NIH Planning and Evaluation of the National Institutes of Health’s Data Science Strategy - Postmaster's Fellowship

Organization National Institutes of Health (NIH) Reference Code NIH-DPCPSI-ODSS-Evaluations-2026 How To Apply Click on Apply below to start your application. 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. Description STEM Learning Fellowship in Program Evaluation at NIH ODSS The National Institutes of Health (NIH) Office of Data Science Strategy (ODSS) invites recent Post-Master's to apply to a STEM learning fellowship focused on evaluation and strategic analysis. ODSS leads the implementation of the NIH Strategic Plan for Data Science and seeks motivated individuals to engage in mentored learning experiences designed to assess the effectiveness, impact, and progress of NIH data science initiatives. Participants will receive training to develop evaluation frameworks, logic models, and performance metrics, while gaining hands-on STEM learning experience in data collection, analysis, and integration of key research findings into the Strategic Tracking and Reporting Tool (START). This fellowship emphasizes skill-building, evidence-based learning, and the application of evaluation methods to real-world programmatic activities in support of NIH’s commitment to Gold Standard Science. What Will I Be Doing? Participants Will Engage In Guided Learning Opportunities To • Explore NIH data systems and administrative datasets to support evaluation analyses. • Develop foundational and applied skills in program evaluation, including logic model development, evaluation planning, and identifying performance metrics. • Apply qualitative and quantitative evaluation methods to analyze data, identify trends, and explore gaps and opportunities for improvement in data science initiatives. • Conduct assessments of program implementation, outcomes, and effectiveness to generate evidence-based insights that inform strategic decision-making. • Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to exchange ideas and refine evaluation strategies. • Communicate research findings through white papers, posters, and presentations to ODSS staff • Participate in workshops, seminars, and professional development activities to enhance evaluation skills and knowledge. • Build experience translating evidence into actionable recommendations for shaping future program directions. Why Should I Apply? This STEM learning fellowship provides an exceptional opportunity to develop expertise in program evaluation and strategic analysis within the context of NIH data science initiatives. Participants will refine their skills in evidence-based evaluation, data analysis, and interdisciplinary collaboration, while gaining insights into how evaluation methods can strengthen NIH’s commitment to advancing biomedical research. Guided by experienced mentors, participants will contribute to impactful projects that enhance their professional growth and scientific curiosity. 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 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. Qualifications The qualified candidate must be 18 years or older at the time of application and should have received a master's degree in one of the relevant fields. The degree must have been received within the last five years of the appointment start date. Current graduate students who are nearing degree completion may apply but must have completed their degrees by the start of the fellowship. Citizenship Requirements: This opportunity is available to U.S. citizens, Lawful Permanent Residents (LPR), and foreign nationals. Non-U.S. citizen applicants should refer to the Guidelines for Non-U.S. Citizens Details page for information about the valid immigration statuses that are acceptable for program participation. A Completed Application Consists Of • A complete Zintellect profile. • A program specific application submitted in Zintellect. • Transcript(s) – Submit a copy of your most recent official transcript. For this opportunity, an unofficial transcript or copy of the student academic record printed by the applicant or by academic advisors from internal institution systems may be submitted to complete the application requirement, if you do not have a copy of your official transcript at the time of application. The transcript or academic record must include the name of the academic institution, name of the student, courses completed/in progress, grades and degree expected/awarded. A copy of your official transcript and/or letter showing proof of your degree may be required prior to starting the appointment. All transcripts must be in English or include an official English translation. • A current resume/CV, including academic history, employment history, relevant experiences, and publication list. • One Recommendation - Applicants are required to provide contact information for at least one recommendation in order to submit the application, but up to three are encouraged. You are encouraged to request a recommendation from professionals who can speak to your abilities and potential for success, as well as your scientific capabilities and personal characteristics. Recommendation requests must be sent through the Zintellect application system. Recommenders will be asked to complete a recommendation in Zintellect. Recommendations submitted via email will not be accepted. Recommendations must be submitted before your application can be reviewed. All documents submitted must be in English or include an official English translation. All social security numbers, student identification numbers, and/or dates of birth should be removed (blanked out or blackened out, made illegible, etc.) prior to uploading into the application system. If you have questions, contact us at NIHprograms@orau.org. Please include the reference code NIH-DPCPSI-ODSS-Evaluations-2026 for this opportunity in 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! Point of Contact Daphne Eligibility Requirements">3 ) • Degree: Master's Degree received within the last 60 months or currently pursuing. • Discipline(s): • Business (