NINDS Intramural Training Programs

The NINDS Summer Programs offer a unique opportunity for talented high-school seniors, undergraduate, graduate, and medical students to receive high-quality training and mentoring in neuroscience research. Summer interns get hands-on experience working with leading scientists in the Institute's Division of Intramural Research, the "in-house" research component of the NINDS. Following participation in the summer program, you will be prepared for advanced education and training in biomedical research and future careers in the sciences, particularly in basic and clinical neuroscience. Students selected for our fully funded programs will spend 8 to 10 weeks working side-by-side with NINDS investigators in an environment devoted to the study of fundamental elements of the nervous system, neurological processes, neurodegenerative diseases, movement disorders, brain cancer, and stroke. For more information on eligibility and the application process please visit Summer Internship Program (SIP) or contact Karen Kenrick, NINDS Program Coordinator.

The postbaccalaureate program at NINDS provides recent graduates with an opportunity to engage in biomedical research for one or two years at the NIH in Bethesda, Maryland. While in the program, postbacs are fully integrated into basic or clinical research labs, where they are trained in scientific investigation, literacy, and communication. They also participate in career planning activities and network with experts in various neuroscience research areas, with access to many NIH resources. For more information on eligibility and the application process, please visit Research Training or contact Faith Harrow Plante, Ph.D., Director, NINDS Office of Research, Training, and Career Development.

The Postdoctoral Fellowship program is a major component of the NINDS training mission. The program provides superb, advanced training and research experiences to postdoctoral scientists who are in the early stages of their professional research careers. The emphasis of the program is to prepare young scientists for independent careers in basic or clinical neuroscience research. To be eligible for postdoctoral training in the NIH Intramural Research Program, individuals must hold a doctoral degree (PhD, MD, DDS, or the equivalent) and have no more than five years of relevant research experience since receipt of their most recent doctoral degree. U.S. citizens and permanent residents are appointed to Postdoctoral Intramural Research Training Awards (IRTAs); citizens of other nations are appointed as Visiting Fellows.

If you would like to apply for a postdoctoral position at the NINDS, please either contact an NINDS Principal Investigators directly or view job ads.  For more information about applying to postdoctoral positions at the NIH, please refer to the OITE website or contact the NINDS Director of Training, Dr. Faith Harrow Plante.

The NINDS intramural clinical program offers a unique training and research environment for clinicians interested in becoming physician-scientists. The NIH campus houses the Clinical Center, a 200-bed hospital dedicated solely to research. A fellowship at the NINDS will provide the building blocks needed to become an academic leader in neurology or neurosurgery.

Physicians who enter an NINDS clinical fellowship will obtain expertise in many different aspects of disease-oriented research, from basic questions addressing disease etiology to the design and conduct of clinical trials. The breadth and diversity of resources available allow fellows to design specific training experiences to suit their career goals.

Applicants must have a medical degree and completed residency training in neurology. Physicians who are pursuing or have finished residency training in neurosurgery are also encouraged to apply for clinical fellowships.

Interested candidates can submit a formal application through the Graduate Medical Education Residency and Subspecialty Training GME - Clinical Center (nih.gov) portal. Personal information, academic information (to include the fellowship program you are applying for as well as personal statement and current CV), and references must be uploaded and saved to be considered a complete application. 

Candidates can also proactively forward applications to the NINDS Clinical Director or directly to specific faculty for initial consideration, followed by submission of a formal application as referenced above. In their communication, applicants are encouraged to include a cover letter stating their area of interest and long-term career goals, their CV and names of references. Explore our Clinical Research Training Program Booklet and Training Programs. Anyone with additional questions may contact Warren Brown, Program Analyst in the Office of the Clinical Director.