About the Program
The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) is accepting applications for the NIAID MENAT Visiting Post-Doctoral Fellowship (MVF). The MVF program, a component of the NIAID-MENAT Initiative, is focused on strengthening scientific collaboration between U.S. and MENAT scientists. The MVF program will be implemented under the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Visiting Fellowship Program (VFP). The NIH VFP was established to provide opportunities for non-immigrant foreign national participants for developmental training and practical research experience in a variety of disciplines related to biomedical research, medical library research, and related fields. MVF will be an open competition for early career scientists in the MENAT region. The program is anticipated to start in Spring/Summer 2024 and will support up to eight fellows in the cohort for up to two years of post-doctoral research training at NIAID laboratories.
Research Areas of Focus
- Infectious diseases
- Allergy
- Asthma
- Basic and clinical immunology
- Autoimmunity
- Immunologic diseases of genetic origin
- Antimicrobial Resistance
Program Eligibility
Eligible applicants for MENAT fellowship must meet the following criteria:
- Must be citizens or permanent residents of a MENAT country, currently employed in an academic institution, research center, or a teaching hospital in their home country.
- Must possess a Ph.D., M.D., D.D.S., D.M.D., D.V.M. or equivalent degree in a biomedical or related science field; or certification by a university as meeting all the requirements leading to such a doctorate. In addition, the applicant must have five years or fewer of relevant postdoctoral experience, and typically up to two additional years of experience not oriented towards research (e.g., clinical training for physicians). If the doctoral degree was earned more than five years from the proposed start date, but the applicant has less than five years of relevant postdoctoral experience, then the fellowship must be approved by the NIH Institute/Center/Offices (ICO) Scientific Director.
- Must be fluent in English, including reading, writing, and speaking.
Applicant Checklist
A completed NIAID MVF application package must include the following:
- Research statement – an explanation of the applicant’s interest in the MVF program with details of professional development goals and research interests
- Resume or CV
- Three letters of recommendations
- Official transcripts – proof of doctoral degree
Applications should be submitted to niaidogrfellowships@niaid.nih.gov
Selection Criteria
Applications will be evaluated on the following basis:
- Strength of the research statement
- Research experience
- Demonstrated interest in NIAID research
Important Dates
- Application opens: May 1, 2023
- Application closes: September 14, 2023
- Notification emails sent to applicants: December 15,2023
- Fellowship start date: April 1, 2024 (pending receipt of visa)
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for the MVF Postdoctoral Fellowship Programs?
To be eligible for a postdoctoral fellowship, the applicant must possess a Ph.D., M.D., D.D.S., D.M.D., D.V.M. or equivalent degree in a biomedical or related science field
Do I have to complete my doctoral degree before I applying for the MVF?
Yes, applicants must provide transcripts or proof of doctoral degree at the time of application.
What are the next steps in the selection process after the application is submitted?
Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for virtual interviews. Matching with an appropriate NIAID mentor and research laboratory will be facilitated based on mutual research interests and position availability in the identified mentor’s laboratory. The final decision for a fellowship offer resides solely with the NIAID mentor.
How are mentors selected?
A NIAID scientist, who will be selected based on mutual research interests, will be appointed to serve as a mentor; the NIAID mentor will supervise the fellow’s training and research activities throughout the duration of the fellowship. Applicants are also encouraged to identify potential NIAID mentors.
Where can I find information on NIAID labs conducting research in areas that interest me?
For information on NIAID research labs please visit the following websites:
https://www.niaid.nih.gov/research/division-intramural-research-labs
https://www.niaid.nih.gov/research/vaccine-research-center-labs
What kind of visa will I need to participate in the MVF program?
Visiting Fellows are assisted in obtaining J-1 Visas. Visiting Fellows are officially trainees and not employees. Visa Information is available on the NIH Division of International Service (DIS) website: https://ors.od.nih.gov/pes/dis/VisitingScientists/Pages/ArrivingFromOutsideUS.aspx
In addition to stipends, what benefits do MVF fellows receive?
Health Insurance will be provided to the MVF fellows for the two-year duration of the fellowship. Training support and wellness workshops will be offered through the NIH Office of Intramural Training and Education (OITE) https://www.training.nih.gov/trainees/postdocs
Program Inquiries
Ijeoma Azih MD, MPH
Regional Officer - Middle East, North Africa, and Europe
Office of Global Research
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases
National Institutes of Health
Email: ijeoma.azih@nih.gov