Lana Oconnell
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) offers internship opportunities for both current students and recent graduates. These internships are available to students in college, graduate, and professional school. While some internships are only open to US citizens, there are also opportunities for international students. For example, the NIH Summer Internship Program (SIP) is open to undergraduate and graduate students interested in pursuing careers in the biomedical/biological sciences. Similarly, the Academic Internship Program (AIP) offers research positions within the NIH Intramural Research Program for college, graduate, and professional students.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Internship type | Summer Internship Program (SIP), Academic Internship Program (AIP), NIH Recent Graduates Program, NIH Presidential Management Fellows (PMF) Program, Temporary Student Trainee Program |
| Internship duration | Minimum of 8 weeks for Summer Internship Program, AIP appointments begin in fall or spring and may continue through to May 15 |
| Work hours | Full-time or part-time |
| Eligibility | High school, undergraduate, graduate, and professional school students; must be a U.S. citizen or national, at least 16 years old, and maintain student eligibility for the duration of the internship; must be in good academic standing and enrolled in an accredited U.S. institution |
| Application process | Apply online or directly to NIH Principal Investigators (PIs); submit personal statement, references, work/volunteer experience, and transcripts |
| Benefits | Stipend, free parking, eligibility to enroll in the Federal Employees Health Benefit Program, earn annual and sick leave |
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What You'll Learn
Eligibility criteria for international students
The eligibility criteria for international students vary depending on the specific internship program at NIH. Here are the detailed eligibility criteria for different programs:
Summer Internship Program (SIP):
- Students in college, graduate, and professional school are eligible.
- Applicants must be interested in exploring careers in research and healthcare.
- Internships are full-time research positions within one of the NIH Institutes and Centers (IC).
- Students from various fields, including biology, engineering, epidemiology, psychology, mathematics, chemistry, and health-related fields, are invited to apply.
- Applicants must submit a personal statement describing their research experience, interests, and career goals, along with two references.
- Interns must work a minimum of 8 continuous weeks full-time between May and September, preferably in June and July.
- All interns must present proof of health insurance.
- Stipends for interns are adjusted annually based on their educational level.
Academic Internship Program (AIP):
- Applicants must be enrolled in an accredited U.S. college, graduate, or professional school and be in good academic standing.
- Students often work part-time while attending school, but full-time work is possible under certain circumstances.
- Research opportunities are available in the biomedical, behavioral, and social sciences.
- If receiving academic credit for the internship, students must complete a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) before starting.
- Students must apply directly to NIH Principal Investigators (PIs) who make hiring decisions.
NIH Recent Graduates Program:
Applicants must have completed an associate's, bachelor's, master's, professional, doctorate, vocational, or technical degree or certificate within the previous two years from a qualifying educational institution.
Undergraduate Scholarship Program (UGSP):
- High school, undergraduate, and graduate students with a strong interest in biomedical sciences or related disciplines are eligible.
- Scholarships are offered competitively to students from disadvantaged backgrounds pursuing careers in biomedical, behavioral, or social science health-related research.
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Application process and timeline
The NIH offers a wide range of research training programs for students interested in biomedical research. The application process and timeline vary depending on the specific program and level of study. Here is a detailed breakdown of the application process and timeline for some of the commonly sought-after internship programs at NIH:
Summer Internship Program (SIP)
The Summer Internship Program is open to undergraduate and graduate students interested in pursuing careers in biomedical/biological sciences. The application for this program is typically available from mid-November to mid-February. The internship itself takes place during the summer, with interns expected to work a minimum of 8 continuous weeks full-time between May and September, preferably including the months of June and July.
The application process involves submitting an online application, which includes a personal statement describing your research experience, interests, and career goals, as well as providing references. Applications are reviewed by individual Principal Investigators (PIs), who select their interns and fund them. PIs begin interviewing candidates and making offers in early January, and the selection process is usually completed by April 1.
Academic Internship Program (AIP)
The Academic Internship Program is for college, graduate, and professional school students who wish to intern at NIH during the school year. Unlike the SIP, the AIP does not have a formal application process. Students apply directly to NIH PIs, who make hiring decisions. Students must be enrolled in an accredited U.S. institution and maintain good academic standing. AIP appointments typically begin at the start of the fall or spring semester and may continue through May 15.
NIH Undergraduate Scholarship Program (UGSP)
The UGSP offers competitive scholarships to students from disadvantaged backgrounds who are committed to careers in biomedical, behavioral, or social science health-related research. While the application timeline for this program is not specified, interested applicants can visit the OITE Undergraduate Scholarship Program page for application details and policies.
NIH Recent Graduates Program
This program is designed for recent graduates who have completed an associate's, bachelor's, master's, or other qualifying degree within the previous two years. The application process and timeline for this program are not specified, but applicants can visit the Jobs@NIH Recent Graduates page for more information.
Temporary Student Trainee Program
The Temporary Student Trainee Program is for interns hired as temporary employees. While specific application deadlines are not mentioned, the website states that once an announcement is posted on www.usajobs.gov, complete applications must be submitted electronically by 11:59 pm Eastern Standard Time on the closing date of the announcement.
It is important to note that some general requirements, such as maintaining student eligibility, providing proof of health insurance, and submitting all required documents on time, are consistent across all internship programs at NIH.
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Requirements and necessary documents
International students can apply for internships at the NIH, but they will need to be sponsored by the NIH on a J-1 visa. The NIH assists visiting fellows in obtaining these. If you are currently in the US on an F visa, you should consult the international services office at your university for information on training at the NIH.
The NIH offers internships for students in college, graduate, or professional school. These internships are research positions within one of the NIH Institutes and Centers (IC) in the NIH Intramural Research Program.
To participate in the Academic Internship Program (AIP), you must be enrolled and in good academic standing in an accredited US college or graduate program. Students with experience in biology, engineering, epidemiology, psychology, mathematics, chemistry, pharmaceutical sciences, nursing, physics, computer science, bioinformatics, and other health-related fields are offered research opportunities in the biomedical, behavioural, and social sciences.
If you are receiving academic credit for your internship, you must obtain permission from your school or academic institution and complete a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) before starting at the NIH. If you are a professional school student (MD, DO, DDS, DVM, etc.) and plan to work at the NIH full-time, you must show proof of deferment.
The AIP does not have a formal application process; you apply directly to NIH Principal Investigators (PIs), who make decisions about hiring interns and complete the AIP registration process in the OITE once you are admitted. You should request letters of reference from teachers, employers, or mentors to support your application. Once you have secured a position, your research group will facilitate the process of completing the MOU (if required) and will then register you with OITE.
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Internship structure and expectations
The NIH offers a variety of internship programs for students and recent graduates, including international students. The structure and expectations of an NIH internship vary depending on the specific program. Here is an overview of some popular internship programs offered by the NIH:
Summer Internship Program (SIP)
The Summer Internship Program is a full-time research internship offered to college, graduate, and professional students interested in exploring careers in biomedical, behavioural, and social sciences. Interns are expected to work a minimum of 8 continuous weeks between May and September, with a preference for interns working in June and July. The program provides interns with the freedom to design and conduct their own research projects under the direction of a Principal Investigator (PI). Students are also invited to participate in special activities, such as the Summer Seminar Series and Poster Day.
Academic Internship Program (AIP)
The Academic Internship Program is designed for college, graduate, and professional school students who wish to intern at the NIH during the school year. AIP interns often work part-time while attending classes, but full-time positions are also available. Similar to the SIP, AIP interns work in research groups directed by a PI and have the opportunity to explore various research areas. To apply for the AIP, students must apply directly to NIH PIs, who make hiring decisions.
NIH Recent Graduates Program
The Recent Graduates Program is open to individuals who have recently completed an associate's, bachelor's, master's, or other professional degree. This program is designed for those seeking administrative or scientific positions at the NIH. Candidates are assessed by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) and apply to work at the NIH after being named a Presidential Management Fellows (PMF) Finalist.
Undergraduate Scholarship Program (UGSP)
The Undergraduate Scholarship Program offers competitive scholarships to students from disadvantaged backgrounds who are pursuing careers in biomedical, behavioural, or social science health-related research. This program provides students with research training and the opportunity to participate in special activities on the NIH campus during the summer months.
Regardless of the program, interns at the NIH can expect to gain valuable research experience and contribute to their educational goals. The application and selection process may vary, but it generally involves submitting a personal statement, references, and other required documents. Interviews are typically conducted by the PIs, who have the autonomy to select their interns and provide funding for their positions.
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Benefits and compensation
The NIH Summer Internship Program (SIP) offers a range of benefits and compensation for participants. The program provides interns with the opportunity to gain valuable research experience and develop professional skills that will be beneficial for their future careers. Interns will work full-time in a research group directed by a Principal Investigator (PI) and will have the freedom to design and conduct their own projects. This allows interns to develop their research and project management skills, as well as gain experience in a specific area of interest.
In addition to the research experience, interns will have access to professional development programs focused on core competencies needed for success in scientific, research, and healthcare careers. This includes the opportunity to participate in a Graduate and Professional School Fair and Summer Poster Day, where interns can present their research to the NIH community. Interns will also have the chance to network and connect with others in their field, which can be invaluable for future career opportunities.
While specific details of compensation are not readily available, it is mentioned that stipends for summer interns are provided and adjusted annually based on the educational level. Interns are also eligible for free parking on each NIH campus, and some may be able to participate in the Transhare program.
Overall, the NIH Summer Internship Program offers a comprehensive package of benefits and compensation, providing interns with a valuable and enriching experience that will benefit their professional growth and development.
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Frequently asked questions
To be considered for the NIH internship, applicants must be US citizens or nationals, be at least 16 years old by the closing date of the announcement, and maintain student eligibility for the duration of the internship.
Applicants must complete at least 480 hours of work experience, meet the qualification standards for the position, and meet agency-specific requirements. Students are also required to take the Laboratory Safety course and the Radiation Safety course if they will be working with radioactive materials.
To apply for the NIH internship, applicants must submit their applications online. The application process typically involves submitting a personal statement, references, and other supporting documents. Applications are reviewed by individual Principal Investigators (PIs) who select their interns and provide funding.
