Come make the most of your internship at the National Institutes of Health (NIH)! The Student Trainee (Public Affairs Specialist) position in the NIH Office of Communications and Public Liaison (OCPL) is a great way to gain federal experience while pursuing an education. This is an opportunity to work with top professionals who exemplify and promote creative discoveries, innovative strategies, and collaborative exchange of information. Be a part of the mission - apply now!
Summary
Come make the most of your internship at the National Institutes of Health (NIH)! The Student Trainee (Public Affairs Specialist) position in the NIH Office of Communications and Public Liaison (OCPL) is a great way to gain federal experience while pursuing an education. This is an opportunity to work with top professionals who exemplify and promote creative discoveries, innovative strategies, and collaborative exchange of information. Be a part of the mission - apply now!
This job will close when we have received 300 applications which may be sooner than the closing date. Learn more
Salary
$41,247 to - $74,318 per year
Pay scale & grade
GS 4 - 7
Location
Few vacancies in the following location:
Montgomery County, MD
Remote job
No
Telework eligible
Yes—as determined by the agency policy.
Travel Required
Not required
Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
Appointment type
Internships - Temporary Excepted Service Appointment NTE 12/31/2025
Work schedule
Multiple Schedules - Full-time, Part-time
Service
Excepted
Promotion potential
7 - The promotion potential is the highest level that can be obtained while in the program and is not inclusive for all student trainee positions. Promotion potential is determined based on the position being filled within an Institute/Center.
As a Student Trainee (Public Affairs Specialist), your typical work assignments may include:
Prepare a variety of standardized documents from rough draft and/or oral instructions.
Develop documents using a variety of office automation applications.
Perform special projects.
Shadow public affairs specialists in various work functions, such as media relations, social media strategy, content development, video production, special events management, or NIH event coverage.
As a Pathways Student Trainee at the NIH, you will be engaged in projects/tasks related to your position and program area. The NIH Institute will share further information on the structure and content of the program with you during the interview process.
U.S. Citizenship requirement or proof of being a U.S. National must be met by closing date.
Employment is subject to the successful completion of a background investigation, verification of qualifications, completion of onboarding forms, submission of required documents, and any other job-related requirement before or after appointment.
Applicants must meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement.
Males born after December 31, 1959 must be registered with the Selective Service.
Applicants who graduate college at the conclusion of the Spring 2025 semester may only be considered if they are accepted for enrollment in a new program for the Summer 2025 or Fall 2025 semester.
Applicants under 18 years of age will require a work permit prior to appointment.
Must be at least 16 years old by the closing date of this announcement.
Qualifications
To be eligible, you must be currently enrolled in a degree-seeking program or accepted for enrollment on at least a half-time basis in an accredited educational institution for Spring 2025. These institutions include (but are not limited to):
High School
College (including 4-year colleges/universities, community college, and junior college)
Professional, Technical, Vocational, and Trade School
Advanced Degree Program
Certificate Program
Other qualifying educational institutions
A note about certificate programs: Certificate programs are defined as post-secondary education in a qualifying educational institute and must be equivalent to at least one academic year of full-time study. The certificate program must also be a part of an accredited college-level, technical, vocational, trade, or business school curriculum.
Students graduating in Spring 2025 who are not accepted or enrolled for a new degree-seeking program after graduation will be rated ineligible for this position due to the requirement to have 480 work hours prior to conversion to the competitive service.
To qualify for the GS-4 grade level: You must have completed at least 2 full years of post high school education or completed the requirements for an associate's degree OR have one (1) year of general work experience equivalent to a GS-3 level in the Federal service obtained in either the private or public sector, performing the following types of tasks: performing clerical tasks related to creating filing systems, using computer software, and organizing and maintaining manual and reference guides.
To qualify for the GS-5 grade level: You must have completed 4 academic years of post high school education leading to a bachelor's degree or equivalent degree OR have one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-4 level in the Federal service obtained in either the private or public sector, performing the following types of tasks: performing clerical tasks related to processing paperwork related to administrative duties, utilizing automated systems and software applications, inputting information into databases, assisting with providing logistical support for program staff, preparing travel documents, providing general office support to staff.
To qualify for the GS-6 grade level: You must demonstrate in your resume, at least 1 year of qualifying experience equivalent to a GS-5 in the Federal service obtained in either the private or public sector. Examples of qualifying experience include: drafting news advisories, releases, talking points, questions and answers, and speeches for review; assisting in developing written communication materials concerning a range of subjects related to the organization's programs; and using the internet and/or web pages to communicate information to internally within an organization.
To qualify for the GS-7 grade level: You have completed one (1) full academic year of graduate-level education OR demonstrate eligibility under the Superior Academic Achievement Provision and completion of a bachelor's degree OR 1 year of qualifying experience at the GS-6 in the Federal service obtained in either the private or public sector performing the following types of tasks: drafting news advisories, releases, talking points, questions and answers, and speeches; developing written communication materials concerning a range of subjects related to the organization's programs; and using the internet and/or web pages to communicate information to the public and media.
Superior Academic Achievement: If you are claiming SAA you must provide evidence such as a copy of your official transcript at the time of application.
To be eligible under Superior Academic Achievement at the GS-07 level you must meet one of the following requirements: a) graduating within the upper-third of the graduating class in a college, university, or major subdivision such as the College of Liberal Arts or the School of Business Administration, based on completed courses; b) obtain a GPA of 3.0 or higher out of a possible 4.0 as recorded on your official transcript, or as computed based on 4 years of education, or as computed based on courses completed during the final 2 years of the curriculum; or 3.5 or higher out of a possible 4.0 based on the average of required courses completed in the major field or the required courses in the major field completed during the final 2 years of the curriculum; c) being elected for membership in a national scholastic honor society.
Special Provisions/or Interns with Previous Related Education or Experience: Previous education and/or experience may be evaluated to determine the highest grade level for which the individual is qualified.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
You must submit a copy of your transcripts. Unofficial transcripts will be accepted in the application package. Official transcripts will be required from all selectees prior to receiving an official offer.
All unofficial transcripts must include the following: enrollment status showing Spring 2025 courses, current overall GPA, major, and the number of credits for each course.
Additional proof of enrollment for the upcoming Summer 2025 or Fall 2025 semester may be required before a final job offer can be extended.
You must be currently enrolled on at least a half-time basis for Spring 2025.
If you are recently enrolled for Spring 2025 semester and do not have a transcript, please provide enrollment verification including number of credits with your application (e.g. I graduated in Fall 2024 with a bachelor's degree and am now enrolled in a master's degree program on at least a half-time basis for Spring 2025).
If you have been accepted for Fall 2025 semester and do not have a transcript or enrollment verification, please provide a copy of an acceptance letter with your application (e.g. I am a high school senior graduating in May/June 2025 and have been accepted for Fall 2025 enrollment in a bachelor's program).
If you are unable to provide transcripts with the required information, please provide other proof of enrollment (e.g., enrollment verification letter) for Spring 2025 on at least a half-time basis and to include cumulative GPA.
Applicants who have completed their education outside of the U.S. must have their foreign education evaluated by an accredited organization and must provide a copy of the evaluation prior to receiving an official offer. Click here for information on Foreign Education.
If you do not submit a transcript indicating your possession of the required education, you will not be considered for this position.
Conversion Into the Competitive Service
While conversion is not guaranteed, NIH Student Trainees, with U.S. citizenship, may be converted to a career-conditional appointment within 120 days of successful completion of all program requirements as specified by the Pathways Participant Agreement.
Non-competitive conversion may be made to either a one-grade or two-grade interval position, depending on the agency's policy. An individual participating in the Internship Program who otherwise meets the Program requirements for conversion (i.e., work hours, satisfactory performance, educational requirements, training completed, etc.) may be converted to a position that has an established career ladder. Upon conversion, positions may have promotion potential up to the GS-13 grade level. Promotion potential is determined based on the position being filled within an Institute/Center. For a description of the positions listed above, please visit: http://www.jobs.nih.gov/globalrecruitment/.
Student Trainees must work 480 hours prior to graduation in order to be eligible for conversion.
The duration of a Pathways appointment under Schedule D is a trial period.
A one-year probationary period will be required upon conversion into the competitive service.
Additional information
This position is designated as a "non-emergency/non-teleworker" position and the selected candidate will be considered a "non-emergency/ non-teleworker" employee.
This position has a not-to-exceed (NTE) date of 12/31/25. Managers will have the option to extend these appointments on a case-by-case basis. Extensions are not guaranteed and are held at the Agency's discretion.
Student Trainees and their supervisors must sign a Pathways Participant Agreement which outlines expectations for the internship prior to entrance on duty.
A cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale is required throughout the duration of the internship.
The promotion potential is the highest level that can be obtained while in the program and is not inclusive for all student trainee positions. Promotion potential is determined based on the position being filled within an Institute/Center.-
Student Interns hired on a short-term basis (90 days or less) are not eligible for Federal benefits (i.e. health, life, retirement). Full-time appointments that exceed 90 days are eligible for health benefits.
All Student Interns will accrue sick leave.
We may make additional selections for similar positions within the commuting area(s) of the locations listed through this vacancy announcement. By applying, you agree to have your application shared with any interested selecting official(s).
The National Institutes of Health participates in the USCIS Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify). E-Verify helps employers determine employment eligibility of new hires and the validity of their Social Security numbers.
The NIH maintains a tobacco free work environment and campus.
Must be able to perform the essential duties of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation.
Visit our Applicant FAQs page for helpful information on the application process.
Visit our Total Compensation page and this sample for a detailed look into the benefits, awards, leave, retirement, and other incentives employees may receive as part of a rewarding work environment.
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
Traditional rating and ranking of applications does not apply to this vacancy. Applications will be evaluated against the basic qualifications.
Veteran's Preference does apply. If you are claiming Veterans' Preference, to verify your preference claim and receive preference you MUST submit supporting documents with your application package. These documents may include, but are not limited to:
DD-214 member 4 copy (which indicates character of service),
SF-15,
VA Letter and/or
Activation/Deactivation orders.
If you are a veteran, click here for additional information and about required documents.
Selections will be made in preference order. All individuals in the highest preference group must be selected before making selections from the next lower preference eligible group. All preference eligibles must be selected before making selections from the non-preference eligible group.
REQUIRED FOR ALL APPLICANTS RESUME:
Your resume must thoroughly describe how your skills and experiences align to the criteria defined in the "Qualifications" section of this announcement and it must support your responses to the assessment questionnaire. We cannot assume you have performed the necessary experience required for this position regardless of your employment history or academic career.
To ensure all of the essential information is in your resume, we encourage you to use the USAJOBS online Resume Builder. If you choose to use your own resume, you must ensure it contains all of the required information and you organize it so we can associate the following information for each experience/position:
Job title
Name of employer
Beginning and ending dates of employment (month/day/year format)
Hours worked per week. We will assume full-time unless otherwise stated. We will prorate part-time employment in crediting experience.
Detailed description of job duties, accomplishments, related skills, and responsibilities to include any supervisory/managerial responsibilities and number of staff supervised (if applicable)
Series and grade or equivalent (if a federal position)
If the position has an education requirement or you are qualifying on the basis of education, you must list your education history including the type of degree and your major of study. If the position requires a certain number of credit hours, you are strongly encouraged to list the relevant courses in your resume.
Do not include a photograph or video of yourself, or any sensitive information (age, date of birth, marital status, protected health information, religious affiliation, social security number, etc.) on your resume or cover letter. We will not access web pages linked on your resume or cover letter to determine your qualifications.
ASSESSMENT QUESTIONNAIRE:
You must submit a completed assessment questionnaire.
Unless otherwise stated, we will only use the information above to determine your qualifications. Not providing the required information may result in a determination that you do not meet minimum requirements for the position (e.g., an ineligible rating) or a lower rating.
REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION FOR PREFERENCE OR ELIGIBILITY CLAIMS
To claim veterans' preference, you must provide the documentation listed below AND respond accordingly to the associated question on the online questionnaire.
Veterans' preference (DD-214, VA Disability Letter, etc.): Reference Standard Form 15 (SF-15) for required documentation for 10 point claims. Submission of SF-15 is not required, unless you are claiming derived preference (XP) as described in questions 7, 8, or 9 on the SF-15. In those cases, you must submit a completed SF-15 and the required documentation. For 5 point claims, you must submit your DD-214 (if separated) or any written documentation from the armed forces that certifies you are expected to be discharged or released from active duty service in the armed forces under honorable conditions not later than 120 days after the date the certification is submitted with your application package.
If you do not provide the required information, we will assume you are not eligible, or you do not wish to be considered for any preference or eligibility.
Do not submit documentation that is not requested of you. To protect your personal information, we will only send your resume and cover letter to the selecting official or hiring manager.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
This announcement accepts applications during the open period of January 16, 2025, through January 20, 2025; unless the applicant cut-off (300 applications) is reached. This announcement will close at 11:59PM Eastern Time (ET) on January 20, 2025, or on the day the 300th application is received, whichever comes first. Early submission of your application is highly encouraged.
To apply for this position, please read and follow all instructions in this announcement, complete the online application, and submit the documentation specified in the "Required Documents" section. Your complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM Eastern Time (ET) on 01/21/2025 to receive consideration.
To begin, click Apply to access the online application. You will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account to apply.
Follow the prompts to select your resume and/or other supporting documents to be included with your application package. See the "Required Documents" section for any additional forms and/or supplemental materials required.
Read all Eligibility questions and respond accordingly to any Eligibility you wish to claim. You will only be considered for those Eligibility questions (Status Applicant, Reinstatement, Schedule A, etc.) you respond in the affirmative to, regardless of what documentation you submit. We cannot assume you intended to respond differently to a question based on other information in your application package.
Complete the assessment questionnaire. Applicants are asked all questions regardless of their consideration preferences. We will only consider you for the grades, series, locations, specialties, and other considerations that you self-identify as being qualified for or interested in. Preview assessment questionnaire before you apply: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12666206
Verify all required documentation is included in your application package, review your responses to the assessment questionnaire for accuracy, and then submit your application.
In addition to the required documents, we encourage you to submit a cover letter, copy of your transcripts, and any applicable certifications or licenses. Even though this information is not required at the time of application, we may request this information later.
We cannot assume responsibility or grant extensions for personal issues (e.g., troubles navigating the application process, loss of internet, not understanding a question) when applying to our announcements. For technical difficulties, contact HR Systems Support between 8:00 AM and 4:30 PM ET Monday through Friday at hrss@nih.gov.
If you need any other accommodation or assistance with applying, please contact Ivette Lopez at lopezim@mail.nih.gov. Requests for reasonable accommodations must be made before the announcement closing date.
National Institutes of Health
6701 Rockledge Drive
Bethesda, MD 20892
US
Next steps
HHS has a critical preparedness and response mission: HHS protects the American people from health threats, researches emerging diseases, and mobilizes public health programs with domestic and international partners. In support of this mission, HHS offers its employees the opportunity to volunteer to become Federal Civilian Detailees and contribute their unique skills through voluntary temporary assignments to humanitarian emergencies or Departmental priorities countering new and emerging health, safety, and security threats.
Once you submit your application package, you will receive an acknowledgement email. You will be notified of the status of your applications via email. In addition, you can track the progress of your application package through your USAJOBS account.
At the discretion of the agency, you may be contacted via phone or email for an interview or to provide additional information up to several months from the closing date of the announcement. Please ensure you have provided accurate contact information. To remain in consideration, you must respond in a timely manner to our correspondence and requests for documentation or information throughout the hiring process.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
REQUIRED FOR ALL APPLICANTS RESUME:
Your resume must thoroughly describe how your skills and experiences align to the criteria defined in the "Qualifications" section of this announcement and it must support your responses to the assessment questionnaire. We cannot assume you have performed the necessary experience required for this position regardless of your employment history or academic career.
To ensure all of the essential information is in your resume, we encourage you to use the USAJOBS online Resume Builder. If you choose to use your own resume, you must ensure it contains all of the required information and you organize it so we can associate the following information for each experience/position:
Job title
Name of employer
Beginning and ending dates of employment (month/day/year format)
Hours worked per week. We will assume full-time unless otherwise stated. We will prorate part-time employment in crediting experience.
Detailed description of job duties, accomplishments, related skills, and responsibilities to include any supervisory/managerial responsibilities and number of staff supervised (if applicable)
Series and grade or equivalent (if a federal position)
If the position has an education requirement or you are qualifying on the basis of education, you must list your education history including the type of degree and your major of study. If the position requires a certain number of credit hours, you are strongly encouraged to list the relevant courses in your resume.
Do not include a photograph or video of yourself, or any sensitive information (age, date of birth, marital status, protected health information, religious affiliation, social security number, etc.) on your resume or cover letter. We will not access web pages linked on your resume or cover letter to determine your qualifications.
ASSESSMENT QUESTIONNAIRE:
You must submit a completed assessment questionnaire.
Unless otherwise stated, we will only use the information above to determine your qualifications. Not providing the required information may result in a determination that you do not meet minimum requirements for the position (e.g., an ineligible rating) or a lower rating.
REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION FOR PREFERENCE OR ELIGIBILITY CLAIMS
To claim veterans' preference, you must provide the documentation listed below AND respond accordingly to the associated question on the online questionnaire.
Veterans' preference (DD-214, VA Disability Letter, etc.): Reference Standard Form 15 (SF-15) for required documentation for 10 point claims. Submission of SF-15 is not required, unless you are claiming derived preference (XP) as described in questions 7, 8, or 9 on the SF-15. In those cases, you must submit a completed SF-15 and the required documentation. For 5 point claims, you must submit your DD-214 (if separated) or any written documentation from the armed forces that certifies you are expected to be discharged or released from active duty service in the armed forces under honorable conditions not later than 120 days after the date the certification is submitted with your application package.
If you do not provide the required information, we will assume you are not eligible, or you do not wish to be considered for any preference or eligibility.
Do not submit documentation that is not requested of you. To protect your personal information, we will only send your resume and cover letter to the selecting official or hiring manager.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
This announcement accepts applications during the open period of January 16, 2025, through January 20, 2025; unless the applicant cut-off (300 applications) is reached. This announcement will close at 11:59PM Eastern Time (ET) on January 20, 2025, or on the day the 300th application is received, whichever comes first. Early submission of your application is highly encouraged.
To apply for this position, please read and follow all instructions in this announcement, complete the online application, and submit the documentation specified in the "Required Documents" section. Your complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM Eastern Time (ET) on 01/21/2025 to receive consideration.
To begin, click Apply to access the online application. You will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account to apply.
Follow the prompts to select your resume and/or other supporting documents to be included with your application package. See the "Required Documents" section for any additional forms and/or supplemental materials required.
Read all Eligibility questions and respond accordingly to any Eligibility you wish to claim. You will only be considered for those Eligibility questions (Status Applicant, Reinstatement, Schedule A, etc.) you respond in the affirmative to, regardless of what documentation you submit. We cannot assume you intended to respond differently to a question based on other information in your application package.
Complete the assessment questionnaire. Applicants are asked all questions regardless of their consideration preferences. We will only consider you for the grades, series, locations, specialties, and other considerations that you self-identify as being qualified for or interested in. Preview assessment questionnaire before you apply: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12666206
Verify all required documentation is included in your application package, review your responses to the assessment questionnaire for accuracy, and then submit your application.
In addition to the required documents, we encourage you to submit a cover letter, copy of your transcripts, and any applicable certifications or licenses. Even though this information is not required at the time of application, we may request this information later.
We cannot assume responsibility or grant extensions for personal issues (e.g., troubles navigating the application process, loss of internet, not understanding a question) when applying to our announcements. For technical difficulties, contact HR Systems Support between 8:00 AM and 4:30 PM ET Monday through Friday at hrss@nih.gov.
If you need any other accommodation or assistance with applying, please contact Ivette Lopez at lopezim@mail.nih.gov. Requests for reasonable accommodations must be made before the announcement closing date.
National Institutes of Health
6701 Rockledge Drive
Bethesda, MD 20892
US
Next steps
HHS has a critical preparedness and response mission: HHS protects the American people from health threats, researches emerging diseases, and mobilizes public health programs with domestic and international partners. In support of this mission, HHS offers its employees the opportunity to volunteer to become Federal Civilian Detailees and contribute their unique skills through voluntary temporary assignments to humanitarian emergencies or Departmental priorities countering new and emerging health, safety, and security threats.
Once you submit your application package, you will receive an acknowledgement email. You will be notified of the status of your applications via email. In addition, you can track the progress of your application package through your USAJOBS account.
At the discretion of the agency, you may be contacted via phone or email for an interview or to provide additional information up to several months from the closing date of the announcement. Please ensure you have provided accurate contact information. To remain in consideration, you must respond in a timely manner to our correspondence and requests for documentation or information throughout the hiring process.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
