Before making your journey to NIH, review information about coming to NIH, including security, driving, and parking information. This is available at:

NIH Visitor Information

With over 18,000 employees on its Bethesda campus alone, NIH is larger than many U.S. cities! NIH offers many services to support this population, including: 

NIH ID Badge

Occupational Medical Service (OMS)

Foundation for the Advanced Education in the Sciences(FAES)

NIH Library

NIH Recreation and Welfare Association (“R&W”)

NIH Division of Amenities and Transportation (DATS)

NIH Dining Services (Bethesda)

NIH Federal Credit Union/Banking Services

Fitness Services (Bethesda)

Shuttle Bus (Bethesda)

There are also many offices at NIH dedicated to supporting your professional success, such as: 

Office of Intramural Research (OIR) - responsible for oversight and coordination of intramural research, training, and technology transfer conducted within NIH laboratories and branches

NIH Guidelines on Conduct of Research – set forth the general principles of research conducted within NIH laboratoriesand branches

Office of Intramural Training and Education (OITE) –Research/Training and Career advising for scientists

Office of Research Services (ORS) – Scientific and regulatory support programs

Fellows Committee (FELCOM) – Group committed to enhancing the experience of all postdoctoral researchers at NIH

NIH Visiting Fellows Committee (VFC) – Sub-group of FELCOM devoted to postdoctoral Visiting Fellows issues

Research, Training and Scientific Resources Office – Clearinghouse for research support services

In cases of a scientific or personal conflict, NIH also offers several free, confidential resolution resources:

Center for Cooperative Resolution (CCR) – independent resource for resolution of lab and work-related issues

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) – counseling for work and family concerns

Civil program to help prevent workplace violence, harassment, intimidation, etc.

Office of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (OEDI) – assists with equal employment opportunity (EEO) issues, such as discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, gender, age, sexual orientation

Pre-school for younger children, or day- and after-school care for children of any age, may be available from many sources for a fee. The NIH maintains its own Child Care Centers at several locations, but there may be a long waiting period to be eligible to use the centers. However, the NIH Child Care Center can also assist with referrals to other child-care options.

NIH Child Care Center Main Page

List of NIH Sponsored Child Care Centers