Q. When is the deadline for completing the application?
Post doc application deadline is December 31 of each year.
Pre doc/post bac application deadline is January 15 of each year.
Q. What are the eligibility requirements for bioethics fellowships?
The Department of Bioethics welcomes applications for those interested in a two year bioethics fellowship. Fellowship selection is competitive and will take into account evidence of academic achievements, analytic thinking, an expressed interest in bioethics, and the ability to contribute to bioethics scholarship. No previous bioethics experience is required.
Eligibility Criteria:
Post-baccalaureate fellows:
Post-doctoral fellows:
Q. How are fellows selected?
All complete applications are reviewed by multiple internal reviewers to evaluate academic achievements, analytical thinking, and ability to contribute to bioethics scholarship. A small number of applicants are invited for interviews. Selection is very competitive: completion of an application does not guarantee a slot.
Q. Must I have completed my graduate degree (post-doctoral candidates) or undergraduate degree (post- baccalaureate candidates) in order to apply for the fellowship?
Applying for the fellowship does not require that you have already completed your terminal graduate or undergraduate degree. However, if you are offered a fellowship, you must complete the degree prior to the start of the fellowship (September of the year for which you apply).
Q. Do you have to be a US citizen to apply for the fellowship?
Both US Citizens and non-US citizens are welcome to apply for post-doctoral fellowships. Non-US citizens are not eligible for post baccalaureate fellowships. See the following link to learn about criteria for international applicants and the visa requirements and process which are handled by the NIH Division of International Services. http://dis.ors.od.nih.gov/faq.aspx
Q. What is the difference between Save and Submit?
Save gives you the ability to stop work on the application temporarily but save what you have entered thus far. Use save as a tool while you are working on the application.
Submit will complete your application. You can only submit once you have completed all required fields and contacted your references through the online system.
If you need to edit a submitted application, simply log back into the system, edit your information, and hit submit again. Provided that it is prior to the submission deadline the system will update any edits or additions.
Q. How are references notified about a request for a letter of recommendation and how are the letters submitted?
Each reference must have a unique email address. You must provide contact information for your three references in your on-line application. In order to allow your references to receive an electronic system-generated request for a letter of recommendation you must select the Contact Reference button for each referee. Letters of recommendation should be submitted electronically. In addition, your three letters of recommendation must be received on or before the application deadline.
Q. Are fellows considered government employees?
Fellows are not employees of the federal government although they must follow government rules and regulations. Fellowships are actually Intramural Research Training Awards and part of the educational programs of the NIH.
Q. How much is the stipend?
Fellow stipends are set by federal guidelines. Stipends increase depending on the number of years post degree and there is a range within each year. In addition to the stipend, the NIH covers health insurance (individual or family).
Q. Is the fellowship stipend taxable?
Yes, although no monthly deductions are made, stipends are subject to state and federal income taxes. Quarterly tax payments are advised. A tax advisor can provide further information.
Q. Is housing provided?
No. Housing is not provided but there are ample housing opportunities in the area and information about housing resources is provided to fellows upon acceptance of the fellowship.
Q. How long is the bioethics fellowship?
Fellowships are for two years beginning in September of each year.
Q. Will I be assigned an advisor when I arrive?
All fellows are paired with a faculty mentor who will serve to advise and guide the fellow during the fellowship. Fellow background and interests are carefully considered when choosing a faculty mentor. Fellows have the opportunity to work with other faculty and fellows during their fellowship.
Q. Is health insurance required?
Yes. Fellows must have health insurance. If you enroll through the NIH, the cost of your health insurance benefits are covered by the fellowship program. Alternatively, you may elect to stay on the health insurance of a parent or spouse. These would not be reimbursed. Only insurance through the NIH is covered by the fellowship.
Q. Are fellows reimbursed for moving expenses?
Limited support is generally available to reimburse some moving expenses.
Q. Are fellows permitted to take academic courses at the NIH?
Fellows may take courses during the Fall and Spring semesters through the FAES graduate school which is located on campus. The cost of tuition and books for approved courses will be paid by the program.
Q. Is travel support available for fellows who wish to attend meetings?
Depending upon the annual budget and approval at higher levels of the organization, travel support is available. Our goal is to send fellows to the annual ASBH meeting, and to support fellows for one additional trip to a research conference.
Q. Do I still need to submit an official transcript even though I entered my grades or a copy of my transcript into the electronic application system?
If offered a fellowship, we may ask you to provide an official transcript. An unofficial transcript is sufficient for the application.