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.
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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 2025 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 2025 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 early June to mid August 2025. 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 in Maryland, including the main campus in Bethesda, MD. All GDSSP interns are required to attend orientation and Summer Poster Days in-person on the Bethesda campus. Interns whose research groups are on other campuses may participate in some elements of the program virtually. Before you begin your application, we encourage you to learn more about:
- the Intramural Research Program and the mission of each NIH IC
- the various campuses and the specific focus of the work performed there
How to apply
Opening and closing dates
The GDSSP application is now open.
The GDSSP application will close January 8, 2025, at noon ET.
GDSSP reference letters are due January 15, 2025, at noon ET..
Complete your application
You must use the NIH Application Center to apply for this program.
- Complete your NIH Application Center profile. Any information submitted to the profile will be stored for use on future applications. (Your profile is NOT the application.)
- Indicate that you are interested in applying to ‘Summer internships’.
- Find ‘Graduate Data Science Summer Program’ in the ‘Open Programs’ list. Complete the Eligibility Screener.
- Ensure that you are eligible for this program before clicking 'Start Application.'
- Import any relevant information from your profile. You must also submit:
- Coursework - a list of all coursework and grades
- CV/Resume - a list of your education, experience, and other relevant history
- Personal Statement - a statement broadly describing your research experience, current interests, and career goals.
- References – Enter the names and contact information of two references. Note that your references will receive a request to submit a letter of recommendation after you submit your application.
Review all of your materials carefully before you submit your application.
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 prior to being notified of an admission decision. Once accepted into the program, OITE staff will provide detailed guidance on how to find and select an appropriate research group. All research placements must be finalized by late March in order to complete your acceptance into GDSSP.
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.
