NIH Postbac IRTA/PBP | General Info + Tips for Applying

Here’s some info and advice for those applying for the NIH Intramural Research Training Award (IRTA) / Postbac Program (PBP) from a current postbac! I’ve included some of the links/info mentioned from this video below:

More info about the program: https://www.training.nih.gov/research...

Example of an email you could send out to PI’s:

Dear [PI],

My name is [name], and I am a [student/recent grad] at [undergrad name] studying [major]. I am applying to [medical/dental/grad school] this upcoming summer, so I will be taking a gap year before my studies begin. During this time, I hope to continue to foster my interests in [list some research interests] through the NIH's Intramural Research Training Award (IRTA). I am a current applicant for the program, and I am interested in a [one-year position/two-year position] in your research group. I can start working as early as [desired start date].

My past experiences in research primarily focuses on [give a brief description of past research experiences], but I am excited to carry over some of my skills and experiences in a subject area that I want to continue to explore. I am especially interested in your report "[Name of paper]" to learn more about [something from the paper you found interesting/have more questions on].

I am deeply interested about [PI’s research], so I hope to get a chance to learn more about it from you. Below, I have attached my CV. You can reach me at [phone number] or at [email].

Thank you for your consideration,

[name]