National Cancer Institute
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
2022
Don’t Miss A Thing! MAKE CERTAIN YOU ARE INCLUDED ON A SUMMER Internship Program (Sip) Listserv Summer Email List The OITE-SIP and OITE-HS-SIP email Lists were created to promote a sense of community among student researchers at the NIH and to provide a forum for the exchange of educational, scientific, and employment information during the months you spend at the NIH. Check your email frequently for important information on summer opportunities! If you are not receiving emails from the appropriate summer listserv, please contact us at OITE- LoginHelp OITE-LoginHelp@od.nih.gov Create A Myoite Account If you have an activated NIH email account, create a MyOITE account with user type “NIH Trainee/Fellow” and trainee type “Summer Intern” for yourself on the OITE website so that you can register for events, make appointments with career counselors, participate in Summer Poster Day, and access the Alumni Database. If you would like to register for events before you arrive at the NIH or have your NIH email address, you can do so by selecting user type “Guest.” For more information about summer intern accounts go to: https://www.training.nih.gov/oite_accounts To create an account: http://www.training.nih.gov/register TO REQUEST SIGN LANGUAGE INTERPRETERS OR CART SERVICES American Sign Language interpreting services, CART services, and other reasonable accommodations are available upon request. Individuals who need interpreting services and/or other reasonable accommodations to participate in this event, should contact OITE-EventServices@ od.nih.gov or the NIH Interpreting Office directly, via email, at nih@ainterpreting.com. Requests should be made at least five business days in advance, when possible, in order to ensure interpreter availability.
Public Health Service
Office of Intramural Training & Education • 2 Center Drive • Building 2, Second Floor • Bethesda, MD 20892-0240 • 301 496 2427
May 2022
A Message to All Summer Research Program Participants:
On behalf of all the members of our scientific community, I would like to welcome you to the National
Institutes of Health (NIH). It is my sincere hope that your experience with us this summer will enhance your
knowledge, understanding, and appreciation of the world of biomedical research and will contribute to the
development of your academic and career goals. Over the years, participation in this program has motivated
many individuals like you to pursue careers in the biomedical sciences.
While you will undoubtedly be spending most of your time this summer in your research group, I highly
encourage you to take advantage of the many special opportunities we have to offer. The NIH Office of
Intramural Training & Education has organized several activities to enrich your summer experience. One of
these is the very popular Summer Lecture Series. At these lectures, leading NIH scientists will discuss their
current research in presentations designed just for you. Be sure to login or arrive early; the lectures are very
popular.
Summer Poster Day, held this year on August 3rd and 4th, provides you the opportunity to present your
summer research findings to the broader NIH scientific community. I encourage all summer students to take
part in this NIH-wide event, which recognized the work of more than 630 virtual summer interns in 2021. You
will find a description of the registration procedure and guidelines for creating your poster in this handbook.
You are likely to notice, through the Lecture Series, Presentation Week, or your discussions with other
summer interns, that NIH investigators use a wide array of techniques and approaches. This reflects the
NIH conviction that, in the twenty-first century, important biomedical problems will be solved by combining
the knowledge and skills of engineers, mathematicians, chemists, pharmaceutical scientists, physicists, and
experts in computer science and bioinformatics, as well as biologists. Working in teams, investigators with
diverse scientific, educational, and cultural backgrounds represent the key to the progress on which our
nation’s health depends.
We will be offering sessions called “Planning a Successful NIH Summer Internship” for SIP participants and
a HS-SIP Summer Orientation that will help you hit the ground running; please be certain to attend. I also
highly recommend that you take advantage of OITE workshops and talks that will assist you with planning
your career AND that you consider taking advantage of one of our Summer Bootcamps, each of which will
focus on a particular current scientific issue, such as health disparities or clinical trials. Finally, as the media
report on an almost daily basis, the coronavirus pandemic is stressing all of us. Take the time to get involved
in the wellness and resilience training the OITE has developed to provide summer interns with support.
Congratulations on your selection for an internship and best wishes for a rewarding virtual summer at the NIH!
Sincerely yours,
/ Michael M. Gottesman, MD / / Yewon Cheon, PhD /
Deputy Director for Intramural Research Director, Postbac and Summer Research Program
National Institutes of Health
NIH Summer Handbook 2022 | iTable of Contents
oite – The Office Of Intramural IN-PERSON INFO: COVID-19 AND
Training & Education................................. 1 LABORATORY SAFETY TRAINING
Who’s Who in the OITE?........................................................ 2 FOR SUMMER INTERNS.................................. 12
Planning A Successful NIH Summer Internship!............. 2 COVID-19 SAFETY .................................................................12
Using the Summer Handbook.............................................. 2 Overview of Summer Intern Laboratory
and COVID-19 Safety........................................................12
The OITE Website................................................................... 2
The NIH COVID-19 Safety Plan ......................................12
OITE Online Resources..................................................... 2
Laboratory Safety.................................................................12
The OITE Career Services Center ....................................... 2
Introduction to Laboratory Safety ...............................12
The OITE Careers Blog............................................................ 3
Laboratory Safety Refresher Course
Getting Off to a Good Start: Settling in to
(Online Training Course)................................................. 13
Your New Research Group.................................................... 3
Bloodborne Pathogen Training...........................................13
If Problems Arise.................................................................... 3
Working Safely with HIV and Other Bloodborne
What Is The nih?............................................4 Pathogens for Non-Hospital Personnel...................... 13
NIH Overview.......................................................................... 4 Bloodborne Pathogen Refresher Training................... 13
Institutes and centers (ICs) of the NIH............................. 4 In-Person Summer Student Safety Training
Acronyms................................................................................. 5 Requirements at a Glance.............................................. 13
NIH Campuses......................................................................... 6 Radiation Safety....................................................................14
Understanding Institute/Center Organization Animal Care and Use.............................................................14
and Administration................................................................ 6 Using Animals in Intramural Research:
Who Conducts Research at the NIH?..................................7 Guidelines for Animal Users.......................................... 14
Meeting the Important People in Your Institute or Working Safely with Nonhuman Primates................. 14
Center (IC).................................................................................7 Hands-on Animal Techniques:
IN-PERSON INFO: NIH Resources....................................... 8 Rodent Workshops........................................................... 14
Cafeterias............................................................................ 8 The 2022 Summer Internship Program. 15
Coffee Bars.......................................................................... 8 Summer Internship Program Activities...........................15
Concession Stands/Convenience Stores...................... 8 Research Project...............................................................15
FAES Bookstore.................................................................. 8 Summer Internship Curriculum.....................................15
Lost and Found .................................................................. 8 Two Important Summer Trainng Events .................... 16
Wellness “at” the NIH ................................9 Intensive Summer Series.............................................. 16
OITE Summer Wellness Resources..................................... 9 Summer Journal Clubs................................................... 16
Summer Wellness Workshop Series.............................. 9 In Their Own Words: The NIH Experiences and
Summer Small Group Discussion Opportunities........ 9 Career Paths of Prior and Current NIH Trainees........ 16
NIH Wellness Resources..................................................... 10 The NIH Library .....................................................................16
Other NIH Offices That Support Wellness................. 10 Special Summer Events ........................... 18
Resources to Support the Distressed Trainee........... 10 NIH 2022 Virtual Graduate &
IN-PERSON INFO: Fitness Centers............................... 11 Professional School Fair.......................................................18
IN-PERSON INFO: NIH Recreation & 2022 Summer Lecture Series.............................................18
Welfare Association (R&W).......................................................11 VIRTUAL SUMMER POSTER DAY 2022......... 19
IN-PERSON INFO: Occupational Medical Overview.................................................................................19
Service (OMS).................................................................... 11
Registration............................................................................19
IN-PERSON INFO: What if I Get Sick?........................... 11
Creating Your Poster............................................................20
IN-PERSON INFO: What if I Need Help?....................... 11
Virtual Poster Requirements:
IN-PERSON INFO: REPORTING UNSAFE OR Content and Design.........................................................20
UNHEALTHFUL CONDITIONS........................................ 11
ii | National Institutes of HealthVirtual Desktop Infrastructure: Following NIH Rules.................................27
HOW VIRTUAL Summer Interns Will Paying Taxes on Your Summer Income............................ 27
Get Things Done.......................................... 21
NIH Anti-Harassment Guidelines and Resources.......... 27
What IS Virtual Desktop Infrastructure?.........................21
How Do I Get Access to VDI?...............................................21
Think about the Future.......................... 29
Important Paperwork.......................................................... 29
Getting an Active Directory (AD) Account in NED,
the NIH Enterprise Directory..........................................21 Join the Alumni Database.................................................. 29
Multi-factor Authentication (MFA) Downloading/ After Your Internship: Coming “Back” to the NIH.......... 29
Logging into VDI...............................................................21 NIH Undergraduate Scholarship Program (UGSP) ..29
What Will I Need to Make This Work?............................... 22 Postbaccalaureate Intramural Research Training
Award (IRTA) ....................................................................29
IN-PERSON INFO: GETTING SETTLED INTO
YOUR NIH CAMPUS....................................... 23 Graduate Partnerships Program (GPP) .......................30
NIH Security.......................................................................... 23 Programs for Medical, Dental, and Veterinary
Students............................................................................30
What You Can Do Before Arriving at the NIH............23
Summer Students at Remote Locations.................... 24 Contacts....................................................... 31
Your NIH Id Badge and Email Account............................. 24 Central Summer Internship Program (SIP) Coordinator.31
Preplacement Medical Evaluation..................................... 24 Summer Internship Program (SIP) Coordinators............31
Who Needs a Preplacement Medical Evaluation?..... 24 NIH Summer Internship Program (SIP) Subprogram
Coordinators..........................................................................33
How is a Medical Evaluation Arranged?...................... 24
Limitations on the Activities of Minors........................... 25 Useful Websites......................................... 34
Supervision of Students in Laboratories........................ 25 NIH Resources.......................................................................34
Transportation to the NIH and Parking........................... 25 NIH Research & Training Resources.................................34
Transhare...........................................................................25 IN-PERSON INFO: Washington
Parking at Woodglen Park and Ride Lot in Metropolitan Area Activities.............. 36
Rockville, MD.....................................................................26 Experience the DC Area.......................................................36
Bicycling.............................................................................26
Acknowledgements...................................37
Shuttles.............................................................................26
NIH Summer Handbook 2022 | iiioite – The Office Of Intramural
Training & Education
The Office of Intramural Training & Education is OITE website so that you can make appointments
responsible for ensuring that your experience in the NIH with career counselors, participate in Summer
Intramural Research Program is as rewarding as possible. Presentation Week, and access the Alumni Database
We are here to help all NIH trainees become creative (see https://www.training.nih.gov/oite_accounts);
leaders in the biomedical research community, but you • visit the OITE website, https://www.training.nih.gov,
must take the initiative to make the most of your time at regularly to check for new opportunities; remember that
the NIH. You need to make certain that, when you leave if you cannot attend a workshop, you will find video-
the NIH, you take with you the technical, communication, and pod-casts of many of them on the OITE YouTube
problem solving, and interpersonal skills you will need as channel at https://www.youtube.com/c/NIHOITE;
you move forward in your career. • check out our online resources (https://www.training.
nih.gov/nih_resources and YouTube videos) for help
In summer 2022, the NIH will host both virtual and in-
with things like keeping a lab notebook, reading a
person interns. To ensure that their experiences are
scientific article, attending a scientific meeting, writing
similar, the OITE will present all programming virtually. The
professional emails, and mastering lab math;
recommendations below apply to all summer interns.
• participate in appropriate career and professional
Research should be your highest priority while you are development workshops;
at the NIH. OITE aims to ensure that you also take part • attend the Summer Lecture Series, presented by some
in relevant career development activities, learn all you of the most respected investigators at the NIH;
can from the scientific staff at the NIH and your fellow • share your research with the NIH community at
trainees, and have a good time. In addition, OITE staff Summer Poster Day;
members are available to help you resolve any problems • sign up with our Career Services Center for pre-
that might arise during your time at the NIH. professional and graduate school advising or help
exploring careers;
Specifically, we encourage you to
• create a LinkedIn account and join the NIH Intramural
• if you are participating in the High School Summer Research Program group to network and share ideas;
Internship Program (HS-SIP), join the staff of the OITE • follow the OITE Careers Blog, https://oitecareersblog.
for a required orientation prior to joining your research od.nih.gov/; and
group (or attend the required orientation presented by • explore and contribute to the community around you.
your Institute/Center);
OITE programs complement the training activities of the
• if you are participating in SIP, attend one of four
NIH Institutes and Centers (ICs). OITE is located on the
sessions of Planning a Successful Summer Internship
second floor of Building 2. Our hours are Monday-Friday
instead;
8:00 am-5:00 pm. We maintain an open-door policy and
• attend orientation in your Institute/Center;
encourage you to drop by anytime during open hours.
• make certain that you are included on one of the
official OITE summer mailing lists, OITE-SIP or
OITE-HS-SIP;
• if you have an activated NIH email account, create
an “NIH Trainee/Fellow” account for yourself on the
1 | National Institutes of HealthWho’s Who in the OITE? Using the Summer Handbook
The OITE encompasses several biomedical research This handbook is intended for both in-person and virtual
training programs: the Postbaccalaureate and Summer summer interns. Sections specific for in-person interns are
Research Program (PSRP), the Graduate Partnerships indicated by “IN-PERSON INFO”.
Program (GPP), and the Office of Postdoctoral Services
Please direct comments for improving this handbook to
(OPS). You will likely interact primarily with staff
Dr. Yewon Cheon at cheony@mail.nih.gov.
members in the office who are involved with your
particular appointment.
The OITE Website
To ask a question about a particular training program https://www.training.nih.gov
or OITE function, please refer to: https://www.
The OITE website can provide you with valuable information
training.nih.gov/contact
during your stay at the NIH. Notices of important events are
To find the current contact information of specific staff posted on the homepage under “What’s New” and “Calendar
members visit: https://www.training.nih.gov/staff of Events”. You will also go to this site to register for career
development activities and complete program evaluations.
Planning A Successful NIH OITE publications, recordings of past workshops, and
Summer Internship! informational videos are also available on the site.
Your research project should be your number one
priority this summer. But, to make certain that you
OITE Online Resources
take full advantage of all the NIH has to offer, plan to The OITE website contains YouTube videos and other
join the staff of the OITE for an orientation. training materials designed to help with your professional
development. New materials are being added all the time.
If you are participating in the High School Summer
Resources include videos on keeping a good lab notebook,
Internship Program (HS-SIP), you must attend
reading a scientific article, lab math, attending a scientific
one of the two required orientations (June 13th
meeting, and choosing a research mentor. Recently we
or June 21st) or the required orientation in your
have added a host of videos designed to help you cultivate
Institute/Center (IC) prior to joining your research
wellbeing and resilience. Online resources include guides to
group. This virtual half-day orientation will familiarize
writing professional emails and cover letters and creating
summer interns with the NIH and its research
CVs and resumes. Check out these resources and others at
culture, introduce resources, and provide tips
https://www.training.nih.gov/nih_resources and on the
on how to be successful.
OITE YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/c/
If you will be participating in SIP, we strongly NIHOITE.
recommend attending one of four Planning a
Successful NIH Summer Internship sessions, The OITE Career Services Center
scheduled for all Fridays in June.
It is never too soon to begin thinking about your long-term
goals and future career plans. The OITE houses a career
Planning a Successful NIH Summer Internship 2022
(OITE Orientation for SIP Participants) counseling center to help you plan for a satisfying career
once you complete your training at NIH. The OITE Career
May 27 10:30 am – 12:00 pm ET Services Center was established in 2007 to serve all the
trainees in the NIH intramural community. Our goal is
June 3 10:30 am – 12:00 pm ET to ensure that NIH trainees are aware of the many jobs
available, both at and away from “the bench,” and to provide
June 10 10:30 am – 12:00 pm ET the resources to help trainees identify good personal
options. Our career counselors run workshops, lead small
June 17 10:30 am – 12:00 pm ET group discussions, and schedule individual appointments
open to all. These are designed to assist trainees in self-
High School Summer Intern Orientation
(Mandatory) assessment, career exploration, goal setting, and finding
positions. Staffing includes
June 13 10:00 am – 2:30 pm ET
• career counselors, who can assist you with analyzing
your strengths, weaknesses, and values; help you
June 21 10:00 am – 2:30 pm ET
write resumes and CVs; provide information on career
options; and coach you through the job search process;
NIH Summer Handbook 2022 | 2• counselors and wellness advisors who can aid you in If Problems Arise
developing a more assertive presence, dealing with
Where there are people, there can be conflict. Some
interpersonal conflicts that might arise in your group,
conflicts are minor irritations that are quickly forgotten.
managing time and/or stress, and handling more
Others are more serious, requiring you to talk to and
personal issues; and
negotiate outcomes with your co-workers and/or mentor.
• pre-professional advisors, who can talk with you about
We hope that any conflicts or tensions you experience
the decision to go to graduate or medical school, choosing
will be minor and that you view them as opportunities to
schools and programs, strategies for taking the MCAT or
improve your interpersonal skills. However, even with the
GRE successfully, filling in gaps in your credentials, writing
best of intentions, some group dynamics are poor; you may
personal statements, and interviewing.
find yourself embroiled in serious or complicated situations.
You can use the OITE website to make one-on-one Remember: You are not alone! The NIH has resources to
appointments with these individuals. help you deal with any interpersonal issues that may arise.
If you are experiencing conflict with someone in your
The OITE Careers Blog research group, speak with him or her directly. If that does
The OITE Careers Blog was established by the OITE Career not resolve the issue, speak with your principal investigator
Services Center to (PI). If you are not comfortable doing that, or if the situation
• increase awareness of OITE services among trainees; is not easily resolved, seek advice from other mentors
• respond to frequently asked questions about and (i.e., your IC training director, OITE staff, other colleagues)
offer guidance with the career planning and job search who can help you consider the issues from different
process; and perspectives as you attempt a reasonable resolution.
• share new and updated career information and If you have concerns about your interactions with your
resources with all NIH trainees. PI, it is important to talk with someone you trust. Hopefully
you will have developed relationships with your training
Go to https://oitecareersblog.od.nih.gov/ and subscribe to
director or with more senior students or postdocs in
be notified when new posts are published.
the group. Also, feel free to contact Dr. Milgram, Dr. Conlan,
or Dr. Sokolove in the OITE to confidentially discuss any
Getting Off to a Good Start: issues that develop.
Settling in to Your New
Research Group Some reasons to immediately contact the training
director in your IC, or Dr. Milgram, Dr. Conlan, or Dr. Sokolove
Fitting comfortably into your research group and developing
in the OITE, are issues of possible scientific misconduct,
good relationships with your coworkers should be your first
harassment of any type, and safety concerns. If we are
priorities. Each research unit has its own ways of doing
not able to assist you, we will help you access other
things. You will have to determine for yourself what the
campus resources, such as the Office of the Ombudsman
unwritten “rules” are for yours. What hours do most people
Center for Cooperative Resolution, the Employee
work? Is there a standard for maintaining notebooks? When
Assistance Program, and Civil, a program that
and on what platform are group meetings held? What
promotes civil behavior in the NIH workplace.
training courses do you need to complete? What computer
programs are used? What is the dress code? How much
chatting goes on?
You can learn some things by being a careful observer.
Others you will have to ask about explicitly. In all cases,
be courteous and enthusiastic. Write down any and all
directions. Make certain to do more than your share to
keep the lab or office running smoothly.
3 | National Institutes of HealthWhat Is The nih?
NIH Overview Institutes and centers (ICs)
Founded in 1887, the National Institutes of Health is one
of the NIH
of the world’s foremost medical research centers and the The NIH is one of the eleven agencies of the US Department
Federal focal point for medical research in the United of Health and Human Services (DHHS), along with the Food
States. NIH is the steward of medical and behavioral and Drug Administration (FDA), the Centers for Disease
research for the Nation. Its mission is the pursuit of Control and Prevention (CDC), and the Centers for Medicare
fundamental knowledge about the nature and behavior and Medicaid Services (CMS). The NIH is composed of 27
of living systems and the application of that knowledge separate Institutes and Centers (ICs) and the Office of the
to extend healthy life and reduce the burdens of illness Director (OD). Each IC has its own mission of supporting
and disability. biomedical research and training, in the intramural (here
at the NIH) and/or extramural (at universities and research
The goals of the NIH are to
institutes worldwide) research communities. All but three ICs
• foster fundamental creative discoveries, innovative receive their funding directly from Congress and administer
research strategies, and their applications as a basis for their own budgets. The 27 ICs are listed below. Those shown
ultimately protecting and improving health. in bold type participate in the Intramural Research Program.
• develop, maintain, and renew scientific human and
CC—NIH Clinical Center
physical resources that will assure the Nation’s
capability to prevent disease. CIT—Center for Information Technology
• expand the knowledge base in medical and associated
CSR—Center for Scientific Review
sciences in order to enhance the Nation’s economic
wellbeing and ensure a continued high return on the FIC—John E. Fogarty International Center
public investment in research.
NCATS—National Center for Advancing Translational
• exemplify and promote the highest level of scientific
Sciences
integrity, public accountability, and social responsibility
in the conduct of science. NCCIH—National Center for Complementary and
Integrative Health
In realizing these goals, the NIH provides leadership and
NCI—National Cancer Institute
direction to programs designed to improve the health of
the Nation by conducting and supporting research in the NEI—National Eye Institute
• causes, diagnosis, prevention, and cure of human NHGRI—National Human Genome Research Institute
diseases;
NHLBI—National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
• processes of human growth and development;
• biological effects of environmental contaminants; and NIA—National Institute on Aging
• understanding of mental, addictive, and physical disorders.
NIAAA—National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism
The NIH directs programs for the collection, dissemination, NIAID—National Institute of Allergy and
and exchange of information in medicine and health, Infectious Diseases
including the development and support of medical libraries
NIAMS—National Institute of Arthritis and
and the training of medical librarians and other health
Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases
information specialists.
NIH Summer Handbook 2022 | 4NIBIB—National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and FAES—Foundation for Advanced Education in the Sciences
Bioengineering
FNIH—Foundation for NIH
NICHD—Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute
FTE—Full-Time Equivalent
of Child Health and Human Development
FY—Fiscal Year
NIDA—National Institute on Drug Abuse
GDSSP–Graduate Data Science Summer Program
NIDCD—National Institute on Deafness and
Other Communication Disorders GPP–Graduate Partnerships Program
NIDCR—National Institute of Dental and G-SOAR–Graduate Summer Opportunity to Advance
Craniofacial Research Research
NIDDK—National Institute of Diabetes and HiSTEP–High School Scientific Training & Enrichment
Digestive and Kidney Diseases Program
NIEHS—National Institute of Environmental IC—Institute/Center
Health Sciences
IRP–Intramural Research Program
NIGMS—National Institute of General Medical Sciences
IRTA—Intramural Research Training Award
NIMH—National Institute of Mental Health
NED—NIH Enterprise Directory
NIMHD—National Institute on Minority Health
NSF—National Science Foundation
and Health Disparities
OAR—Office of AIDS Research
NINDS—National Institute of Neurological Disorders
and Stroke OHRM—Office of Human Resources Management
NINR—National Institute of Nursing Research OHSR—Office of Human Subjects Research
NLM—National Library of Medicine OIR—Office of Intramural Research, OD, NIH
OD—Office of the Director OITE—Office of Intramural Training & Education
OMS—Occupational Medical Service
Acronyms
OPM—Office of Personnel Management
The previous list of IC names should have convinced you
that we at NIH speak in acronyms; here is a list of other ORF—Office of Research Facilities
common abbreviations to help you communicate in your
ORS—Office of Research Services
new surroundings.
ORWH—Office of Research on Women’s Health
ACUC—Animal Care and Use Committee
PI—Principal Investigator
AO—Administrative Officer
PIV–Personal Identity Verification
CAN—Common Accounting Number
SD—Scientific Director
CCSEP—Community College Summer Enrichment Program
SEEP—Student Educational Employment Program
CIT—Center for Information Technology
SGMRO—Sexual & Gender Minority Research Office
CRTA—Cancer Research Training Award
SIP—Summer Internship Program
C-SOAR–College Summer Opportunity to Advance
Research TD—Training Director
CV—Curriculum Vitae TSP—Thrift Savings Plan
DDIR—Deputy Director for Intramural Research UGSP–Undergraduate Scholarship Program
DHHS—Department of Health and Human Services VF—Visiting Fellow
EAP—Employee Assistance Program WALS—Wednesday Afternoon Lecture Series
EDI—Office of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion For a comprehensive list, see:
http://employees.nih.gov/pages/acronyms.aspx
EEO—Equal Employment Opportunity
5 | National Institutes of HealthNIH Campuses
The main NIH campus is located in Bethesda, Maryland,
just 10 miles from the center of Washington, DC. Important
offices located on the Bethesda campus include the Office of
the Director, the Office of Intramural Research, and the Office
of Intramural Training & Education, which oversees NIH-wide
training. A large number of research facilities, offices, and
institutional resources are spread across more than 300
acres, in over 75 buildings, on the Bethesda campus.
Many NIH scientists conduct their research in laboratories
located on the main campus in Bethesda, but others work on
NIH campuses across the country. Other NIH facilities where
students may train include
• the Framingham Heart Study of the NHLBI in
Framingham, MA;
• the Rocky Mountain Laboratories of the NIAID
in Hamilton, MT;
• the Perinatology Research Branch of the
Eunice Kennedy Shriver NICHD in Detroit, MI;
• the NIA and NIDA in the Biomedical Research
Center, in Baltimore, MD;
• the Phoenix Epidemiology and Clinical
Research Branch (PECRB) of NIDDK in Phoenix, AZ;
• the NIH Animal Center in Poolesville, MD;
• the Twinbrook Cluster, Executive Plaza, and
Shady Grove in Rockville, MD, less than 8 miles
from the NIH Bethesda campus;
• NCI Frederick Cancer Research and Development
Center (FCRDC) at Fort Detrick in Frederick, MD; and
• the NIEHS facility in Research Triangle Park (RTP), NC.
Understanding Institute/Center
Organization and Administration IC intramural research programs are organized as follows:
The organizational structure of the NIH is both similar to • Individual tenure-track or senior investigators (also known
and different from that of most universities. Universities are as principal investigators or PIs) head their own units/
typically organized around schools and colleges (e.g., School labs/research groups, which include trainees, technicians,
of Medicine, School of Public Health) that are subdivided staff scientists, and administrative support personnel.
into departments and units. The NIH consists of Institutes
• Multiple units form a Section, which is headed by a
and Centers (ICs), similar to the schools/colleges found in
Section Chief.
many academic institutions. All NIH faculty have a primary
appointment in one IC; this IC provides laboratory and office • A Lab or Branch, headed by a Lab or Branch Chief,
space, funding, and administrative support for the research consists of two or more Sections and possibly one or
group and is the “intellectual home” for all personnel there. more additional units. Large Labs and Branches may
Like faculty at universities, NIH faculty can have adjunct/ include 10 to 12 PIs, but in general, a Lab or Branch
joint appointments in other ICs. In addition, mechanisms to consists of 4 to 8 PIs. Originally, the distinction was that
facilitate interaction across ICs have been formalized so that Branches had at least one clinical investigator, while
scientists and clinicians with common interests can easily Labs housed basic scientists only; this distinction has
interact and collaborate. somewhat fallen by the wayside.
NIH Summer Handbook 2022 | 6When you join a lab/group, you become a member of your at and receive their degrees from their universities and
PI’s IC. You have access to the scientific resources of this IC, conduct all or part of their dissertation research at the NIH.
including core facilities, scientific seminars, retreats, and
Medical/Dental Students: Medical/dental students who
professional development activities organized by the IC.
have a strong research interest and the permission of their
Administrators in your IC will handle many day-to-day details
academic institution can spend 1 or 2 years conducting
of your NIH experience (i.e., ID badge procurement, building
research in the NIH Medical Research Scholars Program.
access, travel, computer support, email, etc.), so it is important
The program is designed for students who have completed
that you meet these individuals as soon as possible.
their core clinical rotations but does not exclude students
with strong research interests from applying prior to
Who Conducts Research at the NIH? having completed their core rotations. About 50 students
Labs/research groups at the NIH vary greatly in size. A participate in this program each year. Medical students can
small lab may have only a half dozen staff members, while also complete clinical electives at the NIH.
a large group may include 30. Regardless of size, fitting in
Postbaccalaureate (Postbac) Trainees: A group of
with this team and contributing to its productivity should
more than 1600 students who have completed their
be one of your major goals. Take cues from your coworkers.
undergraduate work, postbacs conduct research at the
What is the dress code? How do individuals contribute to
NIH for 1 to 3 years before continuing on to graduate or
the success of the group? Is cooperation or competition
professional (medical, dental, veterinary, pharmacy, etc.)
stressed? How much chatting goes on? Are headphones
school.
and cell phones in use? You are going to spend a lot of time
with these people. Take the time to consider seriously the Summer Interns: This group includes you! Most summers,
best ways to interact with them. about 1200 high school, college, graduate, and professional
school students spend 8 to 10 weeks working in the Intramural
Your group may include some or all of the following:
Research Program. These individuals must be at least 17
Principal Investigators: Principal investigators hold a years of age and US citizens or permanent residents. In
doctoral degree. They can be either tenured or tenure-track summer 2022, 500 summer interns will come in-person to
investigators. These individuals run their own labs/groups NIH campuses; the rest will participate virtually.
and have the authority to hire all of the remaining groups of
scientists. About 1100 PIs work in the NIH IRP. Meeting the Important People in
Staff Scientists: Staff scientists generally hold a doctoral
Your Institute or Center (IC)
degree. Although they are not principal investigators, When you join the NIH as a summer intern, you are actually
they are accomplished scientists. They often fulfill key joining your PI’s Institute or Center (IC). Staff members in
functions such as managing the laboratory of a very the IC are going to make certain you get paid, get answers
busy PI or running a core facility that provides services to to administrative questions, have access to the resources
many investigators. The ≈1300 staff scientists frequently you need to complete your work, and find the IT support you
supervise/mentor trainees like you. need. Be certain to “meet” and get to know the following:
Clinical Fellows: Clinical Fellows are individuals who hold • Your Summer Coordinator (SC), who will probably be
a professional doctoral degree (e.g., MD or DDS), have the first person to reach out to you. Your SC has been
recently completed their internships and residencies, working with the OITE to iron out summer program
and are at the NIH both to provide clinical services and to details and will be able help you with questions about
conduct research. The NIH hosts approximately 300 Clinical how your IC works, summer resources, and activities
Fellows at any one time. sponsored by your IC and/or the OITE.
• Your Administrative Officer (AO), who will complete
Postdoctoral Fellows: Approximately 3,000 individuals who
your appointment paperwork and enter you into the NIH
have recently received a doctoral degree are continuing
Enterprise Directory (NED), which makes you “official”
their research training at the NIH. They are generally called
• If you are a virtual summer intern, the IT support team
Postdoctoral IRTAs (CRTAs if they are working in the NCI)
in your IC, who will help you master multi-factor au-
if they are US citizens or permanent residents and Visiting
thentication (MFA) so that you can use your personal
Fellows if they are citizens of another nation. An individual
computer and our Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI)
can spend no more than 5 years as a postdoctoral fellow at
to access NIH resources (Don’t worry if this sounds
the NIH. In order to stay longer, postdocs must be promoted
confusing, you will find more information later in this
either to a permanent position or to Research Fellow, a move
handbook.), answer your IT questions, help you resolve
that allows them to remain for up to an additional 3 years.
technical issues, and, if necessary, help you contact
Graduate Students: The NIH is the research home of about central IT support services (provided by the Center for
350 graduate students. They complete their coursework Information Technology, CIT).
7 | National Institutes of HealthIN-PERSON INFO: FAES Bookstore
NIH Resources https://faes.org/content/faes-bookstore-nih
Cafeterias • Building 10, Room 1N241, 301-496-5272
For a map of cafeterias, coffee bars and concession stands Lost and Found
see https://www.ors.od.nih.gov/pes/dats/food/Pages/
Same Day:
index.aspx.
• Parking Lots (Employees and Visitors): 301-656-9008
• Building 10, Second Floor • Employee Shuttles: 301-435-4010
• Building 10, First Floor, north entrance to CRC • Patient Shuttles: 301-496-1161
(only soups, wraps, coffee, snacks) • Gateway Center: 301-435-7554
• Building 10, B1-Level • Commercial Vehicle Inspection Facility (CVIF):
• Building 12B, First Floor 301‑443‑6843
• Building 31, First Floor • Natcher Conference Center: visit the Events Management
• Building 35, First Floor office directly across from Ruth Kirschstein Auditorium
• Building 38A, B1 Level
After 24 Hours (and for locations not listed above):
• Building 45 (Natcher Conference Center), First Floor
• NIH Police Reception Desk (Building 31, Room B3B17):
• Bayview, Ground Floor
301-496-2387
Coffee Bars Ultimately, all lost and found items end up with the NIH
• Building 1, Third Floor, 301-451-0093 Police, usually within 24 hours.
• Building 10, First Floor, near the FAES bookstore,
301‑594‑9013
• Building 10, First Floor, north entrance to CRC
• Building 35, First Floor, 301-594-8438
• Building 50, First Floor, 301-402-0594
• 5601 Fishers Lane, First Floor, 301-770-8901
Concession Stands/Convenience Stores
• Building 10, Room B1-C20, 301-496-3087
• Building 12B, Room 1N-108, 301-402-2919
• Building 31, First Floor Hallway, 301-496-6230
• Building 35, Room GC202, 301-496-3635
• Building 45, Room 1AA-02, 301-435-4697
• Neuroscience Center (NSC) Building, 6001 Executive
Blvd, Lobby, 301-435-1468
NIH Summer Handbook 2022 | 8Wellness “at” the NIH
Life in a research group, and life in general, can be stressful. Remember: A summer research experience will have its
It’s important to find time for yourself and your family, even challenging moments – trainees who take advantage of all
when balancing work and life seems challenging. Recently, the resources available to them deal more effectively with
the virtual workplace, the turmoil in our country, and the these challenges.
stresses produced by the coronavirus pandemic have
increased the stress we are all experiencing. The NIH has OITE Summer Wellness Resources
developed a collection of activities to help you manage
your stress and cultivate mental health and well-being.
Summer Wellness Workshop Series
Over the summer watch for workshop series on resilience, Becoming a Resilient Scientist.
mental health and well-being with a focus on scientists, The OITE will offer this series (with related small group
and diversity and inclusion. In addition, consider discussions) twice in summer 2022, once for SIP (June 7-28)
participating in small group discussions, facilitated by and once for HS-SIP (July 5-25). Each series will consist of 4
wellness advisors, that address situations you may be workshops:
facing. Finally, remember that a large part of feeling
• Introduction to Resilience and Wellness
comfortable in your work environment is having a
• Exploring Our Self-talk: Cognitive Distortions and
community with whom to share the experience. The OITE
Imposter Fears
supports several affinity groups that meet virtually for
• Self-advocacy and Assertiveness
lunch and other activities. Please read more about all these
• Feedback Resilience
opportunities below.
These workshops are included in the complete summer
The OITE is happy to speak with you about your career
intern schedule at https://www.training.nih.gov/nih_
progression, applications to graduate or professional
summer_internship_curriculum.
school, and issues that are affecting your work while
here for the summer.
Summer Small Group Discussion Opportunities
• OITE Career Counselors are available for 1:1 meetings
Check your email for upcoming topics, dates, times, and
to discuss career decision making, resume reviews,
event links.
and more; make an appointment here: https://www.
training.nih.gov/career_services/appointments Discussion Groups for Building Resilience
• If you are interested in advice regarding medical or The summer is an exciting and busy time for trainees,
graduate school applications, please attend our weekly but it can also be challenging. Discussion groups are
drop-in Q&A sessions; they are listed on the OITE events facilitated by trained wellness advisors and offer a
page: https://www.training.nih.gov/events/upcoming welcoming and confidential space to explore life’s ups
• Our Wellness team offers opportunities to connect and downs and work in a positive and proactive way to
including resilience discussion groups, mindfulness build resilience. Groups are offered weekly throughout the
meditation, and opportunities summer and take place via Zoom. You will find the Zoom
to journal. If you need additional help, please email links in the morning wellness email.
OITE-Wellness@nih.gov
• OITE can also refer you to other NIH wellness resources
and, when appropriate, we will offer to help you speak
with your mentors.
9 | National Institutes of HealthMindfulness Meditation Groups • Mental Health and Well-being of Biomedical Researches:
Would you like at least one time a week when you could https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=
slow down and connect with yourself? OITE drop-in PLxnpU66KqCch9kL_e1m0D93yclRQhIQLW
meditation groups are offered to trainees/fellows as • Becoming a Resilient Scientist:
a support for self-care and enhanced wellbeing. Each https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=
30-minute session involves a few minutes of instruction PLxnpU66KqCcj7jaeO7nzPNeZUJ0obXK-j
followed by approximately 20-25 minutes of meditation
practice. The facilitator will be available after the session
for questions and brief discussions. These groups are
NIH Wellness Resources
open to both beginners and experienced meditators; Other NIH Offices That Support Wellness
attendance is on a drop-in basis - come as often as
Civil
you like! Please arrive a few minutes prior to the start
301-402-4845
time to check in and get settled for practice. All trainees
https://hr.nih.gov/working-nih/civil
are welcome!
The mission of Civil is to foster civility throughout the NIH
Thriving Thursdays
community. Contact Civil if you experience or observe any
Sessions cover specific aspects of physical, mental,
of the following:
emotional, and spiritual self-care with weekly topics
announced in advance. Join us virtually on Thursdays • harassment
at noon. The Zoom link will be provided in the morning • sexual harassment
wellness email. Feel free to bring your lunch. • inappropriate conduct
• intimidation
Journaling for Career Development and Personal Growth
• bullying or
Journaling is a great way to tune into your thoughts and
• other unproductive, disruptive, and/or violent
emotions, work through challenges, and support your goals.
behaviors.
Research shows that it has both physical and mental health
benefits, including better immune functioning, decrease NIH Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
in blood pressure, better sleep, decrease in depression 301-496-3164
and anxiety, and improved working memory. It can be https://www.ors.od.nih.gov/sr/dohs/HealthAndWellness/
particularly helpful in this challenging time of COVID-19. EAP/Pages/index.aspx
Please bring a journal/paper and pen!
The NIH EAP is a confidential service available to NIH
NIH Communities trainees and their families. You can “visit” the EAP to
A large part of feeling comfortable in your work environment discuss work or life concerns including life transitions, work-
is having a community with whom to share the experience. life balance, career progression, substance abuse, family
The NIH is a big place; we can almost guarantee that you dynamics, or any other issues that might affect your ability
will be able to find a community that will make you feel at to succeed as a trainee. EAP is open 9:00 am to 5:00 pm,
home. Communities at the NIH include an NIH chapter of Monday through Friday; you can also call for immediate
SACNAS (the Society for the Advancement of Chicanos/ assistance or email to set up a virtual appointment.
Hispanics and Native Americans in Science), LGBT Fellows
Office of the Ombudsman, Center for Cooperative
and Friends, the Network of African American Fellows
Resolution (CCR)
(NAAF), and Fellows of All Abilities (FAAb). You will find
301-594-7231
a list and contact information at https://www.training.
https://ombudsman.nih.gov
nih.gov/you_are_not_alone. The schedule of community
lunches during the summer is posted at https://www. The NIH Office of the Ombudsman, CCR is a neutral,
training.nih.gov/community_group_meeting_schedule. independent, and confidential resource providing assistance
to NIH scientists, administrators, trainees, and support
Additional Resources
staff in addressing work-related issues such as authorship
The OITE Wellness webpage, https://www.training.
and other scientific disputes, employee-supervisor conflict,
nih.gov/wellness summarizes OITE wellness resources,
racial and ethnic tensions, and conflicts between peers. The
including listing wellness-related blog posts. You will
CCR is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.
find YouTube videos of prior OITE resilience and wellness
workshops on the OITE YouTube channel (https://www.
youtube.com/c/NIHOITE). Some of them are collected in
Resources to Support the Distressed
the following playlists.
Trainee
https://www.training.nih.gov/assets/Bookmark__
Resources_to_Support_the_Distressed_Trainees_
revised_2021.pdf
NIH Summer Handbook 2022 | 10IN-PERSON INFO: IN-PERSON INFO:
Fitness Centers What if I Get Sick?
https://www.ors.od.nih.gov/pes/dats/fitness/Pages/
The hospital closest to the NIH is Suburban Hospital,
index.aspx
located at 8600 Old Georgetown Road in Bethesda. The
NIH fitness centers are run by the NIH Recreation and main hospital number is 301-896-3100. You can reach
Welfare (R&W) Association. Services include weight rooms, the on-call physician information and referral service
aerobics, yoga classes, weight watchers, and personal at 301-896-3939 from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm, Monday
trainers. Centers are located in Building 31C, Room B4 C18, through Friday.
301-496-8746; The Loft, Building T39, 301-496-8746; and
How you select a physician will depend on your health
Rockledge I, Room 5070, 301-435-0038. Students are
insurance. It is best to figure this out before you need
eligible for a reduced rate: $13-21 per month, depending on
medical attention.
the plan you choose.
Make certain to carry proof of health insurance with you
IN-PERSON INFO: at all times, just in case you need access to emergency
NIH Recreation & Welfare Association (R&W) health services.
R&W Office: 301-496-6061
https://govemployee.com/nih IN-PERSON INFO:
What if I Need Help?
The Recreation and Welfare Association (R&W) is an
https://www.ors.od.nih.gov/sr/dohs/
organization designed to provide trainees and employees at
HealthAndWellness/EAP/Pages/index.aspx
NIH with a variety of social, athletic, wellness, educational,
and special interest activities. R&W publishes a monthly Sometimes things happen: a parent passes away, you
newsletter describing services on campus and also offers suspect a child is being abused, you have been abused,
planned excursions and discounted tickets to various you want help stopping smoking, you are experiencing a
activities and events. Additionally, the Association runs the mental health crisis. The NIH Employee Assistance
fitness centers and gift shops located throughout campus. Program (EAP) is available to assist summer interns with
R&W membership is free, but preferred membership difficult transitions and situations that are negatively
($9.00 per year) is required for fitness center access and influencing their ability to work. You can call 301-
discounted tickets, etc. 496-3164 to inquire about their services or make an
appointment. EAP is located in Building 31, Room B2B57.
If you are on the Frederick campus, check out the volunteer-
It also maintains a list of helpful phone numbers that
run recreation and welfare group there by visiting their
will connect you with Crisis Centers, smoking cessation
Facebook page: https://facebook.com/RWClubFrederick .
centers, and self-help groups. You can also call 211 to
find out about state resources.
IN-PERSON INFO:
Occupational Medical Service (OMS)
Building 10, 6C306, 301-496-4411 IN-PERSON INFO:
https://www.ors.od.nih.gov/sr/dohs/HealthAndWellness/ REPORTING UNSAFE OR UNHEALTHFUL
OccupationalMedical/Pages/oms_main.aspx CONDITIONS
https://ors.od.nih.gov/sr/dohs/safety/incidents_
Occupational Medical Service (OMS) provides NIH
accidents/Pages/Report-of-Unsafe-Condition.aspx
employees and trainees with information and occupation-
related medical care to help them perform their jobs in If you believe that an unsafe or unhealthful working
a safe and healthy work environment. OMS conducts condition exists in the workplace you have the right and
preplacement evaluations to review job duties, provides are encouraged to make a report (oral or written) of the
work-related immunizations, and enrolls NIH employees condition to us. If you believe that there is immediate
in surveillance programs for public health hazards at their danger to life or health, make a report as quickly as
work site (for example, noise, animals, and M. tuberculosis). possible by calling us at (301) 496-3457 or after hours
OMS provides clinical care for occupational injuries and by calling the Emergency Communication Center at
illnesses and offers administrative assistance with claims (301) 496-5685.
for Federal Workers’ Compensation benefits.
If you have questions, please contact us at (301) 496-
3457 or your assigned Safety and Health Specialist .
11 | National Institutes of HealthIN-PERSON INFO:
COVID-19 AND LABORATORY SAFETY
TRAINING FOR SUMMER INTERNS
COVID-19 SAFETY Laboratory Safety
Overview of Summer Intern Laboratory The NIH is responsible for the promotion of safe work
and COVID-19 Safety practices for all who work in NIH research facilities,
https://www.training.nih.gov/events/view/_2/6528/ including summer students. The Division of Occupational
Health and Safety offers several required laboratory safety
This one-hour training will provide summer interns an
courses that summer research trainees must complete
overview of important safety-related topics, resources,
within 30 days of beginning to work in a laboratory. The
and helpful contact information to prepare them for a
courses listed below provide training in the safe work
safe learning experience this summer. It will be offered
practices and procedures to be employed when working
virtually twice: Wednesday, May 8th, 3:00-4:00 pm (ET)
in the NIH research environment. Laboratory supervisors
and Wednesday, June 1st, 11:30 am-12:30 pm, (ET). ALL
are responsible for ensuring that their staff members
in-person interns must attend one of these sessions before
attend the correct training prior to working with potentially
their starting date; virtual interns are also invited.
hazardous materials. Note: Students will be allowed to
complete laboratory safety training before they have
The NIH COVID-19 Safety Plan received their NIH ID badges.
https://ors.od.nih.gov/sr/dohs/safety/NIH-covid-19-
safety-plan/Pages/default.aspx NOTES: The descriptions in this section apply only to the
Bethesda campuses. If you are interning at a different
This site lays out the expectations for NIH personnel
campus, make certain you complete any required laboratory
working onsite. It is based on current guidance from the
safety training.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the
Safer Federal Workforce Task Force (SFWT). It is updated
each Friday to reflect the community levels of COVID-19 in
Introduction to Laboratory Safety
the counties where NIH facilities are located, and the safety The online introductory course in laboratory safety is
requirements for all campus personnel change based on mandatory for all new laboratory research trainees. It
community virus level. must be completed prior to attending any other courses
or working in an NIH lab. The course introduces laboratory
When the community level increases from low to medium,
personnel to common hazards and exposure risks, including
for example, physical distancing in NIH buildings changes
chemical, radiological, and biological hazards that are found
from being optional to requiring six feet and testing goes
in NIH research laboratories. It provides instruction on how
from being optional to being required for all non-vaccinated
to prevent exposure to these hazards and procedures for
individuals on campus. When community level increases to
emergency response. The course also covers NIH waste-
high, masks are required rather than being optional.
handling procedures as well as methods to ensure the
You will also find information on the following important research laboratory is free from common physical hazards.
topics on the site: It provides information on NIH security policies
• Asymptomatic testing services and procedures. To access the online course, go to
• Vaccinations https://www.safetytraining.nih.gov. This course can be
• Self-monitoring for COVID-19 symptoms accessed from any computer, private or NIH owned.
• What to do if you test positive for COVID-19
• Facial coverings
• Staff wellness
• Tips on being safe while travelling
Be certain to check the site regularly for information on
the community COVID-19 level on your campus.
NIH Summer Handbook 2022 | 12You can also read
