Frequently Asked Questions for New Fellows
Some of the most common questions about NIDDK postdoctoral and M.D. fellowships are answered below. If you have additional questions please refer to the NIH Postdoc Handbook (PDF, 1.42 MB) or contact the NIDDK Fellowship Office.
Visiting Fellows
Information for visiting fellows is available on the Division of International Services (DIS)NIH external link website.
Basic Benefits
How fellows are paid depends on the details of their appointment mechanism. Additional information on income and taxes is available in the NIH Postdoc Handbook, pages 53-56 NIH external link(PDF, 1.42 MB) and NIH Postbac Handbook, pages 44-45 NIH external link(PDF, 1.42 MB) .
Fellows do not accrue annual or sick leave. However, they are excused for Federal holidays, illness, personal emergencies, and vacations when their training periods are longer than 90 days. Additional information is available in the NIH Postdoc Handbook, page 48 NIH external link(PDF, 1.42 MB) and NIH Postdoc Handbook, page 38 NIH external link (PDF, 1.42 MB) .
Conferences and Professional Development
Travel support will come from the fellow’s principal investigator’s budget. Additional information is available in the NIH Postdoc Handbook, pages 47 NIH external link (PDF, 1.42 MB) and NIH Postdoc Handbook, pages 39 NIH external link (PDF, 1.42 MB) .
There are a variety of opportunities for professional development available to NIDDK fellows. View opportunities and other reasons why you should choose NIDDK for your fellowship.
NIH offers courses in English as a Second Language. Additional information is available on the Foundation for Advanced Education in the Sciences (FAES) Graduate SchoolExternal link. Additional resources are available through the Office of Training & Education NIH external link.
Yes, secondary mentoring is available for all types of fellows at NIDDK. For inquiries, email Fellowships@intra.niddk.nih.gov.
Loan Deferment and Repayment
NIH fellows are eligible for loan deferment. Additional information is available in the NIH Postdoc Handbook, page 56 NIH external link (PDF, 1.42 MB) and NIH Postdoc Handbook, page 35 NIH external link (PDF, 1.42 MB) .
NIH research and clinical fellows are eligible to participate in the NIH Loan Repayment Program NIH external link. Additional information is available on the NIH Loan Repayment Program website and in the NIH Postdoc Handbook, page 56 NIH external link (PDF, 1.42 MB) and NIH Postdoc Handbook, page 35 NIH external link (PDF, 1.42 MB) .
Child Care
Child care programs and centers are available for infants, toddlers, and preschool age children. Information on these programs is available on the NIH Child and Family Programs website. View Specific Child Care Programs.
In addition, the Office of Research Services offers a Nursing Mothers Program.
Diversity Resources
A number of diversity communities exist at the NIH. Additional information on these communities is available
- NIH Postdoc Handbook, pages 38-41 (PDF, 1.42 MB)
- NIH Postdoc Handbook, pages 28-31 (PDF, 1.42 MB)
- Office of Intramural Training and Education (OITE)
When You Arrive
Upon completion of your appointment paperwork you will receive notifications by email regarding your security clearance and NIH badge. Additional information is available in the NIH Postdoc Handbook, page 12-22 NIH external link (PDF, 1.42 MB) and NIH Postdoc Handbook, page 10-16 NIH external link (PDF, 1.42 MB) .
Information on the NIH Transhare Program, parking, and shuttles is available in the NIH Postdoc Handbook, pages 15-17 NIH external link (PDF, 1.42 MB) and NIH Postdoc Handbook, pages 11-13 NIH external link (PDF, 1.42 MB) .
NIDDK fellows can complete an online NIH orientation, an in person NIH orientation, and an in person NIDDK orientation with the Fellowship Office for Postbaccalaureate and Postdoctoral fellows. The NIDDK Fellowship Office will contact incoming fellows for orientation within a month. Information on online NIH courses is available in the NIH Postdoc Handbook, pages 61-62 NIH external link (PDF, 1.42 MB) .