What are the responsibilities and job description for the NIH Data COUNTS and the Real-World Data Network position at National Institutes of Health (NIH)?
Immersive STEM Learning Fellowship: Real-World Data Network (RWDN)
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) Office of Data Science Strategy (ODSS) invites recent Postdocs to apply to a STEM learning fellowship focused on addressing the chronic disease crisis in America through innovative data science initiatives. NIH is establishing the Real-World Data Network (RWDN) to enable researchers to study predisposing factors, prevention strategies, treatment options, and long-term consequences of chronic diseases. To enhance this effort, NIH ODSS launched the Data COUNTS program, which promotes the collection, accessibility, and reuse of real-world data (RWD) from healthcare partners. Using privacy-preserving, federated approaches, Data COUNTS works to reduce data burden, improve transparency and quality, and accelerate access to evidence that informs biomedical research, public health, and regulatory needs.
What Will I Be Doing?
Through this fellowship, participants will engage in mentored learning opportunities to:
- Develop a foundational understanding of how NIH collaborates with healthcare organizations to advance real-world data collection.
- Build skills in evaluating data quality, exploring methodological approaches, and understanding data harmonization and governance within controlled-access environments.
- Apply clinical data science concepts to explore how researchers use RWD effectively across NIH programs.
- Gain experience engaging with HHS on RWD consent policies and sharing their research findings with NIH staff through white papers, posters and presentations.
- Learn how interdisciplinary teams—including experts in AI and clinical informatics—collaborate to shape funding opportunities and advance RWD initiatives.
Why Should I Apply?
This STEM learning fellowship offers participants the opportunity to expand their expertise in data science, clinical informatics, and NIH-led research initiatives. Participants will learn how NIH supports real-world data efforts, refine their analytical and methodological skills, and explore innovative approaches to tackling chronic diseases. Guided by experienced mentors, participants will contribute to impactful projects while gaining insights into how data-driven strategies can advance national health and biomedical research.
Where will I be located?
Fellows are expected to be fully engaged, either in-person or remote. 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 for 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 : $88,000