NIDCR Director’s Postbaccalaureate Intramural Research Training Award Fellowship (IRTA)

Description

The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR) is pleased to announce the NIDCR Director’s Postbaccalaureate Intramural Research Training Award Fellowship (IRTA). As noted in NIH’s Notice of Interest in Diversity (NOT-OD-20-031), research shows that diverse teams working together and capitalizing on innovative ideas and distinct perspectives outperform homogenous teams. Scientists and trainees from diverse backgrounds and life experiences bring different perspectives, creativity, and individual enterprise to address complex scientific problems.

NIDCR’s goal for this fellowship program is to achieve one or more of the many benefits that flow from a diverse scientific workforce, including: fostering scientific innovation, enhancing global competitiveness, contributing to robust learning environments, improving the quality of the research, advancing the likelihood that underserved or underrepresented populations participate in and benefit from health research and enhancing public trust. 

Postbaccalaureate (postbac) students selected for this fellowship will spend one year working side-by-side with NIDCR’s leading scientists, in an environment devoted to dental, oral, and craniofacial research. Fellows will perform research with a mentor in NIDCR’s Division of Intramural Research, where they will be immersed in scientific culture and explore important elements of basic, translational and clinical research. The program involves both structured and unstructured activities to ensure robust and high-quality mentorship and the advancement of participants’ professional goals towards medical or dental, oral, and craniofacial research careers.  

In addition to performing full-time research, fellows will work closely with their designated mentor, the NIDCR Office of Training and Education, and a cohort of other students on fellowship activities. In addition, they will maintain an active relationship with the NIH Office of Training and Education (OITE) and attend the following OITE sponsored workshops and events: getting into graduate school and professional school; career exploration; graduate and professional school fair; Postbac Poster Day and NIDCR Poster Day. Fellowships are full-time positions; fellows are expected to devote a minimum of 40 hours per week to their research projects and training. Fellows will receive a stipend and support to attend a conference and/or workshops.

Eligibility

The Director’s Postbaccalaureate Fellowship Program seeks to prepare a diverse cadre of postbaccalaureate students for the rigors of the dental, oral, and craniofacial research enterprise. This program is designed for graduating baccalaureate students enrolled in the final year of undergraduate or graduate school B.S., M.S., or M.A. programs.

We strongly encourage applications from individuals who will enthusiastically participate in cohort activities and who feel the program will benefit their development as researchers and leaders. We welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds and strongly encourage applications from individuals:

• from racial and ethnic groups that are underrepresented in the biomedical research and healthcare fields.
• with disabilities.
• who are/were Pell Grant-eligible in college
• students who are/were enrolled in Tribal colleges and universities, community colleges, Hispanic-serving institutions, or Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).
• who identify as LGBTQ+.
• disadvantaged by life circumstances that have negatively impacted their educational opportunities.

You must also be able to pass a federal background check. We strongly encourage you to carefully read the full terms and conditions. Ignoring this could prevent you from taking part in the program.

In addition, applicants must:

• Be U.S. citizens or permanent residents
• Be enrolled in the final year of a B.S., M.S., or M.A. program at a university in the U.S., Puerto Rico, or other U.S. territory

Application Process

Applicants must apply via the NIH Application Center on the NIH OITE website. Applicants must submit their curriculum vitae, a cover letter, and the names and contact information of three references. Applicants must establish a potential laboratory match at NIDCR prior to being accepted for the program. They are also expected to establish a research plan with the NIDCR intramural scientist they plan to work with: Intramural investigators. Applicants should include the following elements in the cover letter:

• Prior research experience, and current and future research interests and career goals
• A description of how the applicant’s participation in the Director’s Postbaccalaureate Fellowship Program will assist the program in achieving its stated goal of building a diverse and inclusive community within the dental, oral, and craniofacial research enterprise
• Leadership experiences in school and in the community
• Potential NIDCR investigator with whom to work

Stipend and Other Compensation

• Stipends for postbacs are adjusted annually and are based on relevant research work experience gained after completion of your bachelor's degree.
• We also offer fully-paid health insurance for individuals and families. This includes coverage for medical, dental, and vision needs.

Selection Process

The selection committee will review applications to the Director’s Postbaccalaureate Fellowship Program on a rolling basis. Selected candidates will work within the NIDCR Intramural Program.

Applicants will be informed of the committee's decisions on a rolling basis.