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Research Training

Graduate Data Science Summer Program (GDSSP)

This program is available to:

An opportunity for master's students interested in data science to perform a summer research internship in the Intramural Research Program at the NIH.

On this page

About this program

This program is for master’s students who want to spend their summer at the NIH learning to use computational tools to address critical biomedical research questions. These are full-time research positions within one of the NIH Institutes or Centers (ICs). Research groups are located on all NIH campuses, including the main campus in Bethesda, MD. The program is a collaboration between the NIH Office of Data Science and the NIH OITE.

GDSSP is a cohort program within the broader NIH Summer Internship Program (SIP). In addition to having access to the resources offered to all summer interns, GDSSP interns participate in orientation, leadership, professional development, and well-being programs as part of a cohort or  learning community. Elements of the GDSSP curriculum focus on the breadth of careers available for data scientists and discussions on topics relevant to data scientists including artificial intelligence and data reproducibility.

Diversity and inclusion

Diversity strengthens our community. We welcome applicants who meet the GDSSP eligibility requirements and strongly encourage applications from individuals:

  • from racial and ethnic groups that are underrepresented in biomedical research and healthcare fields.
  • with disabilities
  • who are/were, enrolled in Tribal Colleges and Universities, community colleges, Hispanic-serving institutions, or Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs)
  • who identify as LGBTQ+
  • disadvantaged by life circumstances that have negatively impacted their educational opportunities.

Eligibility criteria

This program is designed for recently matriculated master’s students in data science, computational biology, or computer science. To be considered for GDSSP, you must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. In addition, you must:

  • Be enrolled for Fall 2024 in a master’s degree program at a university in the U.S., Puerto Rico, or other U.S. territory. If you are applying for Fall 2024 admission, participation in the program will be dependent on successful matriculation into a graduate program
  • Have permission from your graduate school program/university to participate in the program.

GDSSP interns must commit to completing the entire ten-week internship and must be on campus from June 3 to August 9, 2024. Summer internships are full-time positions; interns are expected to devote 40 hours per week to their projects and training.

Applicants with a family member working at NIH should be aware of the strict nepotism policy, which may limit your ability to work in certain NIH institutes, centers, or research groups.

Stipend and other compensation

Stipends for summer interns are adjusted annually and are based on educational level. There is free parking on each NIH campus; summer interns on some campuses may be eligible to participate in the Transhare program.

All summer interns must present proof of health insurance to participate in the program.

Before you apply

The decision to come to the NIH as a GDSSP intern is an important one.  These are full-time research positions, and it is not possible to take summer classes or tend to other responsibilities during work hours.

Research groups are located on several different NIH campuses, including the main campus in Bethesda, MD. The GDSSP curriculum takes place on the NIH Bethesda campus and interns on other campuses participate in elements of the program virtually. Before you begin your application, we encourage you to learn more about:

How to apply

Opening and closing dates

The GDSSP application is currently closed.

The GDSSP application opens mid-November and closes on Friday, January 12, 2024 at noon ET.
Reference letters are due before Friday, January 19, 2024 at noon ET.

Complete your application

You must use the NIH Application Center to apply for this program.

  1. After you complete the required sections of your profile, you will be asked to select a preferred program. Choose ‘Summer internships for college, professional, and graduate students.’
  2. You must select 'Apply' next to ‘Graduate Data Science Summer Program’ for your application to be considered for this program.
  3. Ensure that you are eligible for this program before clicking 'Start Application.'
  4. To complete your application, import any relevant information from your profile. You must also submit:
  • Coursework & Exams - a list of coursework and grades
  • CV/Resume - a list of your education, experience, and other relevant history
  • References - the names and contact information of two references
  • Letter/Statement - a cover letter broadly describing your research experience, current interests, and career goals.

5. Review all of your materials carefully before you submit your application.

The GDSSP application is currently closed.

Selection process

The GDSSP selection committee reviews applications and notifies applicants of final decisions in early February.

GDSSP applicants should not directly contact NIH intramural scientists to discuss placements. Once accepted into the program, OITE staff will work with you on an appropriate placement. Every effort will be made to match the research interests you describe in the application with ongoing projects in an NIH research group.

Have questions?

Check out our extensive frequently asked questions list to support you in the application process.

Contact us

Reach out to us with questions at GDSSP@nih.gov.