NIH Advancing the Science of Dietary Supplements in Maternal and Menopausal Health

About the role

The Office of Dietary Supplements (ODS) at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) is seeking Post-Master’s or Postdoctoral Fellows to engage in a STEM-focused, hands-on learning experience. The fellowship will focus on advancing research in dietary supplements and nutrition, particularly during pregnancy, perimenopause, and menopause.

Responsibilities

• Engage with NIH scientists to explore two evolving areas of research interest.
• Gain a deeper understanding of optimal nutrition that supports improved health outcomes for mothers and babies, with a focus on nutrient deficiencies and the composition and use of prenatal supplements marketed in the U.S.
• Investigate the safety and effectiveness of dietary supplements in managing symptoms during perimenopause and menopause.
• Collaborate with ODS in its efforts to synthesize and catalyze multidisciplinary research on dietary supplements to inform dietary guidance, policies, and programs.
• Conduct literature searches in PubMed and other scientific databases.
• Explore observational and clinical research, systematic reviews, and federal nutrition reports to identify evidence gaps related to dietary supplements and health outcomes.
• Develop presentations and analyses on emerging areas of interest related to maternal health and the menopausal transition.
• Engage in scientific meetings and collaborative groups to gain exposure to diverse perspectives.
• Contribute to the planning and execution of scientific webinars and workshops.
• Engage with stakeholder engagement and outreach activities.
• Collaborate on the development of peer-reviewed manuscripts that summarize research gaps identified during federal workshops.

Qualifications

• Must be 18 years or older at the time of application.
• Should have received a Master's or Postdoctoral degree within the last 5 years of the appointment start date, in nutrition, public health, epidemiology, maternal and child health, biomedical sciences, health services research, or a related field.
• Current graduate students who are nearing degree completion may apply but must have completed their degrees by the start of the fellowship.
• Strong scientific writing, analytical, and organizational skills.
• Experience conducting literature reviews and synthesizing evidence.
• Ability to take initiative and collaborate effectively in a multidisciplinary environment.
• Interest in dietary supplements, maternal health, menopause, and public health.

Benefits

This fellowship offers an opportunity to gain real-world experience at the intersection of public health and nutrition, support research efforts on a topic that is a key focus at the NIH and HHS, learn from federal experts and strengthen skills in literature review, evidence synthesis, analysis, evaluation, and translation, build professional networks, and explore career paths in government service.

Pay

Participants will receive a stipend to offset living expenses. Participants may also be eligible to receive a health insurance allowance and/or reimbursement for professional travel expenses.

Schedule

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 ongoing basis, and appointments will be offered as qualified candidates are identified. Appointments are typically one year, with the possibility for extension.

Location

This program is on-site in Bethesda, Maryland. Fellows may be granted permission for hybrid or remote participation.

Provisions

• Participants will receive a stipend to off-set living expenses.
• Participants may also be eligible to receive a health insurance allowance and/or reimbursement for professional travel expenses.
• The appointment is on-site in Bethesda, Maryland.
• Fellows may be granted permission for hybrid or remote participation.

Qualification Requirements

• Must be 18 years of age.
• Must have received a Master's or Postdoctoral degree within the last 5 years of the appointment start date, in nutrition, public health, epidemiology, maternal and child health, biomedical sciences, health services research, or a related field.
• Current graduate students who are nearing degree completion may apply but must have completed their degrees by the start of the fellowship.

Application Process

• A complete Zintellect profile.
• A program specific application submitted in Zintellect.
• A copy of your most recent official transcript.
• A current resume/CV, including academic history, employment history, relevant experiences, and publication list.
• One Recommendation - Applicants are required to provide contact information for at least one recommendation in order to submit the application.