Telework Policies for IRTA/CRTA and Visiting Fellows

These policies are a collaborative effort between OIR, Office of Intramural Training and Education (OITE), IC training directors, and the Division of International Services(DIS), and have been vetted by legal counsel. We will remain flexible regarding telework for non-FTE trainees during this transition time due to the pandemic, and understand that some trainees may be teleworking more than expected.

In addition to providing these policies we want to be very clear that postbac, predoc, and postdocs who were appointed using Intramural Research Training Award (IRTA), Cancer Research Training Award (CRTA), and Visiting Fellow (VF) hiring authorities may not be placed in full-time remote work status. Furthermore, no IRTAs, CRTAs, or Visiting Fellows may be appointed with the understanding that they will be working remotely. IC regulations may allow the use of FTE or contractor hiring mechanisms for the appointment of individuals who provide service to your research teams; we encourage you to look into policies in your IC if you are interested in hiring remote workers.

The NIH cannot approve official telework from international locations for trainees. Additionally, without official travel orders, international use of Government Furnished Equipment is prohibited by trainees in international locations. Questions about this policy can be directed to Dr. Lori Conlan in the OITE.

• Intramural Research Training Award (IRTA) / Cancer Research Training Award (CRTA) Telework Policy
• Visiting Fellow Program (VFP) Telework Policy