Help translate science into action! The Office of Dietary Supplements (ODS) at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) is seeking a master’s-level fellow to have a hands-on learning opportunity to be involved in ultra-processed foods in chronic disease. Located within the Division of Program Coordination, Planning, and Strategic Initiatives in the Office of the Director, National Institutes of Health (NIH), the Office of Dietary Supplements (ODS) serves as the lead program office for advancing the study of dietary supplements. The mission of ODS is to coordinate cutting-edge dietary supplement research across NIH and the federal government to foster knowledge and optimize health across the lifespan.
What will I be doing?
As a fellow, you will collaborate with NIH scientists on an evolving area of research interest: ultra-processed foods (UPF), with special attention to understanding nutrient deficiencies that are associated with UPF-rich diets.
During the fellowship you will have a hands-on learning opportunity with ODS in its efforts to synthesize and catalyze multidisciplinary research on UPF composition and consumption to help inform dietary guidance, policies, and programs. Activities during the fellowship include:
- Conducting literature searches in PubMed and other databases
- Reviewing observational and clinical research, systematic reviews, and federal nutrition reports that cover UPFs and identifying evidence gaps
- Developing presentations and analyses for ODS and NIH on emerging areas of interest related to UPFs
- Learning about innovations in UPF assessment
- Ensuring consistency, accuracy, and clarity of scientific content in matters related to UPF
- Participating in federal and scientific meetings and workgroups on UPFs
- Supporting ODS-led progress evaluations on activities related to UPFs
Why should I apply?
This fellowship offers an opportunity to gain real-world experience at the intersection of public health and nutrition, support work on a topic that is a key focus at the NIH and FDA, learn from federal experts and strengthen skills in literature review, evidence synthesis, analysis, evaluation, and translation, and build professional networks and explore career paths in nutrition research, nutrition policy, and government service.
Location
This program is on-site in Bethesda, Maryland. Fellows may be granted permission for hybrid and remote participation.
What are the provisions?
Participants will receive a competitive stipend. Participants may also be eligible to receive a health insurance allowance and/or reimbursement for professional travel expenses.
Appointment dates
The Office of Dietary Supplements is ready to make appointments immediately. Exact start dates will be determined at the time of selection and in coordination with the selected applicant. Applications are reviewed on an on-going basis and appointments will be offered as qualified candidates are identified. Appointments are one year with a possibility for extension.
Nature of the Appointment
This program, administered by Oak Ridge Associated Universities (ORAU) through its contract with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to manage the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE), was established through an interagency agreement between DOE and the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Participants do not become employees of NIH, ODS, ORAU, ORISE, DOE, or any other agency, and there are no employment-related benefits. Instead, the participant will be affiliated with ORISE for the administration of the appointment through the ORISE appointment letter and Terms of Appointment.
While participants will not enter into an employment relationship, this opportunity will require a suitability/background investigation by NIH. Any offer made is considered tentative, pending favorable outcome of the investigation.
Candidate should have:
- Recently earned a master’s degree in public health or a closely related field within the last 5 years or will have earned by the appointment start date.
- Strong writing, analysis, and organizational skills
- Ability to participate independently and in collaborative team environments.
- Experience working on research projects relevant to dietary supplements, nutrition, and public health
A complete application consists of:
- Complete Zintellect profile
- Complete Application questions
- Current Resume/CV, including academic history, employment history, and relevant experiences
- Transcripts/Academic Records – Recent unofficial transcripts or copies of the student academic records printed by the applicant or by academic advisors from internal institutional systems may be submitted to complete the application, if a copy of the official transcript is not available at the time of application. Transcripts/Academic Records must include the name of the academic institution, name of the student, completed/in progress coursework and grades. If you are selected, you will be required to provide a copy of your official transcript before the appointment can start.
- One (1) Academic or Professional Recommendation – Applicants are required to provide contact information for at least one recommendation in order to submit the application. Recommenders will be asked to complete a recommendation through the Zintellect system, and must complete it before the application is considered complete. Applications without a completed recommendation will not be reviewed. The recommendation should address a candidate’s academic record, scientific capabilities, personal characteristics, and potential for success. The recommendation must be submitted through the Zintellect application system. Recommendations submitted via email will not be accepted.
All documents must be submitted via Zintellect, and must be in English or include an official English translation. All application components must be received in the system in order to be considered. Documents must have all social security numbers, student identification numbers, and/or dates of birth removed (blanked out, blackened out, made illegible, etc.) prior to uploading into the application system. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Supporting materials must be uploaded as PDF files to ensure the document can be searched by Zintellect’s search engine. Documents sent by email, postal mail, or fax will not be considered.
If you have questions, send an email to NIHprograms@orau.org. Please include the reference code (NIH-ODS-2025-0001) for this opportunity in the subject or body of your email.
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- Degree: Master’s Degree received within the last 60 months or currently pursuing.
- Discipline(s):
- Life Health and Medical Sciences (3 )
- Age: Must be 18 years of age
