Stadtman Investigator Program Frequently Asked Questions

1. Q: How many positions are available in this year’s search?
   A: The exact number of slots filled per search cycle varies and is not predetermined. Up to 10 or more tenure-track positions in a year have been filled through this program.
2. Q: My work would only be a good fit for one Institute and I am pretty sure they do not have any tenure-track positions available. Should I still apply? And where will these positions be located (e.g., which Institute or Center)?
   A: All NIH Institutes and Centers with intramural research programs are eligible to make offers to candidates that they interview. Some Institutes or Centers may pool resources for joint appointments, so you are encouraged to apply regardless of your perceived fit with only one Institute. For more information about which NIH Institutes and Centers have intramural research programs, where they are located, and the variety of research they conduct, see http://irp.nih.gov/about-us/our-programs.
3. Q: Are these positions centrally funded or funded by specific Institutes or Centers?
   A: Positions will be funded primarily by the hiring Institutes and Centers, individually or in combination.
4. Q: Will these positions be independent?
   A: All tenure-track positions at the NIH are independent principal investigator positions with well-defined resources assigned by the Institute or Center’s Scientific Director. For a description of the NIH tenure-track see the NIH Sourcebook's Tenure-Track Overview.
5. Q: Are NIH scientists allowed to apply or is this just for extramural scientists?
   A: Scientists within the NIH Intramural Research Program and scientists at universities and other extramural institutions are both welcome to apply. Both intramural and extramural scientists have competed effectively for these positions.
6. Q: Are you looking for researchers in particular fields?
   A: Applicants from any field of research relevant to biomedicine are invited to apply. To facilitate the review process, each applicant is asked to select at least one and up to two scientific focus areas that match their research field, as these represent the review committees with the relevant expertise to evaluate the applications. If you do not see an exact match to your research field, select the one or two that are closest to what you do. Please note that multiple terms may be for a scientific focus area (e.g., Biochemistry / Proteomics / Metabolomics is one scientific focus area).
7. Q: Do you have to already be in a tenure-track position to apply?
   A: No. Postdocs should apply, as they represent the major pool of applicants, together with some individuals who already hold faculty positions. NIH Staff Scientists and Staff Clinicians are also welcome to apply. Individuals from all these categories have been hired through the Stadtman program.
8. Q: I have tenure at my current institution. Am I eligible to apply?
   A: Yes. However, you must be willing to accept a tenure-track position within the Intramural Research Program.
9. Q: I was intending to apply for tenure-track positions next year, after I have had more experience and publications. Will NIH be offering the Stadtman Investigator Program next year?
   A: The Stadtman Investigator Program will be offered annually for the foreseeable future. We also encourage Stadtman applicants to apply for other appropriate Principal Investigator positions posted at https://irp.nih.gov/careers/faculty-level-scientific-careers.
10. Q: I applied to this search last year and I was not offered a position. Should I try again this year?
    A: Yes, especially if you have additional scientific accomplishments. Many Stadtman Investigators had applied more than once.
11. Q: Can one send in more than three letters of recommendation?
    A: No. The application system can only accommodate 3 letters of recommendation. Please confirm with your 3 references that they will write letters on your behalf and verify that you have correctly entered their email addresses in the application system.
12. Q: To whom should the cover letter and letters of recommendation be addressed?
    A: Stadtman Investigator Program.
13. Q: Is this the only tenure-track search conducted by the NIH Intramural Research Program?
    A: No. Other principal investigator searches may be found at https://irp.nih.gov/careers/faculty-level-scientific-careers.