| Q: |
What is the purpose of this program? |
| A: |
The Year-off Program is designed to provide an opportunity to conduct biomedical research in the resource-rich environment of the NIH to those who are enrolled in graduate or medical school and intend to return to their degree-granting institution within one year.
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| Q: |
Where are these training opportunities located? |
| A: |
These traineeships are available in the intramural laboratories of the NIH. Most of the laboratories are located on the main NIH campus in Bethesda, MD. Several Institutes or their laboratories that focus on particular research areas are found at other sites around the country. These include facilities of:
- National Institute on Aging in Baltimore, MD
- The National Institute of Child Health and Human Development in Detroit, MI
- National Institute on Drug Abuse in Baltimore, MD
- National Cancer Institute in Frederick, MD
- National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences in Research Triangle Park, NC
- The Phoenix Epidemiology and Clinical Research Branch of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases in Phoenix, AZ, which focuses on Diabetes among the Pima Indians
- The Rocky Mountain Laboratories of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases in Hamilton, MT
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| Q: |
Can this award be used for research training outside of the NIH? |
| A: |
No, this award is intended to provide support for training in the intramural research program at the NIH. It cannot be used for any other purpose.
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| Q: |
Can I apply if I am not a citizen of the United States? |
| A: |
No, you are only eligible to apply to this program if you are a citizen or permanent resident of the U.S.
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| Q: |
Are there any eligibility criteria in addition to citizenship? |
| A: |
Yes, you must be enrolled in graduate or medical school at an accredited U.S. institution, have permission from your institution to interrupt your education, and return to the institution within one year, unless the Director, OITE, has approved an exception for a second year.
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| Q: |
Who should write my letters of recommendation? |
| A: |
Individuals who can best evaluate your scientific accomplishments and potential for developing the skills to become a successful biomedical researcher. Note that one letter must come from a dean at your academic institution and must certify that you have permission to interrupt your studies for a year.
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| Q: |
Is there a deadline for submission of applications? |
| A: |
There is no deadline; applications are accepted continuously.
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| Q: |
When should I apply? |
| A: |
We recommend that you apply three to six months prior to the date on which you want to start.
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| Q: |
If I do not have access to the Internet, how can I apply? |
| A: |
Visit your local library to access the online application.
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| Q: |
How will I know if my application is complete? |
| A: |
The online application system will not allow you to submit an application unless you have completed all required fields. After you submit your application, you will receive an e-mail message confirming that we received it. That message will contain login credentials that will enable you to modify the application, if necessary, and to check to see whether your letters of reference have been received.
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| Q: |
How are applications reviewed? |
| A: |
Investigators in the NIH intramural program have access to the database containing the electronic applications to this program. They can search for applicants with particular interests or specific GPAs or who are enrolled at selected universities. Each investigator decides to whom he/she will offer a position. The OITE is not involved in the selection process.
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| Q: |
How will I be notified if I am selected? |
| A: |
The investigator who has selected you or an administrative officer in his/her Institute or Center will contact you by phone, e-mail, or letter.
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| Q: |
How soon can I expect to hear that I am selected? |
| A: |
There is no definite answer to this question. You will be selected only if/when an investigator who has a position available visits the database and is impressed with your credentials.
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| Q: |
How long will my application remain active? |
| A: |
Your application will remain active for one year from the date you submit it or until you are selected or you withdraw your application, whichever comes first.
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| Q: |
What are my chances of receiving a Year-off position? |
| A: |
Like many of the research training programs at the NIH, the Year-off Program is highly selective. Over the past calendar year, less than 10% of applicants were selected for the program.
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| Q: |
What if I would like to do some research at the NIH but can't afford to spend a whole year? |
| A: |
Depending on your current educational status/level, you might consider the Summer Internship Program.
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| Q: |
Is health insurance provided? |
| A: |
Health insurance is required for all Year-off trainees. The NIH will pay for low-option individual or family coverage available through the Foundation for Advanced Education in the Sciences (FAES). If you wish to subscribe to an FAES policy with more extensive coverage than that provided by the NIH, you will be required to pay the difference in cost. If you are already insured on another policy, you will be allowed to remain on that policy if you provide evidence of coverage. If the policy is in your name, and you can demonstrate that you are the individual who makes the premium payments, you will be reimbursed by the amount the NIH would have paid for FAES coverage.
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| Q: |
Is housing provided by the NIH? |
| A: |
Housing is not provided by the NIH. Information on local housing and many other important issues related to settling in the Bethesda area can be found at the Postbaccalaureate IRTA Committee Web site.
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