NIH Clinical Center — Postdoctoral Research
Bethesda, Maryland · Research Fellowship
Always confirm details on the official institution page before applying. Requirements, fees, and deadlines can change.
About this program
The NIH Office of Intramural Training and Education (OITE) coordinates postdoctoral training across the National Institutes of Health, including all 27 NIH Institutes and Centers and the NIH Clinical Center in Bethesda, MD. NIH is one of the largest biomedical research training communities in the world.
For IMG physicians: most NIH postdoctoral positions are PI-direct (Postdoctoral Visiting Fellows or IRTA postdocs depending on US citizenship status). Identify an NIH investigator (search NIH Intramural Research Program faculty directory) in your area of interest, contact directly with your CV and research statement, and apply through their lab once a fit is established. OITE coordinates institutional onboarding and J-1 visa sponsorship for non-US citizens after a PI agrees.
NIH postdoctoral stipends are pegged to NIH NRSA scales and start around $66,000/year (2026 levels) plus comprehensive benefits, with annual increases. Duration is typically 3-5 years for postdoctoral fellows.
Research areas span all of biomedical science — cancer (NCI), heart/lung/blood (NHLBI), allergy/infectious disease (NIAID), neurology (NINDS), child health (NICHD), aging (NIA), and many more. Clinical research training at the NIH Clinical Center is also available.
Quick highlights
Strong points
- Stipend-payingReceives a paid stipend (rare for IMG observerships)
- Multi-specialty (3+)Placement available across multiple clinical departments
Fees, duration & what it costs
What's included
- 1-3 years of structured clinical experience
- Placement in your chosen specialty across 3 departments
- Direct supervision by attending faculty
- Rounds, case discussions, and bedside teaching participation
How to apply
- Identify a faculty host or coordinator at the program.Many IMG observerships require a faculty sponsor BEFORE you can apply. Use the contact email in the sidebar.
- Submit your application packet directly to the program.Typical packet: CV, USMLE scores or ECFMG certificate, letter of intent, proof of funding, immunizations, and (for INTL) translated medical license.
- Pay any required application or program fee.Many programs charge a non-refundable application fee + per-rotation program fee. See the cost tile above for this program's specific amounts.
- Complete pre-arrival paperwork and visa coordination.Most IMG observerships do not sponsor educational visas — applicants travel on B-1/B-2 visitor status. Confirm before booking travel.
Available specialties
Eligibility requirements
MD/MBBS or PhD, strong research interest, publications preferred, TOEFL/IELTS | Visa: J1 (sponsored)
Reviews
User-submitted feedback, moderated before publishing. Separate from the verification badges above (which check source-link provenance, not review endorsement).
No reviews yet. Be the first to share your experience.