What are the responsibilities and job description for the NIH OSC–AI Integration Fellowship position at National Institutes of Health (NIH)?
Immersive STEM Learning Fellowship at NIH OSC
The National Institutes of Health (NIH), Office of Strategic Coordination (OSC), invites applicants to apply to an immersive STEM learning fellowship designed to cultivate scientific curiosity and professional development. This opportunity offers participants the chance to explore how artificial intelligence (AI) and automation technologies can transform NIH operations in biomedical and behavioral research initiatives.
Through this fellowship, participants will engage in guided exploration of AI and automation trends in the NIH operational environment, gaining insights into how these innovations can be applied in federal agency settings. The program emphasizes experiential learning, collaboration, and experimentation in a dynamic environment that values creativity and forward-thinking approaches.
What Will I Be Learning?
Participants in this STEM fellowship will engage in a variety of learning experiences, including:
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Exploring AI and Automation Applications: Investigate how technical knowledge and skills can be used to enhance operations within a federal agency. Participants will examine use cases for embedding AI and automation technologies in office environments, exploring advancements in both public and private sectors.
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Understanding Federal Ecosystems: Learn how to implement AI solutions within the unique context of government operations. This includes studying applicable federal policies, evaluating existing technologies, identifying opportunities for new solutions, and understanding the constraints specific to federal agencies.
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Engaging in Systems Exploration: Collaborate with diverse stakeholders within the NIH OSC to identify operational needs and innovative solutions. Participants will delve into process design and mapping activities aimed at improving internal systems and workflows.
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Experimenting with AI and Automation: Gain hands-on experience in creating AI agents and developing automation solutions in an open, safe environment that encourages learning through experimentation.
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Human-Centered Design and Customer Experience: Explore methods for gathering and responding to feedback, and take part in designing feedback loops that inform systems development. Participants will learn about customer experience principles and human-centered design approaches to enhance processes and solutions.
Why Should I Participate?
This STEM learning fellowship provides a unique opportunity to explore the intersection of AI, automation, and systems engineering in the context of federal biomedical research. Participants will:
- Explore NIH’s collaborative research programs and mechanisms.
- Learn to navigate NIH databases and tools for data analysis.
- Identify metrics and indicators for evaluating programs and initiatives.
- Compare outcomes across different collaborative research efforts.
- Develop data-driven recommendations for future initiatives.
Under the mentorship of NIH experts, participants will gain valuable insights into the role of AI and automation in advancing operational efficiency and scientific innovation, while developing skills that can propel their future STEM endeavors.
Where will I be located?
Fellows are expected to be fully engaged in-person at 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 appointments are typically for one year, renewable for up to an additional four year, upon recommendation of NIH and is contingent on the availability of funds. Shorter-term and part-time opportunities may also be available.
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 : $54,000 - $88,000