NLM Division of Intramural Research

NLM Data Science and Informatics (DSI) Scholars Program

We’re seeking exceptional candidates to join us in summer 2026 for the NLM Data Science and Informatics (DSI) Scholars Program!

The National Library of Medicine (NLM) is committed to offering unique training opportunities to students who are interested in computational health and computational biology research. NLM understands that the pace of data science innovation is rapidly accelerating, and to best drive this innovation and scientific advancement, our community needs a workforce that embodies our nation.

NLM is dedicated to meeting this need through the NLM DSI Scholars Program, an 8- to 12-week summer internship where interns contribute their skills and perspectives to computational research projects in the biological sciences. DSI Scholars will gain valuable experience in a collaborative research environment while training one-on-one with a research mentor. They will also develop scientific communication skills and actively participate in seminars and professional development workshops. This experience will culminate in presentations they will give at NLM’s Summer Poster Day and the NIH-wide Summer Poster Day.

Internship Details

Dates: The DSI Scholars Program starts in June and runs for 8 to 12 weeks. Start dates and internship durations are flexible to accommodate interns’ individual needs.

Projects: Interested candidates are encouraged to review the list of ongoing projects currently seeking DSI scholars. Beyond the examples provided, you are invited to discuss potential projects directly with the Principal Investigator.

Stipend: DSI Scholars are paid according to the NIH Intramural Research Training Award stipends, which are updated annually and based on education and experience.

Schedule: The DSI Scholars Program is a full-time internship. Interns will dedicate 40 hours per week to research and professional development activities.

Location: NLM is located on the main NIH campus in Bethesda, Maryland.

Housing: NIH does not provide housing for interns. Please visit OITE website's Moving Guide for guidance and tips on moving to the Bethesda area.

Eligibility

To be considered for the DSI Scholars Program, students should:

• Have completed coursework relevant to computer science, data science, informatics, mathematics, or related subjects.
• Have an interest in using computational methods to answer questions related to biology, biomedicine, or health sciences.
• Be at least 18 years of age by the internship start date.
  OR
  17 years of age by June 1, 2026, if permanent home address is within 40 miles of an NIH campus.
• Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
• Be enrolled at least half-time as a senior in high school
  OR
  Be enrolled at least half-time in an accredited U.S. college (including community college), university, or professional school (e.g., medical, dental, pharmacy)
  OR
  Be accepted into an accredited college, university, or professional program for fall 2026.
• Preferred cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale. A GPA lower than 3.0 should be addressed in the applicant’s personal statement.

Application

• Application opens on Monday, December 8, 2025.
• Apply online through the NIH Summer Internship Program. In the “Other Information” section of your online application, make a note of your preferred Institute(s) or Center(s) and include National Library of Medicine (NLM).
• After you submit your NIH SIP application, email the training office at NLMDSI@nih.gov using the subject “NLM-DSI Scholars Program Application”.
• Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis starting January 15, 2026. The application will close on February 18th, 2026 at noon ET. The reference letter deadline is February 25th, 2026 at noon ET.

NOTE: You must complete BOTH the NIH Summer Internship Program application and email the training office to be considered. The selection committee will consider your NIH Summer Internship Program application in their decision.

Applicants are invited to join the following information sessions on Microsoft Teams:

• NIH OITE: Summer Internship Program (SIP) Application Webinar
  December 10, 2025, 4:00–5:00 pm (ET); Register
• NLM Data Science and Informatics Scholars (DSI Scholars) Program: Information Session and Q&A
  December 18, 2025, 1:00–2:00 pm (ET); Register
• NLM Data Science and Informatics Scholars (DSI Scholars) Program: Information Session and Q&A
  January 22, 2026, 1:00–2:00 pm (ET); Register

Contact Information

NLM DSI Scholars Program
NLMDSI@nih.gov

Interested in long-term research training at NLM? Contact the training office or visit the NLM Intramural Training Opportunities website to learn more.