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 coordinates integration of behavioral and social sciences across the National Institutes of Health (NIH). OBSSR is interested in how BSSR can inform the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in health research, policy and administration. The OBSSR seeks a fellow to engage in efforts related to this topic.

This postdoctoral STEM learning experience is available within the National Institutes of Health (NIH), Office of Behavioral and Social Sciences Research (OBSSR). The OBSSR plays a key role in advancing the integration of behavioral and social sciences across the NIH and is particularly interested in exploring how behavioral and social sciences research (BSSR) can inform the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in health research, policy, and administration.

Participants in this opportunity will gain valuable experience in the intersection of BSSR and AI by engaging in activities such as:

• Conducting landscape reviews to explore current knowledge on how behavioral research can inform AI applications in health contexts.
• Developing conceptual frameworks, evidence gap maps, and research agendas that advance understanding in this field.
• Collaborating with external experts and federal partners to exchange ideas and contribute to shared goals in advancing the integration of AI and behavioral science.

Through guided research and collaboration with OBSSR staff and leadership, participants will have the chance to deepen their expertise while contributing to meaningful projects. Additionally, participants will engage with stakeholders across federal and private sectors, enhancing their professional networks and gaining insights into the broader applications of their research. This experience is designed to support participants’ growth as researchers and thought leaders in the dynamic intersection of behavioral sciences and AI.

The fellow will conduct guided research collaboratively with OBSSR staff, including leadership. The fellow will engage with stakeholders in the federal and private sector as applicable to further their professional development.

What will I be doing?

Assigned mentors will guide the fellow to develop an interdisciplinary expertise profile. The fellow will deepen their understanding of how BSSR can address challenges of using AI for health research administration across the NIH, federal government, and other research organizations (e.g., academic, private, non-profit). The fellow will also expand their ability to translate between behavioral researchers and computer scientists to facilitate cross-disciplinary communication and productivity.

Training will include orientation to NIH, guided collaboration with colleagues across federal agencies, and attendance at relevant scientific convenings. The fellow will cultivate scientific communication skills by preparing and presenting briefing documents, white paper(s), posters and/or publications. Results of this project are anticipated to increase understanding of how AI can best be used in reshaping workflows for health research and redesigning jobs in federal science agencies.

Why should I apply?

As a participant in a STEM research participation program, you will learn about different NIH support mechanisms and different collaborative research programs involving NIH, how to use various NIH databases and modalities for data analysis, how to identify metrics and key indicators needed to evaluate any program, how to compare success between different types of collaborative research programs, and how to make recommendations for future programs based on the available data, under the guidance of a mentor.

Where will I be located?

Fellows are expected to be fully engaged, either in-person or hybrid. In-person or hybrid location is Bethesda, MD.

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 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, but up to three are encouraged. 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-OBSSR-AI-2026 for this opportunity in your email.

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• Degree: Doctoral Degree received within the last 60 months or currently pursuing.
• Discipline(s):
  • Computer, Information, and Data Sciences (3 )
  • Social and Behavioral Sciences (4 )
• Age: Must be 18 years of age

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.