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 OSC

The National Institutes of Health (NIH), Office of Strategic Coordination (OSC), invites applicants to apply to an immersive STEM learning fellowship designed to cultivate scientific curiosity and professional development. This opportunity offers participants the chance to explore how artificial intelligence (AI) and automation technologies can transform NIH operations in biomedical and behavioral research initiatives.

Through this fellowship, participants will engage in guided exploration of AI and automation trends in the NIH operational environment, gaining insights into how these innovations can be applied in federal agency settings. The program emphasizes experiential learning, collaboration, and experimentation in a dynamic environment that values creativity and forward-thinking approaches.

What Will I Be Learning?

Participants in this STEM fellowship will engage in a variety of learning experiences, including:

• Exploring AI and Automation Applications: Investigate how technical knowledge and skills can be used to enhance operations within a federal agency. Participants will examine use cases for embedding AI and automation technologies in office environments, exploring advancements in both public and private sectors.

• Understanding Federal Ecosystems: Learn how to implement AI solutions within the unique context of government operations. This includes studying applicable federal policies, evaluating existing technologies, identifying opportunities for new solutions, and understanding the constraints specific to federal agencies.

• Engaging in Systems Exploration: Collaborate with diverse stakeholders within the NIH OSC to identify operational needs and innovative solutions. Participants will delve into process design and mapping activities aimed at improving internal systems and workflows.

• Experimenting with AI and Automation: Gain hands-on experience in creating AI agents and developing automation solutions in an open, safe environment that encourages learning through experimentation.

• Human-Centered Design and Customer Experience: Explore methods for gathering and responding to feedback, and take part in designing feedback loops that inform systems development. Participants will learn about customer experience principles and human-centered design approaches to enhance processes and solutions.

Why Should I Participate?

This STEM learning fellowship provides a unique opportunity to explore the intersection of AI, automation, and systems engineering in the context of federal biomedical research. Participants will:

• Explore NIH’s collaborative research programs and mechanisms.
• Learn to navigate NIH databases and tools for data analysis.
• Identify metrics and indicators for evaluating programs and initiatives.
• Compare outcomes across different collaborative research efforts.
• Develop data-driven recommendations for future initiatives.

Under the mentorship of NIH experts, participants will gain valuable insights into the role of AI and automation in advancing operational efficiency and scientific innovation, while developing skills that can propel their future STEM endeavors.

Where will I be located?

Fellows are expected to be fully engaged in-person at 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 appointments are typically for one year, renewable for up to an additional four year, upon recommendation of NIH and is contingent on the availability of funds.  Shorter-term and part-time opportunities may also be available.  

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 Bachelor's, Master's or Doctoral degree in one of the relevant fields listed below within the last five years of the appointment start date or are currently pursuing a Master's or Doctoral degree in one of the relevant fields. The ideal candidate should have specialized knowledge or experience with designing AI or automation solutions. 

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-OSC-AIBusinessIntegration-2026 for this opportunity in your email.

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• Degree: Bachelor's Degree, Master's Degree, or Doctoral Degree received within the last 60 months or currently pursuing.
• Discipline(s):
  • Business (9 )
  • Computer, Information, and Data Sciences (14 )
  • Engineering (8 )
  • Mathematics and Statistics (1 )
• Age: Must be 18 years of age

I affirm that I have received my Bachelor's, Master's or Postdoctoral Degree within the last five years or am currently enrolled in a graduate program.  If currently enrolled, I understand I must have my degree by the start date of the appointment.