying data science methods to examine grant portfolio outcomes for participating NIH-funded participants, including establishing collaborations, publishing, and obtaining subsequent research support. Examples of significant OBSSR investments include the “Short Courses on Innovative Methodologies and Approaches in the Behavioral and Social Sciences” and “Training in Advanced Data Analytics for Behavioral and Social Sciences Research” programs. Findings from this mentored research experience are expected to advance evidence-informed approaches to BSSR workforce development.
What will I be doing?
Guided by experienced mentors, you will explore ways to deepen your expertise in your current discipline while broadening your knowledge into additional areas to develop a well-rounded, interdisciplinary skill set. Through hands-on learning experiences, you will engage in activities such as NIH grant data analysis, data quality assessment methodologies, bibliometric and network analysis techniques, and quantitative approaches to evaluate research productivity and training program outcomes. These activities will contribute to advancing evidence-informed approaches to behavioral and social sciences research (BSSR) training and career development mechanisms. You will also refine your scientific communication skills by briefing NIH staff with your findings through white papers, posters, and publications, with opportunities to share your insights through conference presentations and other professional platforms.
Why should I apply?
This immersive STEM learning experience provides a unique opportunity to gain insights into NIH-supported research mechanisms and collaborative programs. You will learn to navigate NIH databases, apply advanced data analysis techniques, and identify key metrics for evaluating program outcomes. By exploring diverse research programs and assessing their results, you will expand your analytical abilities and contribute to meaningful recommendations for future initiatives. Guided by knowledgeable mentors, you will grow your technical expertise and enhance your professional development, preparing you for future opportunities in STEM fields.
Where will I be located?
Participants are expected to be fully engaged in-person at the NIH Main Campus in Bethesda, Maryland.
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, renewable annually for 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 of application and should have received a 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. Recommendations should be 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, send an email to NIHprograms@orau.org. Please include the reference code NIH-DPCPSI-OBSSR-2026 for this opportunity in your email.
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I affirm that I have received my doctoral degree within the last five years or am currently enrolled in a PhD program. If currently enrolled, I understand that my degree must be received before the appointment start date.
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