Click on Apply below to start your application.

*Applications will be reviewed on a rolling-basis.

The National Library of Medicine (NLM), the world's largest medical library, is a global leader in medical informatics and computational biology research. The NLM Division of Intramural Research (DIR) focuses on two key areas within computational biomedical sciences: 1) Computational Biology, Advance algorithms and models to analyze biological data, enhancing understanding of biological systems, and uncovering connections across various levels of biological organization; and 2) Computational Health Sciences, Developing innovative computational methods for clinical information and the establishment of health data standards. 

At the heart of NLM’s research initiatives are its Principal Investigators, who spearhead transformative advancements in their fields. The projects within NLM’s DIR are organized into six core research areas:

1. Evolutionary Genomics and Biomolecular Structure
2. Health Information Standards and Discovery
3. Image Processing
4. Natural Language Processing
5. Networks, Gene Regulation, and Chromatin
6. Statistical Methods

Participants can contribute to on-going research projects in any of these areas under the guidance of research staff preceptors. For detailed descriptions of each research area, visit: https://www.nlm.nih.gov/research/index.html. 

What will I be doing?

As a participant, you will have the opportunity to:

• Engage in Independent Research: Learn how to conduct independent study and research under the mentorship of NLM-DIR staff.
• Explore Biomedical Resources: Learn about the biomedical tools and resources provided by NIH and NLM, as well as the motivations and challenges driving current research at DIR, through seminars, workshops, and lectures.
• Enhance Communication Skills: Present research findings through written and oral communication, refine your work through peer critiques, and improve your writing and presentation skills.
• Career Development Opportunities: Gain professional growth opportunities for trainees specializing in biomedical informatics and computational biology by engaging with leading practitioners and researchers.
• Participate in Career Development Programs: Take advantage of training and career development initiatives offered by NLM’s Training Office and the NIH Office of Intramural Training and Education.
• Collaborate Across Research Communities: Contribute to research projects alongside other NIH intramural laboratories and collaborate with extramural academic institutions.

What is the anticipated start date?

Exact start dates will be finalized at the time of selection and in coordination with the chosen candidates.

What are the provisions?

You will receive a competitive stipend, determined by the NIH, to cover living expenses and other expenses. Stipends are typically based on academic level, discipline, and experience. Additionally, you may be eligible to receive a health insurance allowance and reimbursement for travel expenses.

Where will I be located?

Bethesda, MD

Nature of the Appointment

This program, administered by 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 NLM.  The participant will not enter into an employee/employer relationship with ORISE, ORAU, NIH, NLM, DIR or any other office or agency.  Instead, the participant will be affiliated with ORISE for the administration of the appointment through the ORISE appointment letter and Terms of Appointment.

Preferred skills:

• Strong foundation in biology, mathematics, statistics, computer science, or a related discipline

• Experience with computing and information systems, including programming skills

• Background in computer science and/or computer engineering education is advantageous but not required

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Have completed or are currently active in pursuing a Bachelor’s, Master’s or Doctorate degree in a related field.

The ideal candidates will be in their early career and currently pursuing or have recently completed their Bachelor's, Master's, or Doctorate degree in a related field within the last 5 years. If more than five years since receipt of degree, the applicant must have an academic background and experience in a relevant field and must be seeking to gain new knowledge/experience in order to expand career opportunities or to advance professionally.

A complete application consists of:

• Complete Zintellect profile

• Complete Application questions 

• Current Resume/CV, including academic history, employment history, and relevant experiences

• Transcripts/Academic Records - Recent unofficial transcripts or copies of the student academic records printed by the applicant or by academic advisors from internal institutional systems may be submitted to complete the application, if a copy of the official transcript is not available at the time of application. Transcripts/Academic Records must include the name of the academic institution, name of the student, completed/in progress coursework and grades.  If you are selected, you will be required to provide a copy of your official transcript before the appointment can start.

• One (1) Academic or Professional Recommendation - Applicants are required to provide contact information for at least one recommendation in order to submit the application.  Recommenders will be asked to complete a recommendation through the Zintellect system, and must complete it before the application is considered complete.  Applications without a completed recommendation will not be reviewed.  The recommendation should address a candidate's academic record, scientific capabilities, personal characteristics, and potential for success.  The recommendation must be submitted through the Zintellect application system. Recommendations submitted via email will not be accepted.    

All documents must be submitted via Zintellect, and must be in English or include an official English translation. All application components must be received in the system in order to be considered. Documents must have all social security numbers, student identification numbers, and/or dates of birth removed (blanked out, blackened out, made illegible, etc.) prior to uploading into the application system.  Incomplete applications will not be considered. Supporting materials must be uploaded as PDF files to ensure the document can be searched by Zintellect’s search engine. Documents sent by email, postal mail, or fax will not be considered.  

If you have questions, send an email to NIHprograms@orau.org. Please include the reference code (NIH-NLM-2025) for this opportunity in the subject or body of your email. 

Connect with ORISE...on the GO! Download the new ORISE GO mobile app in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store to help you stay engaged, connected, and informed during your ORISE experience and beyond!

• Degree: Bachelor's Degree, Master's Degree, or Doctoral Degree.
• Discipline(s):
  • Chemistry and Materials Sciences (12 )
  • Computer, Information, and Data Sciences (17 )
  • Earth and Geosciences (1 )
  • Engineering (27 )
  • Environmental and Marine Sciences (14 )
  • Life Health and Medical Sciences (46 )
  • Mathematics and Statistics (10 )
  • Physics (16 )
  • Science & Engineering-related (1 )
• Age: Must be 18 years of age