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The Office of Dietary Supplements (ODS) at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) is seeking Post-Master’s or Postdoctoral Fellows to engage in a STEM-focused, hands-on learning experience. The fellowship will focus on advancing research in dietary supplements and nutrition, particularly during pregnancy, perimenopause, and menopause.

ODS operates within the Division of Program Coordination, Planning, and Strategic Initiatives (DPCPSI) in the NIH Office of the Director. As the lead program office for dietary supplement research, ODS is dedicated to coordinating efforts across NIH and the federal government to expand knowledge and promote health throughout all stages of life.

What will I be doing?

As a participant in this immersive STEM learning opportunity, you will engage with NIH scientists to explore two evolving areas of research interest:

1. Gaining a deeper understanding of optimal nutrition that supports improved health outcomes for mothers and babies, with a focus on nutrient deficiencies and the composition and use of prenatal supplements marketed in the U.S.
2. Investigating the safety and effectiveness of dietary supplements in managing symptoms during perimenopause and menopause.

Throughout the experience, you will have the chance to collaborate with the Office of Dietary Supplements (ODS) in its efforts to synthesize and catalyze multidisciplinary research on dietary supplements to inform dietary guidance, policies, and programs. Activities may include:

• Conducting literature searches in PubMed and other scientific databases.
• Exploring observational and clinical research, systematic reviews, and federal nutrition reports to identify evidence gaps related to dietary supplements and health outcomes.
• Developing presentations and analyses on emerging areas of interest related to maternal health and the menopausal transition.
• Engaging in scientific meetings and collaborative groups to gain exposure to diverse perspectives.
• Contributing to the planning and execution of scientific webinars and workshops.
• Engaging with stakeholder engagement and outreach activities.
• Collaborating on the development of peer-reviewed manuscripts that summarize research gaps identified during federal workshops.

This opportunity is designed to foster learning and growth in STEM fields while providing hands-on experience in multidisciplinary research efforts. Participants are not expected to be experts but will contribute to advancing knowledge and understanding in these critical areas.

 Why should I apply?

This fellowship offers an opportunity to gain real-world experience at the intersection of public health and nutrition, support research efforts on a topic that is a key focus at the NIH and HHS, learn from federal experts and strengthen skills in literature review, evidence synthesis, analysis, evaluation, and translation, build professional networks, and explore career paths in government service.

Location

This program is on-site in Bethesda, Maryland. Fellows may be granted permission for hybrid or remote participation.

What are the provisions?

Participants will receive a stipend to off-set living expenses. Participants may also be eligible to receive a health insurance allowance and/or reimbursement for professional travel expenses.

Appointment dates

The Office of Dietary Supplements is ready to make appointments immediately. Exact start dates will be determined at the time of selection and in coordination with the selected applicant.

Applications are reviewed on an on-going basis, and appointments will be offered as qualified candidates are identified. Appointments are typically one year, with the possibility for extension.

Nature of the Appointment

This program, administered by Oak Ridge Associated Universities (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, ODS, ORAU, ORISE, DOE, or any other agency, and there are no employment-related benefits. Instead, the participant will be affiliated with ORISE for the administration of the appointment through the ORISE appointment letter and Terms of Appointment.

While participants will not enter into an employment relationship, this opportunity will require a suitability/background investigation by NIH. Any offer made is considered tentative, pending favorable outcome of the investigation.

The qualified candidate must be 18 years or older at the time of application and should have received a Master's or Postdoctoral degree within the last 5 years of the appointment start date, in nutrition, public health, epidemiology, maternal and child health, biomedical sciences, health services research, or a related field. 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.

Preferred candidates should have:

• Strong scientific writing, analytical, and organizational skills
• Some experience conducting literature reviews and synthesizing evidence 
• Ability to take initiative and collaborate effectively in a multidisciplinary environment
• Interest in dietary supplements, maternal health, menopause, and public health.

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.  Recommendations should be 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 must be submitted via Zintellect and must be in English or include an official English translation. Incomplete applications will not be considered. 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, send an email to NIHprograms@orau.org. Please include the reference code (NIH-ODS-2026-0003) for this opportunity in the subject or body of your email. 

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• Degree: Master's Degree or Doctoral Degree received within the last 60 months or currently pursuing.
• Discipline(s):
  • Life Health and Medical Sciences (4 )
• Age: Must be 18 years of age

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.