Postbaccalaureate Intramural Research Training Awards (IRTAs)
- Purpose
- Eligibility
- Find a Mentor
- Application Process
- NIDDK Contact
- Length of Award
- Benefits and Services
- Federal Background Check
Purpose
The program provides recent college graduates who are planning to apply to graduate or professional (medical, dental, or pharmacy) school an opportunity to spend one or two years performing full-time research at the NIH.
Postbac IRTAs work side-by-side with some of the leading scientists in the world, in an environment devoted exclusively to biomedical research. Additional program details are available on the NIH Office of Intramural Training and Education website.
Eligibility
Applicants must
- be U.S. citizens or permanent residents
- fall within at least ONE of the three requirements below
- college graduates who received their bachelor's degrees less than THREE years prior to the date they begin the program (regardless of whether they subsequently completed a master's degree)
- 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
- accepted into graduate, other doctoral, or medical school programs and who have written permission from their school to delay entrance for up to one year to pursue a biomedical research project at the NIH
- pass a federal background check
Find a Mentor
Before you apply for a position, review NIDDK Labs and Branches and identify potential faculty whose research interests align with your goals. Consider contacting faculty directly to discuss your interest in a position at NIDDK. Read tips for finding the right mentor.
Application Process
The postbac application portal is open year-round, but the majority of postbacs start between June and October. We recommend applying six months prior to your preferred start date. Learn more about how to apply on the NIH Office of Intramural Training and Education website.
NIDDK Contact
Contact the NIDDK Fellows Career Development and Fellowship Office before applying to the program.
Once your application is finalized, contact your mentor to discuss next steps.
Length of Award
Postbaccalaureate IRTAs are eligible for initial one-year awards (appointments) with one renewal for an additional year under the most justifiable circumstances.
Benefits and Services
Learn about numerous benefits and services available to trainees in this program.
Federal Background Check
To be approved for access to NIH facilities and systems, candidates must be able to pass a federal background check, using Standard Form-85 (read SF-85 (PDF, 204 KB) ). NOTE: Section 14 of the form asks, “In the last year, have you used, possessed, supplied, or manufactured illegal drugs?” The question pertains to the illegal use of drugs or controlled substances in accordance with Federal laws, even though potentially permissible under state laws.