Jobs at NICHD

FIB encourages, enables, and supports research aimed at alleviating human infertility, uncovering new possible pathways to control fertility, and expanding fundamental knowledge of processes that underlie human reproduction. FIB funds basic, clinical, and translational studies to enhance our understanding of typical reproduction and reproductive pathophysiology, as well as to enable the development of more effective strategies for the diagnosis, management, and prevention of conditions that compromise male and female fertility.

FIB is seeking a chief with broad knowledge of reproductive science, including reproductive biology and medicine, and a strong background in health science administration. A candidate with excellent communication and strong leadership skills is expected. The successful candidate will need the ability to define the scientific vision for the branch and find ways to implement that vision through the stimulation of research, research training, and research resources.

This is an exciting time to join NICHD as we implement our strategic plan to shape and advance research in the near- and long-term future, including Promoting Gynecologic, Andrologic, and Reproductive Health as a Scientific Research Theme. Through implementation of this plan, among other activities, this position allows the successful candidate to help foster research opportunities that will directly affect the field, biomedical science, and public health for years to come.

For additional information about this position, please contact Dr. Rohan Hazra.

NICHD will use a global recruitment program to fill this position. This is a supervisory position.

GHDB aims to improve women’s reproductive health by guiding and supporting gynecologic research and career development programs. The branch portfolio includes studies of healthy functioning endometrium and menstruation, as well as gynecologic disorders including endometriosis, adenomyosis, fibroids, gynecologic pain¸ and polycystic ovary syndrome. The branch has an interest in pelvic organ prolapse as well as urinary and fecal incontinence related to pelvic floor dysfunction. Obstetric fistula and female genital cutting, which affect international and U.S. immigrant communities, are also areas of interest.

GHDB is seeking a chief who has a strong background in gynecologic health in women and adolescent girls, with additional expertise in clinical research, including large, multicenter clinical trials. Knowledge and experience with basic science methods and topics applicable to the study of gynecologic health and disease would be a plus. A candidate with excellent communication and strong leadership skills is expected. The successful candidate will need the ability to define the scientific vision for the branch and find ways to implement that vision through the stimulation of research, research training, and research resources.

This is an exciting time to join NICHD as we implement our strategic plan to guide and advance research in the near- and long-term future. Through implementation of this plan, the successful candidate will be able to shape scientific research opportunities that will directly affect the field, biomedical science, and public health for years to come.

For additional information about this position, please contact Dr. Rohan Hazra.

NICHD will use a global recruitment program to fill this position. This is a supervisory position.

PGNB serves as the focal point for NICHD extramural research in pediatric endocrinology and nutrition and their impact on health promotion and disease prevention throughout the life course. Other research topics supported by PGNB include lactation and breastfeeding, nutritional and developmental origins of health and disease, and antecedents and sequelae of childhood obesity. PGNB also serves as the focal point for NICHD training in child health research.

PGNB is seeking a chief with expertise in the relevant biological systems and factors that influence mechanisms of physical and neurological development, beginning in utero and extending through the lifespan, as well as the role and impact of nutritional status in these systems. Excellent communication and leadership skills and a strong background in health science administration are expected. The successful candidate will need the ability to define the scientific vision for the branch and find ways to implement that vision through the stimulation of research, research training, and research resources.

This is an exciting time to join NICHD as we implement our strategic plan to guide and advance research in the near- and long-term future. Through implementation of this plan, the successful candidate will be able to shape scientific research opportunities that will directly affect the field, biomedical science, and public health for years to come.

For additional information about this position, please contact Dr. Rohan Hazra with a resume and letter of interest.

NICHD will use a global recruitment program to fill this position. This is a supervisory position. Submissions will be accepted until an applicant is selected.

CDBB supports research and training to understand the neurodevelopmental, psychological, behavioral, physical, and social-emotional development and health of infants, children and adolescents; explore how individual differences in development arise from genetic and environmental risk/protective factors; and inform prevention, intervention, and health promotion efforts designed to enhance their lives.

For its Neurodevelopment, Cognition, and Behavior research program, CDBB seeks a program officer who can develop a portfolio of interdisciplinary research on typical and atypical early neurodevelopment that capitalizes on technological advances in neuroimaging, neuro-genomics, and neuro-assessment to examine interrelated developmental changes in brain structure and function, gene regulation and expression, and complex behavior and cognition, in both human and comparative neurobiology studies. Candidates should possess a strong background in developmental cognitive neuroscience and neuroimaging—especially in pediatric populations—with additional expertise in developmental psychology and neuro-genomics with infants and young children.

This is an exciting time to join NICHD as we implement our strategic plan to guide and advance research in the near- and long-term future. Through this implementation, the successful candidate will be able to shape scientific research opportunities that will directly affect the field, biomedical science, and public health for years to come.

Read the Scientist Administrator Applicant FAQ (PDF 151 KB) on health scientist administrator and social and behavioral scientist administrator positions to learn more on how to apply.

For additional information about this position, contact James A. Griffin, Ph.D., at james.griffin@nih.gov with a resume and letter of interest.

NICHD will use a global recruitment program to fill this position. This is not a supervisory position.

FIB encourages, enables, and supports research aimed at alleviating human infertility, uncovering new possible pathways to control fertility, and expanding fundamental knowledge of processes that underlie human reproduction. FIB funds basic, clinical, and translational studies to enhance our understanding of typical reproduction and reproductive pathophysiology, as well as to enable the development of more effective strategies for the diagnosis, management, and prevention of conditions that compromise male and female fertility.

FIB is seeking a program officer with a background in obstetrics/gynecology, preferably reproductive endocrinology and infertility. Applicants must have significant research experience in clinical infertility, with a special emphasis on polycystic ovary syndrome; diagnosis, management, and prevention of infertility; assisted reproductive technology practice and outcomes for mothers and children; and best practices for clinical trials, as well as strong collaborative skills to manage and grow a research portfolio that supports and encourages research on the etiology and pathophysiology of diseases and disorders that cause human infertility and impaired fecundity.

In addition, the candidate should possess a strong background in human infertility/impaired fecundity, with a deep knowledge of current clinical practice and translational biology of human infertility, have a passion for supporting the training of the next generation of scientists, and possess strong organizational and administrative skills, including the ability to manage a portfolio of projects in translational and clinical infertility research. Knowledge and experience with conduct of multicenter clinical trials is desirable.

This is an exciting time to join NICHD as we implement our strategic plan to guide and advance research in the near- and long-term future, including Promoting Gynecologic, Andrologic and Reproductive Health as a Scientific Research Theme. Through implementation of this plan, among other activities, this position allows the successful candidate to help shape research opportunities that will directly impact the field, biomedical science, and public health for years to come.

For additional information about this position, please contact DERInfo at nichd-der-info@mail.nih.gov.

NICHD will use a global recruitment program to fill this position. This is not a supervisory position.

IDDB develops scientific initiatives and supports research and research training related to intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). These include common and rare neuromuscular and neurodevelopmental disorders such as Down, Fragile X, and Rett syndromes; inborn errors of metabolism; autism spectrum disorders; and conditions currently and soon-to-be detectable through newborn screening. The branch has a long history of providing support for a diverse portfolio of research projects, contracts, training programs, and research centers dedicated to promoting the well-being of individuals with IDDs at all stages of development.

IDDB is seeking a program officer with research expertise related to neuroscience, including cognitive, behavioral, developmental, or systems neuroscience. Expertise in genetic and/or metabolic disorders that affect cognitive development, especially in pediatric populations, would be desirable. Experience with neuroimaging and/or animal or cellular models of typical and atypical brain development would also be desirable but not required. Candidates should have a solid foundation of training in neuroscience, or in developmental and behavioral psychology.

The incumbent will oversee and coordinate initiatives focused on neuroscience related to intellectual disabilities; serve as a liaison with patient advocacy groups and stakeholders both within and outside the government; and manage a diverse portfolio of grants and/or contracts related to basic neuroscience, intellectual disabilities, metabolic and genetic disorders, and newborn screening conditions. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills and in-depth knowledge of the field would be pluses.

This is an exciting time to join NICHD as we implement our strategic plan to shape and advance research in the near- and long-term future. This position will allow the successful candidate to be at the start of shaping scientific research opportunities that will directly affect the field, biomedical science, and public health for years to come.

IDDB and the NIH INCLUDE (INvestigation of Co-occurring conditions across the Lifespan to Understand Down syndromE) Project are seeking a program officer with expertise relevant to Down syndrome. The incumbent will coordinate NIH-wide initiatives related to Down syndrome research; develop funding opportunities for the program; serve as a liaison with patient advocacy groups and stakeholders both within and outside the government; and manage a diverse portfolio of grants and/or contracts related to Down syndrome.

Although this position is assigned to IDDB within NICHD, the incumbent will provide project management in coordination with staff in the Office of the Director of NIH and across other NIH institutes and centers. Since 2018, the INCLUDE Project has provided support for a diverse portfolio of research projects, contracts, training programs, and a data coordinating center dedicated to promoting the well-being of individuals with Down syndrome at all stages of development. IDDB develops scientific initiatives and supports research related to intellectual and developmental disabilities.

IDDB seeks candidates with clinical and/or research expertise related to Down syndrome, such as understanding the genetic and molecular basis of trisomy 21, studies of the co-occurring conditions in individuals with Down syndrome, epidemiological studies of Down syndrome, studies of multi-omics approaches to understanding Down syndrome, and/or clinical trials of treatments for conditions associated with Down syndrome. Experience with clinical trial study design and management is desirable but not required. In addition, the candidate should have training in a field that provides knowledge of the genetic and chromosomal basis of Down syndrome and its co-occurring conditions, such as in genetics, bioinformatics, psychology, neuroscience, developmental, and behavioral pediatrics. For applicants with medical degrees, the candidate should have training in a medical specialty related to Down syndrome or one of its co-occurring conditions.

For additional information about these positions, contact nichd-der-info@mail.nih.gov with a resume and letter of interest.

NICHD will use a global recruitment program to fill these positions. These are not supervisory positions.

OPPTB promotes basic, translational, and clinical research to improve the safety and efficacy of pharmaceuticals and other therapeutics, and to ensure centralization and coordination of research, clinical trials, and drug development activities for maternal and pediatric populations. The branch is responsible for implementing and overseeing the NIH portion of the Best Pharmaceuticals for Children Act of 2002 (BPCA) and its subsequent reauthorizations. The BPCA legislation promotes the prioritization of off-patent drugs that need further study in pediatrics and allows NICHD to sponsor clinical research on prioritized therapeutics and disseminate results to improve drug labeling.

OPPTB is seeking a program officer/medical officer with expertise in supporting activities related to the therapeutic treatment of pregnant and lactating people, neonates, and children. The incumbent may have a variety of backgrounds that relate to this role, such as extensive clinical trial experience, training in using real world evidence for developing clinical practice guidelines, training in maternal-fetal medicine, training in neonatology and/or pediatrics, or research experience in pharmacology and therapeutics as well as medical devices. This position offers unique and exciting opportunities to provide scientific leadership and to administer grants/contracts in support of maternal and pediatric research and clinical trials networks in the United States.

This is an important time to join NICHD as we implement our strategic plan to guide and advance research in the near- and long-term future. OPPTB is heavily involved in completing aspects of the implementation plan submitted by the Task Force on Research Specific to Pregnant Women and Lactating Women (PRGLAC). Through implementation of these plans, the successful candidate will be able to shape scientific research opportunities that will directly affect the field, biomedical science, and public health for years to come.

For additional information about this position, please contact DERInfo at nichd-der-info@mail.nih.gov.

NICHD will use a global recruitment program to fill this position. This is not a supervisory position.

OEP provides leadership in all aspects of extramural research and serves as an authoritative source of policy guidance, interpretation, and dissemination for NICHD and the scientific community. The office coordinates and shares information on grant-related issues, conducts application referral activities, evaluates special and other actions, and coordinates advisory council review of applications and research concepts.

OEP is seeking a policy officer with comprehensive knowledge of NIH instructions and policies related to application submission and in-depth knowledge of NIH policies and requirements relating to receipt and referral of grant applications.

The policy officer will adjudicate changes in institute or center (IC) assignment, evaluate and produce referral guidelines, provide information regarding the grant application process for applicants and NIH extramural staff, and identify emerging topics and initiatives requiring policy expertise.

Candidates should have excellent communications skills and be able to work collaboratively with a broad range of stakeholders inside NICHD, including the Referral and Program Analysis Branch, the Office of Health Equity, and the Division of Extramural Research, as well as receipt and referral staff at other ICs. OEP is particularly interested in individuals with broad background and expertise, including scientific topics within the NICHD mission and a strong interest in scientific workforce diversity.

OEP is also seeking a clinical trials policy officer with expertise and experience in human subjects research, regulations for the protection of human subjects, and NIH policies.

The successful candidate will advise and oversee implementation of policies related to the NIH Human Subjects System and inclusion monitoring and will serve as an expert on regulations related to the protection of human subjects. In this collaborative role, the incumbent will contribute to the development of NICHD-wide clinical research policies and processes with the new NICHD Office of Clinical Research. The individual will provide subject matter expertise to NICHD leadership and staff as well as to the extramural research community. In addition to developing briefings, presentations, resources, education, and training, responsibilities include providing guidance and conducting analyses to assist NICHD staff and the community.

Candidates should have experience in conducting or managing research involving human subjects, including clinical trials, as well as a solid working knowledge of the NIH grant system and the roles of NIH.

This is an especially important time to join NICHD, as we implement our strategic plan to shape and advance research in the near and long-term future.

For additional information about either of these vacancies, contact Joseph Gindhart, Ph.D., at joe.gindhart@nih.gov with a CV and letter of interest.

NICHD will use a global recruitment program to fill these openings. These are not supervisory positions.

DER seeks candidates for multiple program analyst positions across its 12 extramural science branches. DER seeks candidates with project management, analysis, communication, and evaluation skills to coordinate and manage branch activities and projects; assist with the production of branch communications; design and conduct analyses of scientific research to inform branch programs, strategic planning efforts, and funding decisions; and prepare materials to communicate the results of these analyses to a variety of audiences. Candidates with backgrounds in NICHD-relevant research fields, understanding of scientific research and funding processes, and/or experience using science of science methods will be preferred.

This is not a supervisory position.

For additional information about this position, contact nichd-der-info@mail.nih.gov with a resume and letter of interest.

Peter Basser Lab: Section on Quantitative Imaging and Tissue Sciences

Contact: Dr. Peter Basser, Section Head

The Section on Quantitative Imaging and Tissue Sciences is soliciting applications from individuals with a Ph.D., and/or an M.D. or comparable postdoctoral-level training interested in any of the following areas:

• Clinical brain imaging
• Translational magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
• Imaging and data sciences/computational neuroscience
• Measuring and mapping features of transport processes via MRI
• Brain network analysis
• Extracellular matrix MRI
• Porous media MR physics
• Fetal imaging
• Low-field MRI

Read more at https://www.nichd.nih.gov/research/atNICHD/Investigators/basser/fellowships.

Bezrukov Lab: Section on Molecular Transport

Contact: Dr. Tatiana K. Rostovtseva, Associate Scientist

The Section on Molecular Transport has a postdoctoral position available to study the role of the mitochondrial outer membrane protein (VDAC) in the regulation of mitochondrial metabolism. This lab examines the functions of three VDAC isoforms in mitochondrial bioenergetics and neurodegeneration to understand the molecular mechanisms of VDAC functioning and identify its natural regulators and synthetic inhibitors. The project seeks to improve outcomes of mitochondria-associated diseases by using VDAC as a promising pharmacological target. The research in the position to be filled is based on our recent findings that alpha-synuclein, a neuronal protein associated with Parkinson’s disease, transports into mitochondria through the VDAC beta-barrel.

Candidates must be strongly motivated with an interest in mitochondrial physiology; possess a Ph.D. in biochemistry, protein chemistry, biophysics, or physics; have completed fewer than 5 years of prior postdoctoral research training. Successful candidate should have a track record of publication in peer-reviewed international journals

Additional required submission materials: Bibliography; cover letter with a brief description of research interests and experiences; and list of at least three references, including their mailing addresses, telephone numbers, and email addresses.

Read more at https://www.nichd.nih.gov/research/atNICHD/Investigators/Bezrukov/fellowships.

Harold Burgess Lab: Section on Behavioral Neurogenetics

Contact: Dr. Harold Burgess, Section Head

The Section on Behavioral Neurogenetics is recruiting a postdoctoral fellow to study the development and function of neural circuits that control behavioral state transitions. By applying non-invasive optical and transgenic manipulations in zebrafish, the lab ascertains how specific neurons contribute to the initiation and maintenance of distinct behavioral states, and how they may be disrupted in neurodevelopmental disorders.

Ajay Chitnis Lab: Section on Neural Developmental Dynamics

Contact: Dr. Ajay Chitnis, Section Head

The Section on Neural Development has both postdoctoral and post-baccalaureate positions for candidates interested in understanding how signaling and physical interactions between cells coordinate animal development. The lab uses the zebrafish posterior lateral line primordium as a model to understand broader principles of self-organization in development. Fellows will use a combination of cellular, molecular, genetic, biomechanical, live imaging. and computational approaches to understand the development of the posterior lateral line primordium. This includes the use state-of-the-art microscopy coupled with image analysis to characterize the dynamics of cell shape and movement, and/or development of multi-scale computational models to understand the self-organization of cell-fate, morphogenesis, and migration of the lateral line primordium.

Candidates should be dynamic, independent researchers with diverse backgrounds and expertise who have completed their bachelor’s degree (for post-baccalaureate positions) or are within 2 years of having completed their Ph.D. (postdoctoral positions) with strengths in genetics, embryology, cell biology, molecular biology, biomechanics, image processing, bioinformatics and/or computer modelling. Experience with use of zebrafish as a model system and/or specific strengths in mathematical modelling, biomechanics and the physics of living systems are especially welcome

Read more at https://www.nichd.nih.gov/research/atNICHD/Investigators/chitnis/positions/postdoctoral and https://www.nichd.nih.gov/research/atNICHD/Investigators/chitnis/positions/post-baccalaureate.

Alan Hinnebusch Lab: Section on Nutrient Control of Gene Expression

Contact: Dr. Alan Hinnebusch, Section Head  

The Section on Nutrient Control of Gene Expression has a postdoctoral opening to study how signaling pathways and transcriptional and translational control mechanisms are enlisted to alter gene expression in response to nutrient limitation in eukaryotic cells. The lab uses budding yeast and combines classical genetics with systems biology fueled by multi-omics analyses to uncover and elucidate in molecular detail the underlying mechanisms involved.

Additional required submission materials: Contact information for their Ph.D. and postdoctoral mentor(s) and a cover letter describing their expertise and interest in the lab.

Henry Levin Lab: Section on Eukaryotic Transposable Elements

Contact: Dr. Henry Levin, Section Head

The Section on Eukaryotic Transposable Elements has an available postdoctoral position to study how human retrotransposon L1 is restricted by factors that defend the genome. Projects also include study of copy number regulation of rDNA repeat sequences. Having a long-standing interest in how mobile elements impact the biology of the host, we study retrotransposons in fission yeast, HIV-1 integration in cell culture, and now the 5’ truncation of L1 insertions. Further details and a list of publications can be found at the lab’s website.  

Interested candidates must have a Ph.D. and/or an M.D. and a strong background in molecular genetics. Skills in bioinformatics are also desirable.

Additional required submission materials: Cover letter, bibliography, and names of three references.

Matthias Machner Lab: Section on Microbial Pathogenesis

Contact: Dr. Matthias Machner, Section Head

The Section on Microbial Pathogenesis has a postdoctoral opening to study virulence mechanisms of the bacterium Legionella pneumophila, the causative agent of Legionnaires’ disease. The lab uses cutting-edge technologies from various fields to determine at a molecular, cellular, and structural level how Legionella can manipulate host cells and cause disease.

Additional required submission materials: Contact information for three references and a cover letter describing expertise and interest in the Machner lab.

Richard Maraia Lab: Section on Molecular and Cellular Biology

Contact: Dr. Richard Maraia, Section Head

The Section on Molecular and Cellular Biology is seeking a postdoctoral fellow for studies involving basic mechanisms of transcription by RNA polymerase III and the control of mRNA metabolism and function, related to human disease. The lab uses a variety of methods and model systems.

Additional required submission materials: A description of training-expertise, interests, goals, and contact information for three references including supervisor.

Doreen Matthies Lab: Unit on Structural Biology

Contact: Dr. Doreen Matthies, Principal Investigator

The Unit on Structural Biology has an open position for a postdoctoral fellow to study the structure and function of membrane protein complexes in their native lipid membrane environment. The lab uses a combination of molecular biology, biochemistry and biophysical methods including electron microscopy (EM), cryo-EM as well as cryo-FIBSEM and cryo-ET to study molecular transport across membranes.

Additional required submission materials: Contact information for two to three references and a cover letter describing their expertise and interest in the Matthies lab.

Pedro Rocha Lab: Unit on Genome Structure and Regulation

Contact: Dr. Pedro Rocha, Principal Investigator

The Unit on Genome Structure and Regulation studies how the mechanisms that fold and compact the genome help ensure precise spatial-temporal activation of gene expression. The lab is looking for people who share an enthusiasm for gene regulation, nuclear organization, or mouse development. Postdoctoral fellows will be able to start their own research program or lead ongoing projects. Ph.D.-level experience in at least one of the following is required:

• Mouse development
• Mouse genetics
• Epigenetics
• Massively parallel sequencing-based techniques
• Computational biology 

Additional required submission materials: A two-paragraph cover letter explaining your scientific trajectory and why you would like to join the lab, and contacts for three references.

Read more at https://www.nichd.nih.gov/research/atNICHD/Investigators/rocha/apply.

Katherine Rogers Lab: Unit on Developmental Signaling

Contact: Dr. Katherine Rogers, Principal Investigator

The Unit on Developmental Signaling has a postdoctoral opening to study how developmental signaling is decoded during vertebrate embryogenesis. The lab uses zebrafish embryos and molecular optogenetics to study how cells respond to signaling levels, dynamics, and combinations.

Additional required submission materials: Contact information for two to three references, and a cover letter describing their expertise and interest in the Rogers lab.

Mihaela Serpe Lab: Section on Cellular Communication

Contact: Dr. Mihaela Serpe, Section Head

The Section on Cellular Communication is recruiting a postdoctoral fellow to study the role of trans-synaptic signaling (including by bone morphogenetic proteins) in the development, function, and plasticity of neural circuits that control locomotion. Using a wide variety of approaches, from genetics and cellular and molecular biology to single cell RNAseq and electrophysiology, the lab ascertains how signaling and trans-synaptic interactions contribute to the initial assembly of glutamatergic synapses and enable subsequent activity-dependent plasticity and homeostasis. We use the powerful genetic system Drosophila and focus on highly conserved ionotropic glutamatergic receptors and their auxiliary subunits. Disruptions of signaling networks guiding the formation and homeosis of glutamatergic synapses in our brain lead to neurodevelopmental disorders and neurological diseases.

Additional required submission materials: Cover letter and contact information for three references.

Read more at https://www.nichd.nih.gov/research/atNICHD/Investigators/Serpe/openings.  

Sarah Sheppard Lab: Unit on Vascular Malformation

Contact: Dr. Sarah Sheppard, Principal Investigator

The Unit on Vascular Malformation has a postdoctoral fellowship position available to investigate cellular and molecular mechanisms causing lymphatic malformations. The lab uses cell lines and zebrafish in combination with genetic manipulation, live imaging, and drug screening to understand how these lymphatic malformations form and what therapies may be efficacious.

Additional required submission materials: Cover letter and contact information for three references.

Read more at https://www.nichd.nih.gov/research/atNICHD/Investigators/sheppard/apply.

Roger Woodgate Lab: Section on DNA Replication, Repair, and Mutagenesis

Contact: Dr. Roger Woodgate, Section Head

The Section on DNA Replication, Repair, and Mutagenesis utilizes several model organisms to understand the role of low-fidelity DNA polymerases in genome (in)stability. Current projects include investigating their roles in the evolution of antibiotic resistance in bacteria; the promotion of mutagenesis in Mycobacterium tuberculosis; and the DNA polymerase iota in human cells.

This fellowship is open to individuals with fewer than 5 years of postdoctoral experience. The successful applicant will be expected to lead their own project as well as to contribute to collaborative research efforts in the lab. They also should have at least one first-authored publication, and a strong background in one, or more, of the following disciplines:

• Protein expression, purification, and characterization
• Cell and molecular biology techniques
• Mammalian cell culture 

Effective oral and written communication skills are required.

Additional required submission materials: Statement of research interests and names of three references. Competitive stipends are determined by the number of years of relevant postdoctoral experience. 

DiPHR participates in several NIH-wide research training programs, including:

• Postdoctoral Intramural Research Training Award (IRTA)
• Graduate Partners Program
• Postbaccalaureate IRTA
• Summer Internship Program in Biomedical Research

Visit DiPHR’s Training and Recruitment page to learn more about these programs.

Epidemiology Branch (EB)

Contact: Dr. Fasil Tekola-Ayele, Stadtman Investigator

EB has a postdoctoral opening to study genomic factors related to fetal growth and cardiometabolic outcomes (PDF 185 KB). The branch’s research leverages multi-omic data in placenta, fetal, child, and maternal genomes in the context of environmental factors in ancestrally diverse populations.

Additional required submission materials: Statement of research interests to be pursued during training, three letters of reference, and their transcripts for undergraduate and graduate degrees.

Social and Behavioral Sciences Branch (SBSB)

Postdoctoral Fellowships

Contact: Dr. Denise Haynie, Staff Scientist

Postdoctoral fellowships are available within SBSB to work with research groups led by Dr. Bobby Cheon, Dr. Stephen Gilman, and Dr. Tonja Nansel. SBSB research addresses multiple aspects of health, health-related behaviors, and health equity throughout the life course by investigating novel social, behavioral, and environmental determinants in observational and experimental studies.

Fellows will have access to rich, population-based datasets addressing health-related behaviors in children and families and the social determinants of child development and mental health, and will have the opportunity to participate in the branch’s ongoing field studies that focus on:

• Mechanisms underlying socioeconomic and racial/ethnic disparities in child development
• Trajectories and correlates of health and health-related behaviors during the transition from adolescence to young adulthood
• Reward-related eating behaviors, diet quality, and diet-related outcomes during pregnancy and postpartum and across early childhood

Candidates with superior analytic, written, and oral communication skills, research interests aligned with areas currently under investigation in the branch, and a strong commitment to promoting a diverse, respectful, and inclusive workplace are encouraged to apply. Before starting their fellowship, postdoctoral fellows in SBSB must have completed the requirements for their doctoral degree in the social and behavioral sciences or closely related field (e.g., psychology, epidemiology, public health, nutrition, behavioral economics, behavioral neuroscience, sociology) and must have no more than 5 years of research experience since receipt of their doctoral degree.

Additional required submission materials: Statement of research interests, three letters of reference, and official transcripts for undergraduate and graduate coursework.

Postbaccalaureate Training Program

The SBSB postbaccalaureate training program provides recent college graduates who plan to pursue graduate or professional health-related degree programs (e.g., Ph.D., M.D.) an opportunity to spend 1 or 2 years performing full-time research in population health, with one-on-one mentoring by senior NIH scientists. Postbaccalaureate candidates will join a collaborative, multi-disciplinary team of investigators and research fellows whose research addresses multiple aspects of health, health-related behaviors, and health equity throughout the life course by investigating social, behavioral, biological, and environmental determinants of health and development and developing public health prevention and treatment interventions.

SBSB and the NIH-wide Office of Intramural Training & Education (OITE) provide many career and professional development opportunities on topics ranging from statistical methods, graduate school applications, and wellness. Fellows complete an independent research project and share their work with the NIH community at the annual NIH-wide Postbaccalaureate Poster Day and NICHD retreat. Postbaccalaureate candidates also can present their research at a local professional scientific conference.

Applicants with career interests aligned with SBSB research are recommended to contact SBSB principal investigators to describe their research interests and inquire about openings in their research groups. For more information on postbaccalaureate programs at NIH, please see the OITE website: https://www.training.nih.gov/trainees/postbacs.