Introduction

OITE, in particular the OITE Office of Postdoctoral Services, working jointly with your NIH IC, is responsible for ensuring that your experience in the NIH Intramural Research Program is as rewarding as possible.  We are here to help all NIH trainees become creative leaders in the biomedical research community, but you must take the initiative to make the most of your time at the NIH.  You need to make certain that, when you leave the NIH, you take with you the technical, communication, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills you will need as you move forward in your career.

Research should be your highest priority while you are at the NIH; OITE aims to ensure that you also take part in relevant career development activities, learn all you can from the scientific staff at the NIH and your fellow trainees, and benefit from the vibrant cultural environment in the Washington, D.C. area. In addition, OITE staff members are available to help you resolve any problems that might arise during your time at the NIH.  OITE programs complement the training activities of the NIH Institutes and Centers (ICs). We work closely with FelCom to develop programs for trainees who are recent doctoral degree recipients as well as more advanced postdocs ready to move on to their first “real jobs”.

Specifically, we encourage you to

  • take part in orientation sessions when you arrive at the NIH to make certain you get off to a good start;
  • subscribe to one or more electronic mailing lists to keep aware of ongoing activities and job opportunities;
  • visit the OITE Web site, www.training.nih.gov, regularly to check for new workshops and courses;
  • attend the many scientific seminars, lectures, and lecture series offered at the NIH;
  • participate in at least one Scientific Interest Group that appeals to you;
  • join the Fellows Committee (FelCom) and help plan and implement activities for postdocs;
  • compete for travel funds in the annual Fellows Award for Research Excellence (FARE) competition and share your research with the NIH community at the NIH Research Festival;
  • take part in career and professional development workshops;
  • stop in at OITE “Open Offices” for refreshments and a chance to talk with OITE staff members and other trainees;
  • visit our new Career Services Center for assistance with refining your career goals and completing a successful job search;
  • check out the OITE Career Library;  and
  • explore and contribute to the community around you.

OITE is located on the second floor of Building 2.  We maintain an open-door policy and encourage you to drop by anytime.  You can also contact us as follows:

Contact Email

Lori Conlan, PhD, Director, Office of Postdoctoral Services

Pat Sokolove, PhD, Deputy Director, OITE

Sharon Milgram, PhD, Director, OITE

Links:

Last updated on: 10/11/2008