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Job and Training Opportunities

Data Science Master's Degree Fellowship

Visual of MPS student presenting a science talk.

Are you interested in data science and passionate about solving the mysteries of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias? Our new Master of Professional Studies (MPS) in Data Science Fellowship provides a unique pathway to a career in biomedical data science.

Now accepting applications through April 22, 2024, for a fall 2024 program start.

Data science is the future of the study and treatment of disease. The amount and types of data we collect to better understand Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD) have exploded. Imagine terabytes of data about the genome, expressed proteins, disease symptoms, and related medical history … of a single patient.

We need young innovators in big data analysis, data visualization, and machine learning to put this massive amount of disparate data to work. We need the help of data scientists of different genders, races, and ethnicities to ensure we are asking questions and pursuing solutions that will help all people affected by ADRD. That includes you.

NIH CARD is a newly formed center at the National Institute on Aging (NIA) and the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. CARD’s new Master of Professional Studies (MPS) in Data Science Fellowship is a unique opportunity to build a career in biomedical data science and to advance ADRD research for the greater good. In this two-year program, students take required and elective courses in computer and data science, coding, machine learning, big data processing, data analysis and visualization, artificial intelligence, bioinformatics, genomics, neuroscience, and more.

What’s it like working at CARD?

Discover an example of the work – and impact – CARD staff make.

Read the CARD comic (PDF, 8M)
CARD Careers comic book cover

Why enroll in this program?

This program is for you if you are a data scientist interested in applying your skills in the dementia space, if you are a health care or neuroscience researcher wanting to grow your data science skills, or if you are in any other way interested in the intersection of disease research and data science.

Apply now if you want to …

  • Gain foundational knowledge in data analysis and data management
  • Contribute to state-of-the-art ADRD research
  • Work with real data curated at CARD designed to help researchers and clinicians around the world better understand and treat ADRD
  • Collaborate with and learn from CARD experts studying ADRD from many different angles: genetic engineering, DNA sequencing, protein analysis, robotics, brain mapping, data science, and more
  • Develop meaningful relationships with diverse MPS Fellows and CARD researchers
  • Shadow different data scientists, conduct research on any projects you find interesting at CARD, and even come up with your own research ideas
  • Earn a paid MPS degree while earning a paid stipend to work at CARD or a partner institution
Icons of neuroscience

Application process and requirements

This fellowship is a two-year program administered across three cohorts in partnership with the Foundation for Advanced Education in the Sciences at NIH (FAES) and UMBC. It is a 30-credit hour professional graduate degree with a mandated minimum GPA of 3.0. Students who take specified FAES Data Science and Bioinformatics courses can transfer up to 15 credits to UMBC’s Master of Professional Studies (MPS) in data science. An Intramural Research Training Award (IRTA) Student (Academic) Fellowship will cover costs of the MPS degree, including a paid stipend while working at CARD.

Visit the FAES portal for the application, coursework, and additional information. For more fellowship program information, email NIACARDContact@mail.nih.gov.

  • Applicants must be a U.S. citizen or U.S. permanent legal resident to apply for the Student IRTA status.
  • Applicants must have the ability to train at the NIH campus located in Bethesda, Maryland.
  • Applicants must be a recent graduate or senior undergraduate who will graduate in the spring and apply for the next fall semester start.
  • Applicants must pass a federal background check. (In order to be approved for logical and physical access to NIH facilities and systems, candidates must be able to pass a federal background check, using Standard Form-85 (SF-85 (PDF, 1M)). NOTE: Section 14 of the form asks, "In the last year, have you used, possessed, supplied, or manufactured illegal drugs?" The question pertains to the illegal use of drugs or controlled substances in accordance with federal laws, even though permissible under state laws.)
  • Initial stipend is based on the number of years of experience at the start of the traineeship.
  • Stipend advances are not provided.

  • Bachelor's degree in any subject with a GPA of 3.0 or higher; preferably in computation or biomedical field.
  • Completion of at least one college-level math, statistics, or programming course. This requirement can be substituted for equivalent professional experience or through online training academies.
  • Transcripts from each college/university attended (undergraduate and graduate; international transcripts in English).
  • Curriculum vitae (CV) or resume.
  • Statement of Purpose.
  • Three (3) recommendation letters.
  • English proficiency scores for non-native, English-speaking applicants (not required for the fellowship but may be required for admission to the UMBC degree program with some exceptions).
  • GRE scores are not required for admission.