Student Trainee (Administrative Support)

Summary

Come make the most of your internship at the National Institutes of Health (NIH)! The Student Trainee (Administrative Support) position 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!

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Duties

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As a Student Trainee (Administrative Support), your typical work assignments may include:

• Establishing and maintaining office files.
• Receiving incoming calls and visitors.
• Providing callers and visitors with general information.
• Preparing a variety of standardized documents from rough draft and/or oral instructions.
• Processing and distributing mail to appropriate individuals.
• Developing documents using a variety of office automation applications.
• Performing special projects.

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.

This announcement can be used to fill a variety of administrative positions such as: Auditor, Accountant, Human Resources Assistant, Human Resources Specialist, Program Specialist, Extramural Support Assistant, Program Support Assistant, Administrative Technician, Administrative Officer, Management/Program Analyst, Budget Analyst, Engineer, Purchasing Agent, Property Management Specialist, Ethics Program Assistant, Grants Management Specialist, and/or IT Specialist.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

• 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.
• 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.
• Based on your appointment, a one or two-year trial/probationary period may be required. A decision regarding your continued employment with NIH will be made as you near the end of this period.
• Must have obtained and maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher. GPA is based on current enrollment.
• Pathways Interns and their supervisors must sign a Pathways Participant Agreement which outlines expectations for the internship prior to entrance on duty.
• 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 Fall 2026. 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*
• Registered Apprenticeship 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.

To qualify for the GS-3 grade level: You must have completed at least 1 full year of post high school education OR have 6 months of general work experience equivalent to a GS-2 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, preparing correspondence, receiving visitors and telephone calls and referring them to the appropriate staff members.

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: receiving visitors/phone calls, directing caller to appropriate staff; maintaining files; maintaining policies/procedures/docs for ready reference; maintaining office supplies; arranging equipment repair, and/or office moves; performing travel-related duties; utilizing automated systems and software applications, inputting information into databases, assisting with providing logistical support for program staff, etc.

To qualify for the GS-7 grade level: You have completed one (1) full academic year of graduate-level education, if related 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 administrative support functions re: HR, security, travel, training, files management, budget, supplies and inventory, property accountability, or space management; developing/implementing office procedures; maintaining employee records, performance appraisals, job descriptions, etc.

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. Note: SAA must be based on a related curriculum that is qualifying for the position being filled

You will receive credit for all experience material to the position, including experience gained in religious, civic, welfare, service, and organizational activities, regardless of whether you received pay.

Do not copy and paste the duties or specialized experience from this announcement into your resume as that will not be considered a demonstration of your qualifications for this position.

We may verify or assess your qualifications at any time. Inflated or unsupported qualifications may affect your rating. Any misrepresentation or material omission of facts may be sufficient cause to end further consideration of your candidacy. Persons listed as knowing your past accomplishments or experience in your application may be contacted for verification purposes at any time. Verification may, but need not, begin before receiving an offer.

Preview application questionnaire before you apply:

Education

You must submit a transcript that includes:

• Your name
• The institution's name
• Your cumulative GPA
• Your course history
• Your Fall 2026 course enrollment

You must be enrolled for the Fall 2026 semester. If your transcript does not yet reflect your Fall 2026 enrollment, submit separate enrollment verification with your application. For example, a graduating high school student planning to begin a bachelor's degree program in Spring 2027 must provide proof of enrollment.

Unofficial transcripts may be submitted with your application. However, official transcripts will be required before an official offer can be issued.

All documents must be received at the time of application.

If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency (a U.S. private organization's interpretation that such education has been deemed at least equivalent to conventional U.S. education programs) with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For more information regarding evaluation of foreign education for federal employment, please visit the U.S. Department of Education webpage on the Click here for information on Foreign Education.

Additional information

• This position is designated as a "non-emergency/teleworker" position and the selected candidate will be considered a "non-emergency/teleworker" employee. In the event of a closure, you must be available to telework or request leave
• 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. For a description of the positions listed above, please visit: 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.
• Student Trainees must work 480 hours prior to graduation in order to be eligible for conversion to the competitive service.
• While conversion is not guaranteed, NIH Student Trainees may be converted to a career-conditional appointment within 180 days of successful completion of all program requirements as specified by the Pathways Participant Agreement.
• A one-year trial period may be required upon selection/placement.
• Applicants under 18 years of age will require a work permit prior to appointment.
• A cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale is required throughout the duration of the program.
• Student Trainees and their supervisors must sign a Pathways Participant Agreement which outlines expectations for the internship prior to entrance on duty.
• Veterans' Preference only applies to HHS Priority Reemployment List (PRL) Eligibles.
• If you believe you have a disability (i.e., physical or mental), covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended that would interfere with completing the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, you will be granted the opportunity to request a RA in your online application. Requests for RA for the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments and appropriate supporting documentation for RA must be received prior to starting the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. Decisions on requests for RA are made on a case-by-case basis. If you meet the minimum qualifications of the position, after notification of the adjudication of your request, you will receive an email invitation to complete the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, based on your adjudication decision. You must complete all assessments within 48 hours of receiving the URL to access the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments if you received the link after the close of the announcement. To determine if you need a RA, please review the Procedures for Requesting a Reasonable Accommodation for Online Assessments here: Reasonable Accommodation Information.
• Visit Help Applying for helpful information on the application process.

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

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Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.