NIH Data COUNTS Data Network

Immersive STEM Learning Fellowship:
Real-World Data Network (RWDN)

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) Office of Data Science Strategy (ODSS) invites recent postdoctoral fellows to apply for a STEM learning fellowship focused on addressing the chronic disease crisis in America through innovative data science initiatives.

• 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 research findings 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.

This fellowship offers you the opportunity to expand your expertise in data science, clinical informatics, and NIH‑led research initiatives, refine your analytical skills, and contribute to impactful projects focused on chronic disease prevention and treatment.

Fellows will be fully engaged either in‑person or remotely. In‑person participation is expected in Bethesda, MD.

Selected candidates will receive a monthly stipend of $88,000 per year (divided into 12 monthly payments) to offset living and other expenses. NIH may provide a health insurance supplement to cover the monthly premium costs if you elect the ORAU/ORISE health insurance plan.

Initial appointment is one year and may be renewed for up to four additional years, contingent on funding and recommendation.

Initial application review occurs on July 1, 2026. Subsequent reviews will be conducted on a rolling basis throughout the 2026 calendar year, with selections made as projects become available.

Participants do not become employees of NIH, DOE, ORISE, or ORAU, and there are no employment‑related benefits.

• Doctoral degree in a relevant field, received within the last five years of the appointment start date.
• Current graduate students nearing degree completion may apply, but must have earned their degrees by the fellowship start.
• U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents (LPR), and foreign nationals with valid immigration status approved by the program.

• Doctoral degree received within the last 60 months or currently pursuing.
• Disciplines:
  Computer, Information, and Data Sciences (Data Science, Databases, Information Retrieval, Web Search);
  Life, Health, and Medical Sciences.
• Age:
  Must be at least 18 years old.

• Zintellect profile.
• Program‑specific application submitted through Zintellect.
• Official transcript(s) or equivalent documented record, in English or with a legal translation.
• Current resume/CV, including academic history, employment history, relevant experiences, and publication list.
• At least one recommendation; up to three encouraged, submitted through Zintellect.

All documents must be in English or include an official English translation. Social security numbers, student , and dates of birth should be removed or obscured before upload.

Daphne – Reference code NIH-DPCPSI-ODSS-Data COUNTS-2026.

All other application instructions are provided through the Zintellect application system.