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Fellowship Opportunities

The NIH Department of Bioethics welcomes applications for fully funded two-year postbaccalaureate and postdoctoral research fellowships. Fellows are central to the activities and intellectual life of our interdisciplinary department, including weekly bioethics seminars, case conferences, ethics consultations, IRB deliberations, and other educational opportunities at NIH. They study ethical issues related to biomedical research, clinical practice, genetics, biotechnology, public health, health policy, population health and health disparities, and other important issues in bioethics. They also conduct mentored theoretical and empirical research. For a typical fellow, this research yields multiple first-authored publications in academic journals. We do not require or expect bioethics experience and encourage anyone with a strong interest to apply.

Fellowships begin in September of each year. Stipends are determined by NIH Intramural Research Training Award (IRTA) guidelines.

Our post-baccalaureate fellowships are ideal for students interested in eventually pursuing an MD, JD, PhD, or other graduate degree. Applicants for the post-baccalaureate fellowship must have an undergraduate degree completed no more than 3 years prior to the start date of the fellowship or a master’s degree completed no more than 6 months prior. Only U.S. citizens or U.S. Legal Permanent Residents are eligible for post-baccalaureate fellowships.

Applicants for the post-doctoral fellowship must have completed a doctoral degree no more than 5 years prior to the start date of the fellowship. Postdoctoral applications are welcome from philosophy, law, medicine, social sciences, and other disciplines. U.S. and non-U.S. citizens are eligible for post-doctoral fellowships.

Applications should include:

  • Statement of interest up to 1000 words which explains your interest in bioethics, how the fellowship fits into your career goals (including how it would be valuable to you), and what potential bioethics topics you would like to investigate. While previous bioethics experience is not required, please explain why bioethics is of interest to you. For applicants with previous bioethics experience or training, explain how this fellowship would build on your previous efforts. You may also discuss any aspects of your background or experience that would bring a unique perspective or contribute to diversity in the department or the field of bioethics. We are dedicated to building a vibrant, diverse, and inclusive community in our department.
  • One or two writing samples that total no more than 30 double-spaced pages and which demonstrate your analytical or critical thinking ability. They need not be on a bioethics topic and there is no preference for published work. Most successful applicants submit samples that defend a position or analyze an argument. Empirical investigations, both quantitative and qualitative, are also welcome. Single-authored writing samples are preferred. If a co-authored sample is submitted, the applicant should describe their role in writing the paper.
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Resume/CV
  • Undergraduate and graduate transcripts

Applications for the postbaccalaureate and postdoctoral fellowships beginning in the 2025 academic year are open and available online.

Applications for postdoctoral candidates are due by 11:59pm EST on January 1, 2025, and applications for postbaccalaureate candidates are due by 11:59pm EST on January 15, 2025.

For further information see the Bioethics home page, contact Bioethics_Fellowship@mail.nih.gov, or call 301-496-2429. For information on stipends see www.training.nih.gov/programs.

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