National Research Council
Research Associateship Programs
Competitive awards are available for scientists and engineers to conduct independent research in federal laboratories and affiliated institutions. Awards include attractive stipends, health insurance, professional travel and relocation. Qualified Applicants will be reviewed without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex or national origin.
The NRC Associateship Programs
The National Research Council (NRC) administers competitive postdoctoral and senior research awards on behalf of 33 U.S. government research agencies with facilities at over 100 locations throughout the U.S. and abroad. Awardees have the opportunity to:
- conduct independent research in an area compatible with the interests of the sponsoring laboratory
- devote full-time effort to research and publication
- access the excellent and often unique facilities of the federal research enterprise
- collaborate with leading scientists and engineers at federal research laboratories
Eligibility
Awards are available for scientists and engineers at all stages of their career. Applicants should hold, or anticipate receiving, an earned doctorate in science or engineering. Degrees from universities abroad should be equivalent in training and research experience to a degree from a U.S. institution. Most awards are open to foreign nationals as well as to U.S. citizens.
The Application Process
Applications for awards are reviewed by panels of distinguished scientists and engineers representing the disciplines of Chemistry, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences; Engineering, Applied Science, and Mathematics; Life Sciences; and Physics. Awards are made based on ranking assigned by the review panel.
Applications are reviewed four times each year. Most sponsoring programs participate in all reviews. Prospective applicants should check with the NRC for specific information.
Detailed program information, including application deadlines and instructions on how to apply, is available at the Associateship Programs Web site: www.national-academies.org/rap
Receiving an NRC Research Associate Award
Postdoctoral awards are for 12 months with renewal up to 3 years. Senior research awards may be for shorter periods of time. Summer Faculty awards are for 8-14 weeks, renewable for up to 3 successive summers.
Stipend and Benefits
Research Associates receive annual stipends ranging from $38,000 to $65,000 for recent graduates and proportionally higher for Senior Associates. In addition, the NRC provides health insurance, relocation benefits and an allowance for professional travel. The host laboratory provides research facilities, equipment and funding for supplies to support the Associate's research.
How to Apply
- Find research opportunities at match your interests by exploring our Web site: www.national-academies.org/rap
- Contact prospective Research Adviser(s) to discuss your interests. Adviser contact information can be found on the Web site. Note that you may apply for up to three laboratories with one application.
- Follow application instructions carefully. Applications must be submitted electronically. Supporting documents should be sent by mail to:
National Research Council
Fellowship Programs Office
Research Associateship Program
500 Fifth Street NW, Keck 568, Washington, DC 20001
Email: rap@nas.edu
Tel: 202-334-2760
Fax: 202-334-2759
Annual application deadlines
February 1, May 1, August 1, November 1