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.

Immersive STEM Learning Fellowship at NIH ODSS

The National Institutes of Health (NIH), Office of Data Science Strategy (ODSS), are seeking Postdocs to apply to a STEM learning fellowship designed to cultivate scientific exploration and professional growth. NIH ODSS leads NIH-wide initiatives focused on advancing data resources, research software, and data infrastructure and stewardship. These initiatives emphasize the adoption of best practices, including the FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable) data principles, which enhance data sharing, discovery, and reuse to accelerate health discoveries. Participants will engage in analytics projects that explore topics such as portfolio and gap analyses, value assessments, and return-on-investment (ROI) frameworks to inform modernization efforts within the NIH data ecosystem.

What Will I Be Doing?

Throughout the fellowship, participants will engage in mentored learning experiences that focus on:

• Developing a foundational understanding of NIH data ecosystem initiatives and ODSS strategic goals, including efforts to enhance data sharing, interoperability, reuse, and modernization of biomedical research infrastructure.
• Applying FAIR data principles to promote scientific discovery and reproducibility.
• Conducting landscape and gap analyses to identify unmet needs, duplication, and areas for strategic investment.
• Designing and implementing analytics projects to evaluate the adoption and impact of FAIR practices and persistent identifiers.
• Collaborating with NIH Institutes, Centers, Offices, and the broader research community to exchange ideas and insights.
• Strengthening skills in strategic analysis, program evaluation, and informatics leadership.

By the end of the fellowship, participants will be able to produce portfolio or gap analyses, develop ROI frameworks for FAIR adoption, analyze trends in persistent identifiers, and deliver recommendations for NIH modernization efforts. Participants will also have opportunities to present their findings through publications, white papers, or presentations.

Why Should I Apply?

This STEM learning fellowship provides a unique opportunity to deepen your expertise in data science, analytics, and NIH-led research initiatives. Participants will gain hands-on experience with NIH data ecosystem strategies, refine their analytical and computational skills, and explore innovative approaches to advancing data sharing and reuse. Guided by experienced mentors, participants will contribute to impactful projects while expanding their understanding of how data-driven practices can accelerate scientific discovery and improve health outcomes.

Where will I be located?

Fellows are expected to be fully engaged, either in-person or remote. In-person 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 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-ODSS-DataAnalytics-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 (6 )
  • Engineering (1 )
  • Life Health and Medical Sciences (1 )
  • Mathematics and Statistics (1 )
• 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.