Click on Apply below to start your application.  *Applications will be reviewed on a rolling-basis throughout the 2026 calendar year, and selections made as projects for participation become available.

Exciting Opportunities for Recent Graduates!

Are you ready to make an impact on the future of data science?  The National Institutes of Health (NIH), National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease (NIAID) is seeking recent graduates to participate in the Emerging Leaders in Data Science Fellowship Program. 

NIH NIAID-funded projects are generating large, diverse, complex data sets, and our research communities have become a data-intense enterprise. There is a critical need to transform these data into knowledge to better understand pathogen transmission and evolution, pathogen-host interactions, host immune response, and infectious and immune-mediated disease pathogenesis, as well as to develop new and improved diagnostics, therapeutics, and vaccines. 

Building a workforce with data science expertise is an important step toward addressing NIAID’s data science strategy and research program. NIAID has established the Emerging Leaders in Data Science Fellowship Program to develop a cadre of future talented data scientists. Through this program, fellows will develop knowledge in applying informatics and data science to help advance research in infectious and immune-mediated diseases. This fellowship is managed by NIAID's Office of Data Science and Emerging Technologies (ODSET).

What will I be doing?
In the NIAID Emerging Leaders in Data Science Fellowship Program, fellows will receive training and a hands-on-learning experience in data analytics, data science strategy, and informatics strategies and technologies development under the guidance of a mentor. The program is project-oriented in design, with fellows participating in various data science related projects. Through this opportunity, fellows will collaborate between the ODSET and NIAID intramural and extramural Divisions and Offices. NIAID also encourages fellows to participate in a variety of developmental opportunities during their fellowship to broaden their perspectives on NIAID's research mission and data science needs, strengthen technical competencies, and further develop leadership abilities for future career opportunities.  

Why should I apply?
Under the guidance of a mentor, you will have the opportunity to engage in an experiential STEM research participation program and receive exposure to advanced technology and tools. This opportunity provides a platform to connect with professionals in your field and will provide real-world experience which can enhance your career path. You will have the opportunity to develop your research skills.

Where will I be located?
Fellows will participate fully remotely under the guidance of a mentor. All participants are required to be in the United States, its territories, or a United States military base for the entire duration of the appointment.

What provisions will I receive?
You will receive a competitive monthly stipend to help offset living and other expenses. Stipend rates are determined by NIAID officials and are based on the candidate’s academic and professional background. You may be eligible to receive a health insurance supplement to cover the premium if you elect the ORISE health insurance plan, as necessary. In addition, you may also receive reimbursement for training and travel expenses related to the appointment activities. 

What is the length of the appointment?
This is a one-year fellowship and may be eligible to be renewed for a second year, contingent on the availability of funds.

When are selections made?
Based on funding availability and available projects, the NIAID actively reviews applications throughout the year and looks to fill opportunities as soon as qualified applicants are identified.

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 Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID). Participants do not become employees of NIH, NIAID, DOE, ORISE, or ORAU, and there are no employment-related benefits. 

The qualified candidate must have received a master's or doctoral degree in one of the relevant disciplines listed below. The degree must have been received within the last five years of the appointment start date. Current graduate students who are close to completing their degrees may apply but must have completed their degrees by the start of the fellowship. 

Must be a U.S. Citizen or LPR to apply. 

A complete 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 a professional 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. Recommendation must be submitted before your application can be reviewed.

All documents must be in English or include an official English translation, and all documents must be submitted via Zintellect. Documents must have all social security numbers, student identification numbers, and/or dates of birth removed (blanked out, blackened out, made illegible, etc.) prior to uploading into the application system. 

If you have any questions about the application process, please contact ORISE at NIHprograms@orau.org with the reference code NIH-NIAID-2026-0001 in the subject line.  

Connect with ORISE...on the GO! Download the new ORISE GO mobile app in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store to help you stay engaged, connected, and informed during your ORISE experience and beyond!

• Citizenship: LPR or U.S. Citizen
• Degree: Master's Degree or Doctoral Degree received within the last 60 months or currently pursuing.
• Discipline(s):
  • Computer, Information, and Data Sciences (17 )
  • Engineering (6 )
  • Life Health and Medical Sciences (4 )
  • Mathematics and Statistics (11 )
• Age: Must be 18 years of age

Yes, I affirm that I have received my master's 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.