The NIDA Intramural Research Program (IRP) participates in the NIH Postbaccalaureate Program, which provides recent college graduates with an opportunity to gain intensive, full-time research experience before pursuing graduate or professional training. At NIDA, postbacs work as members of research teams conducting basic, behavioral, translational, and clinical research related to substance use, addiction, neuroscience, and health.
Postbacs conduct research under the guidance of NIDA investigators and research staff while also participating in career and professional development, scientific communication, research presentation, and community-building opportunities offered by OECD and the NIH Office of Intramural Training & Education (OITE).
What to Expect
During their time at NIDA, postbacs can expect to:
- Participate in full-time, hands-on research as a member of a NIDA research group.
- Develop scientific, technical, communication, and professional skills.
- Receive research guidance and mentoring from investigators and other members of the research team.
- Participate in career exploration, professional development, and educational programming.
- Present and discuss their research through NIDA and NIH research presentation opportunities.
- Connect with other trainees and participate in the NIDA trainee community.
Eligibility and Application
Eligibility requirements, application instructions, stipend information, appointment policies, and current program requirements are established by NIH OITE and may change over time. Prospective applicants should review the official NIH Postbac Program website before applying.
Official NIH program information: NIH Postbac Program
How Selection Works
Postbac applications are reviewed throughout the year. There is no centralized NIH selection process; individual Principal Investigators (PIs) select postbacs for their research groups. Applicants are encouraged to identify NIH investigators whose research interests align with their own and to contact those investigators after submitting a completed NIH application.
Applicants interested in NIDA should explore NIDA IRP laboratories, research branches, and investigators to identify potential research groups that match their scientific interests.
Postbac Advisory Board
A voice for the NIDA postbac community: The NIDA IRP Postbac Advisory Board provides postbacs with an opportunity to help strengthen the trainee community and contribute to programming offered through OECD. Board members share trainee perspectives and ideas, provide feedback on trainee needs, support peer engagement, and assist with activities that promote professional development and community connection.
Potential responsibilities and activities may include:
- Providing input to OECD on postbac programming and trainee needs.
- Helping plan or promote professional development, career, research, and community-building activities.
- Encouraging peer engagement and helping connect postbacs with available resources.
- Serving as a communication link between the postbac community and OECD.
- Supporting outreach or other trainee-focused initiatives when opportunities arise.
Interested in participating? NIDA postbacs may contact Rolanda Morris at OECD@nih.gov for information about the Postbac Advisory Board.
Research and Professional Development Opportunities
OECD supplements the laboratory research experience with opportunities that help postbacs strengthen scientific communication, explore future careers, prepare for graduate or professional school, and connect with the broader research community.
Opportunities may include:
- NIDA Postbac Research Showcase
- NIDA Poster Day and Mentoring Awards
- NIH Postbac Poster Day
- Career exploration and professional development workshops
- Alumni and career panels
- Scientific communication and presentation development
- NIH OITE career, educational, and well-being programming
Resources for Postbacs
NIH Postbac Program
Official program information, eligibility, application instructions, stipend and appointment information.
Apply to Train at NIH
NIH Application Center guidance and application instructions.
NIH Postbac Poster Day
Information about the NIH-wide annual research poster event for postbacs.
NIH OITE Events
Current career, professional development, educational, and well-being programming.
Contact NIDA Office of Education and Career Development
Current and prospective NIDA postbacs with questions about the NIDA training experience, OECD programming, or trainee resources may contact Christie Brannock.
Christie Brannock, Training Director
Office of Education and Career Development (OECD)
NIDA Intramural Research Program
cbrann@intra.nida.nih.gov
