Overview
The NIH Department of Laboratory Medicine offers a two-year Microbiology Fellowship, accredited by the Committee on Postgraduate Educational Programs (CPEP) of the American Society for Microbiology. The program aims to enhance expertise in diagnostic microbiology, clinical consultations for infectious diseases, and clinical laboratory management. It also places a strong emphasis on laboratory research, particularly the development of new diagnostic tests and collaborative projects aligned with NIH's ongoing clinical protocols. Upon completing the program, fellows are eligible to take the American Board of Medical Microbiology certification exam.
There are two fellowship slots in total, typically starting in July each year. An additional slot is available for candidates who bring their own funding. For more information, please visit the CPEP website.
Program Structure
In the first year, fellows rotate through specialized areas of microbiology: specimen processing, bacteriology, mycology, mycobacteriology, parasitology, and molecular diagnostics. Fellows are expected to gain both technical and theoretical expertise in each section. After initial training, fellows assume on-call duties on a rotating basis to handle issues or special requests during weekends and evenings. The on-call fellow also presents daily updates to infectious disease consultants.
In the latter part of the first year and into the second, fellows broaden their experience by undertaking rotations in Pharmacy, Hospital Epidemiology, and Public Health, as well as Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases services at major teaching hospitals in the DC area. During the second year, fellows return to one or two subspecialty areas in Microbiology for extended periods, taking on roles that involve overseeing the section, method development, troubleshooting, and serving as consultants.
Participation in research projects becomes mandatory after initial rotations. Suitable research topics include the development of new diagnostic tests, policy-shaping data analysis, and collaboration on clinical studies with a microbiological focus.
Eligibility Requirements
Qualified candidates should hold an MD, PhD, DSc, or equivalent degree and have a maximum of 1-2 years of postdoctoral or residency experience. Both U.S. citizens and non-U.S. citizens are eligible to apply. Visa assistance is available through the NIH's Division of International Services.
How to Apply
Applications should be submitted online through the CPEP online portal.
Deadline
We accept rolling applications through the American Society of Microbiology CPEP portal from the summer to the winter of the application year, with the plan for the selected applicant to begin their fellowship the following summer.
Program Contacts
Sierra Givens, Operations Coordinator, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Microbiology Service
Dr. Rose Lee, MD, MSPH, D(ABMM), Co-Fellowship Director
Dr. Adrian M. Zelazny, PhD, D(ABMM), Co-Fellowship Director
Current Fellows
Garrett Brown, PhD, 2023-2025 fellow, Graduate Training: University of Utah
Ashraf Khasawneh, MBBS, PhD, 2024-2026 fellow. Graduate Training: Monash University
Amanda Roth, PhD, 2024-2026 fellow. Graduate Training: Creighton University
Matthew Surette, PhD, 2024-2026 fellow. Graduate Training: McMaster University