National Biosafety & Biocontainment Training Program Fellowship

The NBBTP is a partnership between the Division of Occupational Health and Safety (DOHS) and the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) at the National Institutes of Health. This is a rare opportunity for individuals seeking work in high containment facilities to receive professional training in biosafety and biocontainment at one of the foremost biomedical research centers in the world. Additional information regarding the Fellowships and NBBTP Professional Development courses is online at www.nbbtp.org; Application packages are due August 1, 2018; fellowships begin January 8, 2019 at the NIH Bethesda campus. The NBBTP Fellowship is designed specifically for people interested in careers in high-containment. This is an intensive two years, immersive experience where Fellows are introduced to all elements of biosafety. The program includes traditional lectures, reading assignments, mentoring projects and travel to off-site conferences and training sessions.  /Life Sciences, Biochemistry / Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Biology, Chemistry, Public Health, Pharm & Physiological Science, Pathology

Program Eligibility:
 NBBTP Fellowships are available only to U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or Nationals of the United States who meet all federal regulations and policies necessary for working with select agents. Fellows must have a minimum of a masters degree in the Life Sciences, or related academic areas, be willing to relocate to the Bethesda, MD area for two years, and be able to participate in multi-week assignments out-of-state. Additional eligibility guidelines, including information on English proficiency, are posted online at: http://www.nbbtp.org/policies-and-guidlines.aspx#eligibility.

Eligibility Requirements

• U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or a national of the United States
• Masters or post-graduate with academic degree(s) in microbiology, public health, medicine (human or veterinary), or other allied sciences (industrial hygiene, engineering, etc.).
• Microbiology and/or research laboratory experience combined with excellent professional performance.
• Outstanding personal, professional, and academic recommendations.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency in the English language (for non-native English speakers).*
• Meets all requirements established under federal regulations and policies necessary to work with Select Agents.
• Excellent employment history.
• Participates in academic, professional, and/or civic organizations.
• Committed to the mission and vision of the NBBTP.
• Agree to background checks conducted by the NIH Department of Personnel Security and Access Control (DPSAC) and be subject to periodic behavioral health assessments conducted by the NIH Biosurety Program.
• Submit all required application materials, including references, and academic credentials by the stated deadline.
• Must be willing to relocate to the Bethesda, MD area for two years.**
• Must be able to travel to participate in multi-week assignments which may require travel and temporary duty station relocation.

Relocation costs to the NIH Bethesda, MD campus area for NBBTP Fellows, their dependents, and movement of household goods and temporary storage of household goods not to exceed $3,000 may be provided only at the discretion of the Executive Director and with the approval of the Contract Office. Relocation costs are not guaranteed and no allowance for return travel is authorized.

Typical activities of an NBBTP Fellow include but are not limited to:

Shadowing an NIH Safety Specialist Mentor.

Conducting risk assessments.

Conducting laboratory safety surveys.

Attending didactic and/or experiential training courses.

Conducting laboratory accident investigations.

Attending conferences/workshops.

Participating in special/developmental assignments at the NIH or other institutions/agencies.

Working on applied biosafety research projects.

Attending/participating in Institutional Biosafety Committee meetings.

Attending/participating in ACUC meetings and animal facility walkthroughs

How to Apply: Interested applicants should visit http://www.nbbtp.org/application/ and must complete the Fellowship Application online at http://www.nbbtp.org/application/ and submit all required materials as directed. DO NOT APPLY VIA HANDSHAKE; THOSE MATERIALS CANNOT BE REVIEWED.

Resumes/CV’s are required components of the application package. However, applicants who submit resumes/CVs without the additional required application materials will not be considered. All application materials are due by the close of business on July 5, 2017 including, resume/CV, official transcripts from the university of highest degree and references forms (http://www.nbbtp.org/reference-form/).

Stipend amounts based on the NIH IRTA scale. 

The NIH is dedicated to building a diverse community in its training and employment programs.