NIH Postdoctoral Opportunity, Mentored Learning in the Tribal Health Research Office - Postdoc Fellowship
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.
The National Institutes of Health (NIH), Tribal Health Research Office (THRO) invites recent Postdocs to apply for a STEM-focused fellowship aimed at exploring and analyzing NIH-funded initiatives connected to Tribal Nations, collaborations with Tribes, or projects centered on American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) populations. Participants in this learning experience will engage in evaluating research progress over a ten-to-fifteen-year timeframe. This opportunity aligns with THRO's mission to enhance the health and well-being of AI/AN communities through partnerships with Tribal Nations, NIH Institutes, Centers, and Offices, as well as the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Fellows will also delve into published research outcomes impacting AI/AN health and examine federal policies, executive orders, and congressional directives that shape AI/AN-focused initiatives.
What will I gain from this experience?What will I gain from this experience?
Fellows will engage in a STEM-focused learning experience designed to build analytical, research, and collaboration skills. They will gain hands-on experience in portfolio analysis and program evaluation techniques, learning how to summarize data, identify trends, and assess research focus areas and gaps related to AI/AN health and training initiatives. Fellows will develop technical skills in designing and building comprehensive databases to organize and analyze activities focused on the health of AI/AN and Tribal communities. Using this data, fellows will practice evaluating health outcomes, identifying patterns, and interpreting findings to understand the overall state of health within AI/AN and Tribal populations.
Additionally, fellows will observe and learn from interagency coordination efforts and annual HHS meetings, gaining insights into effective communication strategies for engaging with diverse internal and external stakeholders. Throughout the experience, fellows will be guided by an NIH THRO expert staff member who will provide mentorship and support, ensuring the fellow develops both technical expertise and professional skills applicable to STEM-related fields.
Why should I participate?
This STEM learning fellowship offers a unique opportunity to deepen your understanding of NIH funding mechanisms and collaborative research programs. Participants will gain valuable experience using NIH databases and analytical tools, identifying metrics for program evaluation, and comparing outcomes across various research initiatives. Through this experience, you will develop skills in analyzing data, drawing meaningful insights, and crafting recommendations for future programs. Guided by experienced mentors in a supportive environment, this fellowship will help you build expertise and expand your knowledge in STEM-focused research and evaluation.
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 appointment will initially be for one year and may be renewed for up to 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-THRO-TribalLearning-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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