NRC Research Associateship Programs
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.
Applications open
Until Feb 2, 2026 5:00 PM
Description
The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine’s Office of Fellowships 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.
Contributors
Sponsors
Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)
National Institute of Standards and Technology
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
National Security Agency
Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division
Naval Postgraduate School
Naval Research Laboratory
U.S. Air Force Academy
U.S. Air Force Institute of Technology
U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory
U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command
U.S. Army Medical Research and Development Command
U.S. Army Night Vision and Electronic Sensors Directorate
U.S. Army Research Laboratory
U.S. Army Research Office
Staff
Jennifer Griffiths
Lead
Sierra Jackson
Lead
Melanie Suydam
Erika Jauregui
Leah Probst
Major units and sub-units
Organizational Initiatives
Lead
Office of Fellowships
Lead
Past events