Are you a Staff Scientist (SS) or Staff Clinician (SC) at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) looking to take your career to the next level? The NIH Staff Scientists and Staff Clinicians Career Enrichment Program (SCEP) is a competitive, application-based program designed specifically to provide you with the tools and skills necessary for professional growth and enhanced career satisfaction. This program is meticulously crafted to empower SSs and SCs to proactively manage their career paths and thrive within the NIH environment.
The SCEP goes beyond conventional professional development by offering a holistic approach to career enrichment. Participants will gain valuable insights into their own career trajectories, mastering essential strategies for effective networking, building strong mentoring partnerships, and maximizing workplace efficiency. Through expert-led coaching sessions and interactive workshops, you will learn to cultivate positive work behaviors, fostering a more productive and fulfilling professional landscape. A cornerstone of the SCEP is the mentorship component, requiring participants to secure a mentor for the program’s six-month duration and engage in monthly meetings of at least one hour. The program kick-off orientation in January provides valuable guidance and tips on identifying and securing a compatible mentor.
Image alt text: Attendees participating in a virtual orientation session for the Career Enrichment Program, engaging with speakers on screen.
Is the Career Enrichment Program Right for You?
The Career Enrichment Program is an ideal opportunity if you are an NIH SS or SC who is:
- Seeking Continuous Professional Development: The SCEP is recognized as a valuable continuing education opportunity and can be incorporated into your Quadrennial Review, demonstrating your commitment to ongoing growth.
- Aiming to Enhance Leadership Capabilities: If you aspire to leadership roles or wish to refine your leadership style within your current position, this program offers targeted development in crucial leadership skills.
- A Core Manager Seeking Managerial Expertise: For core managers looking to expand their managerial skillset and enhance their team leadership, the SCEP provides relevant and practical training.
- In Pursuit of Greater Career Fulfillment: If you are seeking increased satisfaction and engagement in your current role, the program helps you identify and cultivate aspects of your work that bring greater fulfillment.
- Interested in Broadening Your Understanding of the Scientific Enterprise at NIH: The SCEP offers a unique opportunity to gain a broader perspective on the diverse facets of the scientific ecosystem within the NIH, fostering interdisciplinary awareness and collaboration.
Image alt text: A visual program agenda outlining key dates and topics for the Career Enrichment Program, including orientation, workshops, and advising sessions.
Application Process for the Career Enrichment Program
To apply for the Career Enrichment Program, a comprehensive application package is required, consisting of:
- Your Most Recent Curriculum Vitae (CV): Providing an updated overview of your professional experience and accomplishments.
- A One-Page Letter of Intent (LOI): This letter should articulate your specific goals and expectations for participating in the program. Crucially, your LOI must include a clear statement confirming your commitment to actively participate in all program activities should you be selected for the SCEP.
Please note that applications are currently CLOSED. Check the official program website regularly for updates on application cycles and deadlines.
For Junior SS/SCs: If you are a junior SS/SC within your first two years in your position, you might also find the CCR SS/SC Peer-to-Peer Mentoring Program (PPMP) to be a valuable resource. This program offers a supportive network for mentoring, advice, and constructive feedback from experienced SS/SC peers. You can explore more about the PPMP here.
Program Agenda: A Roadmap to Career Enrichment
The SCEP follows a structured agenda designed to maximize your career enrichment experience. Below is a detailed schedule of program activities:
| Date | Subject | Who | Location | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January 9 | Orientation | CCT & OWSE | Virtual | 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. |
| January 23 | Individual Development Plan (IDP) | OWSE | Virtual | 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. |
| February | Mentoring assignments | CCT | ||
| Feb/March | Career Advising Intakes | OWSE | Register | Optional, highly recommended; 1 hr. per session, up to 4 sessions |
| February 6 | DiSC Assessment | OWSE | Virtual | 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. |
| March 7 | Developmental assignment | CCT | Virtual | 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. |
| April 11 | Job Searching Skills Workshop | CCT | Virtual | 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. (TBD) |
| May | Mid point check in | CCT | Shady Grove | Individually selected |
| May 8 | Career Skill Advising Orientation | OWSE | Virtual | 9:30 – 11:00 a.m. |
| May 16 | Alumni Panel | CCT | Shady Grove | 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. |
| June | Learning assignment w/ partner | CCT | TBD | |
| June 5 | Career Skills Advising session | OWSE | Virtual | 9:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. |
| June 18 | Career Skills Advising session | OWSE | Virtual | 9:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. |
| June 27 | Graduation | CCT & OWSE | Shady Grove | 4:00 – 5:00 p.m. |
All times listed above in Eastern Time (ET).
Contact Information
For any inquiries regarding the Staff Scientists and Staff Clinicians Career Enrichment Program, please reach out to Lindsay Demblowski at [email protected].
Explore Related Resources for Further Enrichment
For additional opportunities to enhance your skills and access cutting-edge resources, consider the SSSC Technical Enrichment Program (STEP). Hosted by the CCR’s Office of Science and Technology Services, STEP provides staff scientists and staff clinicians with funding opportunities to gain comprehensive training in advanced techniques available through CCR Cores and Facilities. For more information about the STEP program, please contact Cynthia Masison at [email protected].
By participating in the Career Enrichment Program and exploring related resources like STEP, NIH Staff Scientists and Staff Clinicians can proactively invest in their professional development, leading to more impactful careers and greater contributions to the NIH’s vital mission.
