The NRC Research Associateship Programs (RAP) are prestigious postdoctoral and senior research awards designed to provide promising scientists and engineers with high-quality research opportunities at federal laboratories and affiliated institutions. These programs offer a comprehensive experience, including mentorship and access to state-of-the-art facilities, all geared toward enhancing the research career development of the Research Associates.
The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine’s Fellowships Office has conducted the NRC Research Associateship Programs in cooperation with sponsoring federal laboratories and other research organizations since 1954. NRC Research Associateships are awarded to exceptionally talented postdoctoral and senior scientists and engineers through a rigorous selection process. These selected individuals are granted tenure as guest researchers at participating laboratories, highlighting their outstanding contributions and potential in their respective fields.
The NRC Research Associateship Programs aim to:
- Offer uniquely promising postdoctoral and senior scientists/engineers the chance to pursue self-directed research that aligns with the goals of the sponsoring laboratories.
- Enhance the comprehensive research efforts of these laboratories.
- Provide recent doctoral graduates with a platform to conduct focused research in collaboration with select members of the permanent professional laboratory staff.
- Foster the professional growth of Associates by providing opportunities to gain skills, experience, and connections through collaboration with leading scientists, enhancing their future career prospects in academia, industry, or government research roles.