2025 NIDDK Distinguished Postbaccalaureate Scholars Program

The NIDDK Distinguished Postbaccalaureate Scholars Program is a full-time 1-2 year paid fellowship for recent college graduates* interested in advancing hands-on skills in basic and clinical research that is relevant to the National Institute of Diabetes, Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) mission. The program strongly encourages the participation of individuals with a demonstrated commitment to diversity, including those from underrepresented populations and is aligned with NIDDK’s inclusion, diversity, equity, accessibility, and civility efforts. 

At the NIDDK we have 90+ principal investigators leading research teams exploring basic biological processes as well as clinical research on diabetes, digestive diseases, endocrine and metabolic disorders, hematologic, kidney and liver diseases, nutrition and obesity that disproportionately burden underserved communities.  Access a list of mentors that will participate in 2025. 

NIDDK Research Fields and Topics Keywords: Molecular and cell biology, neuroscience, biophysics, liver diseases, genetics, modeling, diabetes, nutrition, kidney diseases, obesity, developmental biology, structural biology, chemical biology, medicinal chemistry, pathogenesis, signal transduction, endocrinology, receptor biology, biochemistry, biological modeling, bioorganic chemistry, epidemiology, and chemical physics. 

Eligibility:

• U.S. Citizen or permanent resident
• Completed a bachelor's degree by the start of postbaccalaureate fellowship or have obtained a B.A. or B.S. within three years prior to the fellowship start date. Individuals who are more than three years past the receipt of their bachelor's degree but received a master's degree less than SIX MONTHS before they begin the program can apply to the program.
• Must plan on applying to graduate/professional school if not already accepted
• Must pass a Federal background check.

Benefits: 

• Fellowship stipend- Stipend can be found here https://www.training.nih.gov/stipends/ (Stipend is based on research experience after graduation of the bachelors degree)
• Health Insurance
• Relocation expenses up to $1500
• Financial support to attend one national scientific conference
• Cohort support system, principal investigator (PI) support, and secondary mentoring network
• Access to NIH resources including the NIH Library, research core facilities and Scientific Interest Groups
• Professional development opportunities including workshops, webinars, and academic classes.

How to Apply and Selection Process

Applications open September 1st, 2024. Completed applications must be received by 5pm EST, December 6th, 2024.

1. Submit your NIH IRTA Postbaccalaureate General application to the NIH Office of Intramural Training and Education (OITE).
   • For the NIH IRTA Postbaccalaureate General application you need the following:
     • Course and Grades (no transcript)
     • CV or Resume
     • Personal Statement
     • Three Names and contact information for letter of reference
2. In addition to the NIH IRTA Postbaccalaureate General application, you need to submit your CV or Resume along with a diversity statement (300 words or less) to the emailed of the program at scholarspostbacpro@niddk.nih.gov.
   • Your Diversity Statement should:

• Define broadly your understanding of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) issues in academia; 
• Describe your general philosophy and approach to promoting DEIA in the STEM fields; 
• Describe one DEIA initiative you were involved in within the past two years. The NIH community strives to create a supportive, diverse, and inclusive environment, which is critical to achieving excellence in biomedical research.

Semi-finalists chosen by a committee of NIDDK scientists will be invited to a virtual interview in early January. Finalists selected will be notified in mid-January 2025.