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Onboard and settle in

Information to guide you as you start your position at NIH.

Arriving at the NIH will be both busy and exciting. Be sure to connect with your Principal Investigator (PI) or main NIH contact to know when and where to arrive on your first day. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, your new NIH colleagues are willing to help. Give yourself grace as you make the transition to the NIH, new systems can be overwhelming.

Your first days

Getting to campus

Check out visitor guides to each campus for information about parking and public transportation:

The main NIH campus in Bethesda and many of the surrounding campuses/leased facilities (Shady Grove, NCATS, Twinbrook) are accessible by Metrorail & Metrobus.

General information on driving to all NIH campuses:

  • If you would like to drive your own vehicle, look up information about parking ahead of time. Since you will be entering a federal facility, you will need to go through security and show ID before you can drive onto most campuses/facilities. You may also need to provide the name and phone number of your PI, so be sure to have that with you.

Enrolling in Transhare

To encourage the use of public transportation in the vicinity of the main NIH campus in Bethesda, NIH staff and trainees may receive funds to commute to campus via the Transhare program. If you apply for Transhare benefits, you cannot receive a permit to park on the Bethesda main campus.

Getting on campus

Until you obtain your badge, you will need to go through a security check at the Visitors Center every time you enter the main campus in Bethesda. This can be a time-consuming process, especially if there is a conference on the main campus, so plan for delays.

To enter the main campus in Bethesda through security, you need a government-issued picture ID, like a U.S. driver’s license or passport. Once you obtain your NIH badge, you will use it to enter without going through security.

For more information about things to keep in mind when entering other NIH campuses, check with your research group.

Completing on-boarding paperwork

You will meet with your Administrative Officer (AO) to complete the required on-boarding paperwork and they will likely help you get started with health insurance, badging, Transhare, your NIH email, and your computer.

Your on-boarding paperwork will list your annual stipend; check that the stipend matches the current stipend tables which are adjusted each May. If your stipend is lower than what is indicated on the current stipend tables, ask your AO to make an adjustment. Seek guidance from your IC training director or OITE if you have questions about your stipend level.

Getting access to your NIH email and a government computer

The AO or lab manager in your research group will provide information on how to gain access to your NIH email address and whether you will be given an NIH laptop or desktop computer. This will take several days and can take longer, especially for Visiting Fellows who have a delayed on-boarding process. Continue to consult your AO and your research group to obtain access to your email, computers, research spaces, and other systems.

You can request a PIV Card Waiver so that you will be able to use NIH electronic equipment while you are waiting for your official badge. The procedure for approval varies among ICs (Institute or Center), talk to your AO.

Meeting your new research group

The first day will filled with meeting new colleagues and finding your way around. Check with your PI, AO, or other contacts in your research group to be sure you know when to arrive and where to meet them on your first day. Some buildings have secure entrances, and someone may need to meet you to access the building. Integrating into your group will take time; we recommend that you review the Building relationships with mentors page.

Finding your way around campus

As you settle, in, explore other resources that are available on your NIH campus:

Your first months

Get oriented

OITE orientation helps you make the most of your NIH training experience. Make it a priority to attend an orientation and learn more about the resources available to you. The dates of the next OITE orientations are on the Upcoming Events page.  Your IC may also have trainee orientation, or require you to check in and meet with you as well, check with your IC training director.

Read the handbook

The OITE provides handbooks for each training group that highlight NIH resources and other important information. Explore the one that is relevant for you:

Get paid

Your AO will help make sure you get paid. Trainees receive monthly stipend payments by direct deposit for work completed the previous month. Visiting fellows need to arrive and get their social security number (SSN) before opening an American bank account, which they will need for direct deposit. Check the current stipend tables to ensure you are being paid the correct amount.
If you need a pay stub or equivalent document, talk to your AO. Ask them to generate a Payslip through the NIH Fellowship Payment System and share it with you.
Taxes are not withheld; you may need to pay quarterly estimated taxes throughout the year to avoid penalties. Visit your trainee handbook for more information.

Enroll in health insurance

You are required to have health insurance during your time as a trainee. NIH provides insurance for eligible trainees through the Foundation for Advanced Education in the Sciences (FAES). (Note: if you are in UGSP or are a full-time employee you have different insurance). You may opt out of the NIH insurance if you are covered by a different policy, however, you must provide evidence of coverage.

Stay in the loop

The OITE hosts listservs to share official information with all postdocs, graduate students, postbacs, and summer interns at NIH. Information in these messages will connect you to resources and community. The messages will come from a sender entitled ‘List OITE-[your training group].’ If you are not receiving messages, follow the instructions on our OITE listserv page to find and join your group.

Contact

We are here to support you, so reach out if you have questions or can’t find what you need. Welcome to our community - we wish you success in your career, professional, and research endeavors!
Reach out to us at oite@nih.gov with questions.

Next steps

Once you've onboarded and settled in, take steps to

Build your network