The Intramural Research Training Award (IRTA) is a competitive NIH fellowship program that gives recent college grads paid research training to prep them for grad or professional school in biomedical fields.
What is NIH postbac?
The NIH Postbac IRTA program is a paid research training gig for recent college grads planning to apply to grad or professional school—think med, dental, pharmacy, nursing, vet school, you name it.
You’ll spend a year or two doing full-time research in an NIH lab, get mentorship, and build career skills. The program’s open to U.S. citizens or permanent residents within two years of graduation. Applications go through the NIH Office of Intramural Research portal and get reviewed as they come in—not just once a year.
What does IRTA stand for NIH?
IRTA stands for Intramural Research Training Award in NIH-speak.
You’ll usually see it as Postbaccalaureate IRTA (Postbac IRTA) for recent grads or Postdoctoral IRTA (Postdoc IRTA) for PhD holders. Both fund research training inside NIH’s own labs, run by the Office of Intramural Research.
How competitive is the NIH IRTA?
The NIH Postbac IRTA is tough to crack—only about 24% of applicants made the cut in recent years.
Some institutes and research areas are even pickier, sometimes taking fewer than 15% of applicants. The strongest candidates usually have lab experience, glowing recommendation letters, and a clear plan to stay in biomedical research. Apply 6–9 months early if you want a real shot.
How much does NIH IRTA pay?
As of 2026, a Postbaccalaureate IRTA pulls in roughly $48,426 a year, with the exact number bumping up based on experience and education level.
Pay gets prorated monthly and ticks up if you stick around for a second year. You also get health insurance and access to NIH facilities. Check the Office of Intramural Research site each year for the latest numbers.
How many Postbacs does NIH have?
At any given time, NIH hosts over 1,000 Postbac IRTA fellows—all U.S. citizens or permanent residents.
They come from all kinds of academic backgrounds and land in labs across NIH’s 27 institutes and centers. Trainees hail from nearly every U.S. state, Puerto Rico, and U.S. territories. Spots depend on funding and what research is happening.
Where is the NIH?
NIH’s main campus sits in Bethesda, Maryland, with extra facilities in nearby Rockville and Frederick.
The Bethesda campus is the heart of operations, while off-site buildings handle admin work and specialized research. You’ll also find NIH sites in Montana, Arizona, and North Carolina. The Bethesda campus is easy to reach—just hop on the Metro Red Line or take one of the major highways.
How do I contact NIH?
Call the main NIH line at 301-496-4000 or look up the directory for the specific institute you need.
For Postbac IRTA questions, email the Office of Intramural Research at oir@nih.gov. General questions? Fill out the contact form at www.nih.gov/contact. Email works best when you’ve got program-specific questions.
What is a Postbac fellow?
A Postbac fellow is a recent college grad taking part in a paid NIH research training program to get ready for grad or medical school.
They work full-time on research projects under NIH investigators, usually for one to two years. The gig includes professional development stuff—think workshops, networking, and career coaching. It’s training, not a degree program.
What is a post bac pre-med program?
A post bac pre-med program is for college grads who need to finish med-school prerequisites or polish their academic record.
Some programs are for career-changers with no science background; others help students boost weak grades. Many are tied to universities and prep you for the MCAT. A few, like the NIH Postbac IRTA, mix coursework with hands-on lab experience.
What is a post baccalaureate student?
A post baccalaureate student is someone who’s already got a bachelor’s degree and is doing extra coursework or training before applying to professional school.
They might take missing prerequisites, rack up research hours, or work in a healthcare setting. Most programs run 1–2 years. The NIH Postbac IRTA is one example—it gives recent grads research training to prep for med or grad school.
When can I apply to NIH post BAC?
You can apply to the NIH Postbac IRTA program 6–9 months before you want to start.
Applications are open year-round, but start dates vary by institute. If you want a solid placement, apply early. Check the OIR website for current deadlines and cycle dates.
How do I get my NIH 1099?
To grab a duplicate NIH 1099, call the NIH Office of Financial Management Customer Service at (301) 496-6088.
IRS forms go out every January. If yours never showed up, request a copy from OFM. Need other tax forms like 1099-G or 1042-S? Dial (301) 496-5635. You can also pull them from the NIH Enterprise Portal.
What is a research fellow at NIH?
A research fellow at NIH is a scientist or clinician who runs advanced research under an NIH mentor—usually after earning a PhD or MD.
These fellows might hold PhDs, MDs, or both, and they tackle independent or team projects. Appointments are limited-term, often 3–5 years. It’s a different gig from the Postbac IRTA, which is aimed at brand-new grads.
Who does the NIH report to?
The NIH reports to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
As the top federal agency for biomedical and public-health research, NIH oversees 27 institutes and centers—including the National Cancer Institute and the National Institute of Mental Health. The NIH director gets picked by the President and confirmed by the Senate.
Is NIH prestigious?
Absolutely—NIH ranks among the world’s best biomedical research institutions.
Back in 2019, Nature Index put NIH second globally in biomedical sciences. It’s also the biggest public funder of biomedical research on the planet. The intramural program is especially competitive, drawing top-tier scientists and trainees from everywhere.
