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 Fellowship Experience at NIH OSC

The National Institutes of Health (NIH), Office of Strategic Coordination (OSC), invites applicants to participate in a unique STEM learning fellowship designed to foster scientific exploration and professional growth. Fellows will engage with NIH scientists who specialize in strategic planning, evaluation, and community engagement, gaining insights into how NIH designs, evaluates, and communicates the impact of Common Fund programs.

Fellows will have the opportunity to collaborate on projects that explore innovative approaches to strategic planning and outreach, while also contributing their unique perspectives and creativity to the process. Guided by mentors and experts, Fellows will immerse themselves in learning experiences that emphasize flexibility, collaboration, and the exploration of impactful scientific initiatives.

What Will I Be Learning?

Fellows will dive into one or more scientific programs supported by the NIH Common Fund, gaining both subject-specific knowledge and broader insights into strategic planning, evaluation, and communication. Learning objectives include:

• Scientific Communication: Develop skills in translating research findings and program outcomes into engaging written and multimedia content tailored for diverse audiences, such as NIH leadership, Congress, the scientific community, and the general public.

• Web Content Development: Learn how to create compelling web content that effectively communicates the goals and achievements of NIH programs.

• Analyzing Research Contributions: Explore methods for analyzing the scientific areas advanced by Common Fund-supported research resources, gaining insights into their broader impact on biomedical and behavioral sciences.

• Community Engagement: Learn strategies for planning and conducting outreach to research communities, fostering awareness of program activities and resources.

• Portfolio Analysis: Train on conducting analyses and assessments of the Common Fund research portfolio to better understand program achievements and their alignment with NIH’s mission.

• Trend Identification: Learn how to examine NIH and external research portfolios to identify workforce trends, scientific gaps, and emerging opportunities that inform program planning.

• Data Summarization: Gain experience preparing materials that summarize evaluative data for diverse audiences, including NIH leadership, policymakers, and the general public.

Why Should I Participate?

This STEM fellowship provides an immersive learning experience that offers valuable insights into how NIH approaches the strategic development and evaluation of its scientific initiatives. Participants will:

• Explore NIH’s mechanisms for supporting collaborative research programs.
• Learn to navigate NIH databases and tools for analyzing research data.
• Identify metrics and indicators used to evaluate program outcomes.
• Compare achievements across different types of collaborative research efforts.
• Develop data-driven recommendations for shaping future initiatives.

Under the mentorship of NIH experts, Fellows will gain a deeper understanding of the processes NIH uses to plan, evaluate, and communicate the impact of its programs. This opportunity is ideal for individuals seeking to expand their knowledge of strategic scientific initiatives while developing skills that contribute to the advancement of biomedical research and public health.

Where will I be located?

Fellows are expected to be fully engaged in-person at the Bethesda, MD location.

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 four additional 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 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. 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-SPEE-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):
  • Chemistry and Materials Sciences (1 )
  • Communications and Graphics Design (3 )
  • Environmental and Marine Sciences (1 )
  • Life Health and Medical Sciences (1 )
  • Social and Behavioral Sciences (1 )
• Age: Must be 18 years of age

I affirm that I have received my Masters 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.