What are the responsibilities and job description for the NIH Building a Federated, AI-Aware Data Ecosystem position at National Institutes of Health (NIH)?
Immersive STEM Learning Fellowship at NIH ODSS
The National Institutes of Health (NIH), Office of Data Science Strategy (ODSS), invites recent Post-Master's and Postdoctoral researchers to apply to an immersive STEM learning fellowship designed to inspire scientific exploration and foster professional growth. NIH ODSS leads groundbreaking initiatives such as the Multimodal AI Program (MAI) and the NIH Cloud Platforms Interoperability Program (NCPI). MAI focuses on developing artificial intelligence approaches capable of integrating diverse clinical and biological data types, while NCPI creates frameworks and standards that enable researchers to seamlessly search, access, and analyze large-scale, controlled-access datasets.
Under the mentorship of Dr. Richard Conroy, participants will engage in guided learning experiences to deepen their understanding of multimodal AI, explore technical and governance aspects of NCPI, and design pilot projects that promote federated tools and methodologies (e.g., privacy-enhancing technologies, federated learning, and data quality assessment) across ODSS-funded programs. This fellowship emphasizes skill-building, scientific inquiry, and hands-on training in NIH-wide data ecosystem planning and implementation.
What Will I Be Doing?
With mentorship and guidance from the ODSS team, participants will:
- Explore NIH extramural and intramural mechanisms, ODSS-led data science initiatives, and models for collaborative research across NIH Institutes and Centers.
- Gain hands-on experience with NIH and ODSS data resources for discovery, harmonization, and analysis.
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to define criteria for success and impact in various collaborative and federated research programs.
- Receive training in science policy translation, learning how technical standards, governance frameworks, and privacy-preserving methods shape the design of NIH-wide data ecosystems.
- Engage with the broader scientific and stakeholder community to exchange ideas and insights.
- Attend workshops, seminars, and symposia on data science, artificial intelligence, and biomedical research, synthesizing lessons learned to inform ODSS strategies.
Why Should I Apply?
This STEM learning fellowship offers a unique opportunity to develop expertise in data science, artificial intelligence, and NIH-led research initiatives. Participants will gain valuable insights into NIH data ecosystems, refine their analytical and computational skills, and explore collaborative approaches to addressing complex biomedical research challenges. Guided by experienced mentors, participants will expand their scientific knowledge and contribute to innovative solutions that advance the field of data science in biomedical research.
Fellows are expected to be fully engaged in-person. In-person location is Bethesda, MD.
What financial provisions will I receive?
The selected candidates will receive a monthly stipend to help offset living and other expenses during this appointment. Stipend rates are determined by NIH officials and are based on the candidate’s academic and professional background. In addition, NIH may provide a health insurance supplement to cover the monthly premium costs if you elect the ORAU/ORISE health insurance plan, as necessary.
What is the length of the appointment?
The appointment will initially be for one year and may be renewed annually up to an additional four years upon recommendation of NIH and is contingent on the availability of funds.
When are selections made?
An initial review of applications will occur on July 1, 2026. Thereafter, applications will be reviewed on a rolling-basis throughout the 2026 calendar year, and selections made as projects for participation become available.
What is the 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 the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Participants do not become employees of NIH, DOE, ORISE, nor ORAU, and there are no employment-related benefits.
Salary : $75,000 - $88,000