The NIH partners with several countries/regions to offer competitive research career transition postdoctoral programs. The aim of these programs is to offer recent doctoral degree recipients from the participating countries the opportunity to pursue postdoctoral training at the NIH and then return to positions as independent investigators in their home countries. Although the specific details vary from country to country, all programs have the following elements in common.

• The program consists of two phases: Phase I is a postdoctoral research training experience completed at the NIH; in Phase II the fellow returns to a funded research position in his/her home country.
• Program applicants are selected through a competitive application process, with the review managed by the home country.
• Individuals selected for the program identify a researcher at the NIH who is willing to provide funding for a two- or three-year research experience at the NIH in the U.S. (Phase I).
• During the fellow's stay at the NIH, the home country funds regular trips home to enable the fellow to maintain contact with the home scientific community.
• Upon completion of Phase I, the fellow returns to a funded, independent research position of several years duration (Phase II).

The eligibility criteria, number of application cycles per year, application deadlines, and other logistic details will depend on home country/region. Programs for which information is currently available are:

• NIH - Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) Program.
• NIH - Institut National de la Santé et de Recherche Médicale (INSERM) Program.
• NIH - Flanders (FWO) Research Careers Transition Awards
• NIH - Comisión Nacional de Investigación Cientifica Y Tecnológica (CONICYT) Program.
• NIH - Regione Lombardia Research Career Transition Award Program.
• Andalusian Regional Ministry of Health (CSJA) - NIH Research Career Transition and Reintegration Program.

During Phase I of each of these programs, participants are supported at the NIH as Visiting Fellows. They have full access to the services of the Office of Intramural Training & Education, which include orientation programs, an Office of Postdoctoral Services, and a Career Counseling Center. Additional career/professional development and social activities are organized by the NIH Fellows Committee (FelCom) and its Visiting Fellows Subcommittee. Program participants are encouraged to serve on both. Finally, many individual NIH Institutes and Centers organize scientific retreats and symposia.

Interested individuals are encouraged to contact the participating agency in their home country/region.

Questions about International Research Career Transition Programs? Contact us.