Sarah Cook is a postbac in the Molecular Development of the Immune System Section of the Laboratory of Immune System Biology. Read Sarah’s postbac spotlight, where she details her postbac experience in the unique setting of the NIH Clinical Center and how this experience has influenced her decision to pursue a career in medicine and translational research.
Postbaccalaureate research trainees (postbacs) at NIAID engage in research at the forefront of immunologic, allergic, and infectious diseases. Postbacs conduct research in NIAID laboratories located in Maryland and Montana (Rocky Mountain Laboratories in Hamilton), which provides a unique scientific research training environment in basic, translational, and clinical research for recent college graduates who plan to apply to graduate or professional school (master’s, Ph.D., M.D., or equivalent graduate degree). Postbacs spend one to two years performing full-time research under the guidance and direction of an NIAID principal investigator. Trainees have the opportunity to engage and network with experts in diverse scientific research fields while taking advantage of the extensive resources of NIH.
Read more about the Division of Intramural Research and the Vaccine Research Center. Find more information about postbaccalaureate training opportunities from the NIH Office of Training and Education (OITE).
Note: The duration of the program is typically one year; however, the fellowship may be extended for an additional year provided satisfactory performance of the trainee and availability of continued support by the laboratory.
Who Can Apply
Applicants must
- Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
- Intend to apply to graduate or professional school during their tenure at NIH
In addition, applicants must meet one of the following criteria:
- Have earned a bachelor’s degree within the past three years of postbac start date
- Have received a master's degree less than six months before the postbac start date
- Have been accepted into a master’s, Ph.D., M.D., or equivalent graduate degree program with written permission from their school to delay entrance for up to one year to conduct a research project at NIH
Background Check
Please note any fellowship offer is contingent on your ability to successfully pass a federal background check, which is required for logical and physical access to NIH facilities and systems. As part of the clearance process, you will be asked “In the last year, have you used, possessed, supplied, or manufactured illegal drugs?” This question pertains to the use of controlled substances or drugs as defined under federal law. Please be aware that while marijuana may be legal or decriminalized within your home jurisdiction it remains illegal under U.S. federal law. The use, possession, supply, or manufacture of marijuana may preclude you from obtaining the necessary clearances to participate in NIH intramural training programs, even if you were initially offered a position. If you have questions about this policy or would like guidance on the clearance process, please reach out to oite@nih.gov (please put “Eligibility Inquiry” in the subject line).
How To Apply
Postbaccalaureate Intramural Research Training Award (IRTA) Program
The postbac IRTA program is designed to provide recent college graduates the opportunity to conduct full-time biomedical research in the resource-rich environment of NIH.
- Apply through the OITE application portal.
- Refer to OITE's video for detailed application information.
- After submitting your application, contact NIAID investigators with whom you would like to work.
- Read the OITE guide on Finding an NIH Mentor before approaching a prospective mentor
- Explore research conducted in NIAID laboratories.
Note: Recent graduates may also apply to the NIH Summer Internship Program to conduct research in an NIAID laboratory if they are enrolled in a degree-granting program the semester following the summer program.
For specific questions, contact the Postbac/Summer Intern Program Coordinator.
Funding
Funding is based on NIH appointment type (e.g., IRTA, Special Volunteer). Stipend levels for trainees are published annually and determined based on experience. For details, see the OITE Postbac IRTA Stipend Levels.
Featured Postbaccalaureate Training Programs
Intramural NIAID Research Opportunities (INRO) provides outstanding candidates with the opportunity to engage with leading experts in allergic, immunologic, and infectious diseases, and to learn more about the exciting research being conducted at NIAID. Select candidates selected will meet with NIAID principal investigators and potentially be offered a postbac position in an NIAID laboratory. Through INRO, the NIAID Office of Research Training and Development sponsors postbac trainees from populations underrepresented in the biomedical sciences and those dedicated to promoting diversity and inclusion.
The NIH Academy
An opportunity for NIH postbacs to learn about health disparities, enhance knowledge of gaps in health outcomes, and investigate what is being done to address health disparity issues.
Why Train at NIAID?
Samuel Owusu, former postbac in the Laboratory of Immunoregulation, Medical Student at Morehouse School of Medicine, and pictured with his lab mates, (left-right) Isabella Olivia Hansen, Hana Schmeisser, and Qingbo Liu
"My two years at NIAID were the most important time for my career. I grew the most during this time and as a result, my career development was accelerated greatly. I met great mentors and people who were willing to support me. I had the opportunity to attend diverse and world-class seminars, programs, and conferences that built my resolve in my career path. I am glad I had the privilege to train at NIH and in the Viral Pathogenesis Section of the Laboratory of Immunoregulation at NIAID."
- Samuel Owusu