Graduate
Training at NHLBI
Research Training
Graduate Training in the NHLBI intramural program is designed to
train the next generation of leaders in Biomedical Science.
Ph.D. research at NHLBI laboratories spans the entire spectrum
from basic biochemistry and molecular, cellular, developmental and structural biology to translational research. A
complete list of NHLBI investigators with links to their recent
publications is available at
http://dir.nhlbi.nih.gov/oe/investigators.asp.
Areas of study
include developmental biology, cell biology, molecular biology,
computational biology, immunology, neuroscience, virology, and biological imaging. Graduate
students use NHLBI are state-of-the-art
core facilities devoted to proteomics, light microscopy, flow cytometry,
bioinformatics and transgenic animal production and
characterization.
Ph.D. programs at NIH are administered through the
Graduate Partnerships Program.
Prospective students in these Partnerships apply as they would for
normal graduate education. Once admitted, students
are supported by NIH (stipend and tuition) for their entire graduate
career at NIH. They spend their first year taking courses at the
home University and then move to NIH for their thesis research.
Several of these are International Partnerships that allow students
to do their first year overseas.
NHLBI participates in an M.D./Ph.D. program through the Graduate
Program Partnerships. Students who are admitted or enrolled to
one of the GPP programs are eligible for this program.
Once admitted to any U.S. Medical School with a Medical Scientist
Training Program, NHLBI provides funds to the MSTP for that student.
An additional mechanism open to NHLBI graduate students is the
NHLBI F30 NRSA Award for MD/PhD students.
Advanced graduate students who wish to do their
research at NIH are also welcome at NHLBI. Students can be
enrolled in an American or Foreign University. Interested
students should contact the appropriate investigator at NHLBI who
will then determine the suitability of the student for their
laboratory.
Career Development Activities
Training at NHLBI is not just designed to provide the essentials
of research, but recognizes that fellows need to acquire all the
skills necessary for success, including skills in writing and
presentation of research data, grant writing, and how to find
the best position. The NHLBI has an Office of Education specifically
devoted to the career progress of graduate students. An annual NHLBI Fellows Retreat allows fellows to present their
research data and meet other fellows and also highlights career
development issues. The Office also sponsors a monthly seminar
series on career development. The DIR Office
of Education Fellows Advisory Committee assists the Office
of Education in planning these programs. Graduate students also
gain mentoring and teaching experience by helping supervise the
research of summer fellows in NHLBI laboratories.
Graduate students are encouraged
to take courses at the NIH
where appropriate. Courses available include computer courses and
basic, advanced, and technical science courses in molecular biology,
immunology, biochemistry, biostatistics, microbiology and clinical
investigation. These are offered for credit by the Foundation
for Advanced Education in the Sciences
(FAES). In addition, there are special programs and
courses which provide skills for fellows in scientific leadership
and career development. Support is provided for graduate students
to attend national and international meetings. A monthly newsletter
keeps fellows informed of the activities within NHLBI. Please download
a copy.
Stipends and Support
Predoctoral trainees at the NHLBI may be funded for up to 5 years,
including a competitive stipend and medical benefits. US Citizens
and Permanent Residents are paid through the Intramural Research
and Training Act ("IRTA Fellows") while foreign fellows are considered
"Visiting
Fellows". Through the
Division of
International Services, NIH offers visa assistance for
foreign-trained applicants. The stipend levels are the same
and are subject to yearly adjustment. Fellows with their own financial
support from outside organizations are also welcome to apply. The
Office of Education staff is available to assist applicants seeking
outside or additional support.
Success Stories
Trainees in the NHLBI DIR have found positions at Academic and
Industrial Laboratories, and have gone on to careers in many different
areas. Information about some recent fellows is available on
Recent
Fellows at NHLBI page.
How to Apply
Information about specific Graduate Program Partnerships is
available on the GPP Web Site.
Advanced graduate students should contact individual investigators. Questions can be directed to the Office of Education, Division of
Intramural Research, NHLBI, Building 10, Room 2N242, MSC 1754,
Bethesda, MD 20892-1754, Tel: 301-451-9440, Fax: 301-594-8133 or
e-mail: direducation@nhlbi.nih.gov.
Last modified: April 7, 2006
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