National Institutes of Health

Employee - Analyst / Associate / Consultant

In terms of being able to conduct research, an intramural research position at the NIH offers security, often higher pay relative to a university, and tremendous resources. You have access to some of the best scientists as well. The individuals who lead the divisions and labs often have poor management and leadership skills, and upward mobility is rare, but that is true for academic research at most universities because of culture, incentives, training focus, etc.

Employee - Analyst / Associate / Consultant

The NIH is focused on academic research, even though they try to give the illusion they do clinical research (e.g., develop medicines). You will be able to do great research and interact with tremendous scientists and be competitive to land a great job in research. You will not, however, learn how to strategically drive programs, lead teams, collaborate on cross-functional projects in the way you do in business, develop program budgets, etc. These things are important if you want to leave academia, but you won't learn them at the NIH, although you likely won't learn them in academia more broadly.

Employee - Manager / Senior Manager

I can speak for the culture of the NCI contractor, Harris IT services. The culture was good and diverse. There was opportunity for growth and development.

Employee - Postdoctoral Fellow

A stimulating place to work with premiere scientists in many fields. Post doctoral fellows should be aware that they will not get grant writing experience which may impact their ability to get academic positions. When I was there the NIH was initiating courses to model grant writing but this is no substitute for the real thing.

Employee - Manager / Senior Manager

I loved the commitment to innovation and research. Solidly patient centric.

Employee - Analyst / Associate / Consultant

It depends on the position being offered. I have recommended the NIH to a colleague when she was offered a position as a lab manager. I have not recommended the NIH to a colleague when she was offered a position as a post-doctoral fellow.

Employee - Analyst / Associate / Consultant

It is hard to work for NIH as a government employee unless you are already in. Contract work is more easily found but is highly changeable.

Employee - Research Fellow

Great experience working here.

Employee - Entry / Intern

Collaborative; encouraging work culture. It was great to be in an environment where many people were in a similar transition period as I was. Also, it was a great place for diversity.

Employee - Analyst / Associate / Consultant

Too much infighting, decisions fear-based, people are threatened and threaten each other - brutal culture.