Intramural Research Training | NIMHD

Overview

The Office of the Training Director within the NIMHD Division of Intramural Research (DIR) supports the development of trainees by providing discipline-specific training and career skills development. It also leads efforts to recruit individuals who seek to conduct health disparities research. This office further works to maintain a welcoming and collaborative environment that encourages learning, connection and professional growth among trainees.

In addition, the NIH Office of Intramural Training and Education (OITE), part of the Office of Intramural Research (OIR), supports the training and development of students and fellows across all NIH campuses. It works with Institutes and Centers to enhance the intramural research experience and provides resources for trainees, applicants, and NIH staff.

OITE offers research opportunities additional to NIMHD training programs. All NIH training programs follow a unified stipend chart to ensure consistent support across the NIH. Information can be found at Stipend OITE.

Current Training Opportunities at NIMHD DIR

Postdoctoral Programs at the NIH

NIMHD offers postdoctoral training opportunities for recent doctoral graduates to advance their research skills in a collaborative, resource-rich environment at the NIH main campuses in Bethesda and Rockville, Maryland.

Eligibility

Open to U.S. citizens, U.S. permanent residents, and international applicants*
Applicants must have received a doctoral degree (Ph.D., M.D., D.D.S., or equivalent) within five years of the program start date
*Foreign nationals are welcome to apply, except individuals from countries listed under State Department restrictions

This program supports early-career scientists committed to advancing research in minority health and health disparities.

We encourage directly applying to NIMHD Principal Investigators whose work interests you. To do this, send personalized emails to PIs expressing interest in their research group and highlighting why you are a strong candidate for their program. 

Graduate Partnerships Program (GPP)

The NIH Office of Intramural Training & Education (OITE) offers the Graduate Partnerships Program (GPP) to bring doctoral graduate students to the NIH Intramural Research Program (IRP) for their dissertation research. This program combines the academic environment of a university with the vast research resources of the NIH, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and scientific leadership.

How to Apply

Interested students should visit OITE GPP for eligibility details, program tracks, and application deadlines. Applicants typically apply through a partner university or by developing a direct partnership with an NIH investigator.

NIH Medical Research Scholars Program (MRSP)

The NIH MRSP is a prestigious, year-long residential research enrichment program for exceptional medical, dental, and veterinary students with a strong interest in biomedical research. Scholars conduct mentored basic, clinical, or translational research on the NIH main campus in Bethesda, Maryland.

Program Highlights

Full-time mentored research at NIH
Professional development and scientific enrichment
Support for future clinician-scientist careers

Eligibility

U.S. citizens or permanent residents
Enrolled in an accredited medical, dental, or veterinary school
Completion of core clinical rotations required

The MRSP is supported through a public-private partnership between NIH and the Foundation for the NIH. Visit the MRSP program page for details and application instructions. MRSP program page for details and application instructions.

Postbaccalaureate Programs at the NIH

The NIH Postbaccalaureate (Postbac) Fellowship offers recent college graduates full-time research experience in biomedical sciences. Fellows work in NIH laboratories for 1–2 years, gaining hands-on research experience, mentorship, and access to career development resources.

Eligibility

U.S. citizens or permanent residents
Graduated from an accredited college within the past 3 years or earned a master's degree within 6 months of program start
Prior research experience is preferred

How to Apply

Submit your application to the online database.
Indicate interest in the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities (NIMHD) in your application.
Apply early—ideally at the start of your final undergraduate semester.
Positions are typically filled late spring through summer.

The Undergraduate Scholarship Program at the NIH

The NIH Undergraduate Scholarship Program (UGSP) is a financial needs-based scholarship award for students who are committed to biomedical, behavioral, or health-promotion research.

Program Benefits

Up to $20,000 per academic year in scholarship support
Paid summer research training at the NIH
Paid full-time research training at the NIH after graduation

Eligibility

U.S. citizens or permanent residents
Enrolled or accepted at an accredited 4-year college or university
Demonstrate exceptional financial need and excellent academic performance
Committed to biomedical research careers

Visit the UGSP program page for detailed eligibility and application instructions.

The Summer Internship Program at the NIH

The NIH Summer Internship Program offers undergraduate and graduate students immersive, full-time experience in biomedical research. Through hands-on laboratory work and engagement with leading scientists, participants gain valuable insight into the research process and explore potential career paths in science and medicine. The program also encourages interns to participate in career development opportunities and engage with the broader NIH and local communities. The Summer Internship Program aims to inspire trainees to consider research as a vital part of their future professional endeavors. More information can be found here.

Contact

Questions can be directed at:

Office of the Training Director, Division of Intramural Research, NIMHD
Tel: 301-827-0493
Email:  NIMHDDIRTraining@mail.nih.gov