NRC Research Associateship Programs

National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine – USA

The NRC Research Associateship Programs (RAP) offer postdoctoral and senior research opportunities in U.S. federal laboratories and affiliated institutions. The program supports talented scientists and engineers in developing independent research, guided by expert mentors and with access to advanced facilities. Established in 1954, RAP connects researchers with host laboratories across areas such as environmental science, space exploration, life sciences, engineering, and policy. Awards are managed by the Fellowships Office of the National Academies.

Program Goals

• •  Support postdoctoral and senior researchers in developing independent projects aligned with the goals of federal laboratories.
• •  Strengthen research capacity in science, engineering, and health-related fields.
• •  Provide opportunities for collaboration and professional development.

Eligibility

• •  Open to candidates worldwide, without discrimination.
• •  Applicants must hold a Ph.D., Sc.D., M.D., D.V.M., or equivalent degree before beginning the fellowship.
• •  Postdoctoral Associates: degree obtained within the past 5 years.
• •  Senior Associates: degree obtained at least 5 years earlier or a permanent academic, governmental, or industry position with proven research experience.
• •  Applicants with recent employment or ongoing projects in the same federal laboratory are generally not eligible.
• •  Citizenship and visa requirements vary by agency.

Program Details

• •  Stipend: varies by host agency and location.
• •  Health insurance: required for all awardees and dependents; shared cost between the researcher and host agency.
• •  Relocation assistance: available for fellows living over 50 miles from the host institution.
• • Travel allowance: annual funding for conferences, meetings, or fieldwork.

Application Process

1. 1.  Review eligibility and research opportunities by agency.
2. 2.  Contact a potential Research Adviser listed in the opportunity.
3. 3.  Prepare and submit the online application following the Applicant Guide (PDF).

Applicants may submit up to three proposals, but only one per sponsoring agency.

Selection

Applications are evaluated by expert panels from the National Academies based on:

• •  Academic background and research record.
• •  Scientific merit and feasibility of the proposed project.
• •  Letters of recommendation.
• •  Relevance of the research to the host laboratory’s mission.