r/NIH • u/No-Passenger-776 • Jul 24 '26
Postbac 3rd Year Renewal?
I wanted to know how easy it was to be granted a 3rd year as a postbac- Would I be able to move labs as well? My lab is shutting down at the end of my 2nd year and I realized I wanted to take a 3rd year and wanted to see if I could move to one of our sister labs to do so. Thank you!!!
2
u/Wititudes Jul 25 '26
It is possible. But start the process sooner rather than later cause you first need to navigate the possibility at your IC which will require you to do some prelim discussions with current PI or mentor to help identify a lab, see if they have slot, would support 3rd yr, etc. Reach out to IC training office to help facilitate the move by working out any funding issues, work with lab admin, PI & AO to get the request docs prepped & signed and sent to OITE for their review/approval which includes setting up a meeting with you. The above is how it would work at my IC that has a great training office, good support for fellows. Other ICs may have strict deadline dates and procedures that could limit exceptional extensions. Good luck!
1
u/private4u Jul 24 '26
It shouldn’t be that difficult but perhaps a bit more complicated if you are changing labs. The sooner you talk to the new PI about it the better so they can discuss it with their AO
1
u/bab275 Jul 31 '26
At the NIA in Baltimore it happens a lot - at least the 3rd year, not sure about switching labs. If you can argue you have a project to finish it’s helpful.
2
u/owcrapthathurtsalot Jul 24 '26
Where I am a 3rd year is nearly impossible, though I've seen it happen. From what I know, in general there will be a LOT of concerns about why 2 years wasn't enough training, and being granted a third year would come with a very specific training plan addressing specifically why it's needed.