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.
Not accepting applications
For awardees
Award Management
Use InfoRAP to update contact information, submit travel requests, complete progress reports, and request tenure renewals.
InfoRAP is the online system for the NRC Research Associateship Programs and allows Research Advisers and the sponsoring agency’s Laboratory Program Representative (LPR) to manage:
- Contact information
- Research Opportunities
- Application recommendations
- Award offers (LPR only)
- Associate travel requests
- Associate tenure renewal requests
Policies, Practices, and Procedures (PPP)
The document below provides a comprehensive review of the programs’ structure, expectations, and guidelines. Please note that the policies outlined in this document do not apply to NRC Research Associates at NIST.
Visa Information
The Fellowships Office sponsors J-1 exchange visitor visas for foreign scientists participating in the NRC Research Associateship Programs. To request J-1 visa sponsorship, please complete the request form below and email it to rap@nas.edu. Refer to the Visa Options for International Associates/Fellows (PDF) document for more information.
Travel and Relocation
All travel supported through the NRC Research Associateship Programs is governed by the Federal Travel Regulations, Joint Travel Regulations, and NASEM travel policy. The Travel and Professional Development Guide (PDF) provides guidance on common policies and procedures related to travel for RAP and should be reviewed before considering travel. If you have any questions regarding travel policy and procedures, please contact RAP Travel at raptravel@nas.edu.
Tax Liability
The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine are not able to provide tax advice to NRC Research Associates; however, the following is general information to help you comply with U.S. Internal Revenue Service requirements. As discussed below, the forms and procedures may be different depending on whether you are a U.S. citizen or nonresident alien.
It is your responsibility to determine your individual tax liability. Please note that you may be subject to state and local taxes in addition to the federal income tax. We strongly suggest that you review your individual tax situation with a tax advisor or an IRS representative to determine the proper tax treatment for your fellowship award and any obligation for payment of quarterly estimated taxes.
Tax Status of Awards under the NRC Research Associateship Programs
NRC Research Associates are considered as guest investigators residing in host laboratories and are therefore not employees of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine or the laboratories to which they are assigned. Accordingly, the National Academies characterize fellowship awards under the NRC Research Associateship Programs as non-compensatory grants.
According to the IRS, fellowship stipends and benefits are generally taxable where:
- Amounts used for incidental expenses, such as room and board, travel, and optional equipment.
- Amounts received as payments for teaching, research, or other services required as a condition for receiving the scholarship or fellowship grant.
When personal services are not provided as a condition for a fellowship award, such as is the case with the NRC Research Associateship Programs, the IRS generally takes the position that grant awards are not subject to social security or self-employment taxes.
Reporting and Withholding Procedures for U.S. Citizens and Permanent Residents
If you are a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident, the National Academies will send you a Statement of Stipends Paid Memorandum by mid-March. This Memorandum includes an end-of-year summary of stipend payments, contributions to health insurance made on your behalf, and all relocation and travel expenses. The National Academies will not withhold taxes or report fellowship award payments made to U.S. citizens and permanent residents for tax purposes on IRS form 1099-MISC, or form W2, as this is not required by the IRS for non-compensatory scholarship or fellowship payments.
Typically, Research Associates who have no tax withheld by the National Academies should consider filing Form 1040-ES on a quarterly basis and paying estimated Federal income taxes. For more information about estimated tax payments, please consult a tax professional or the IRS website.
Reporting and Withholding Procedures for Nonresident Aliens
If you are a nonresident alien in J-1 or F-1 visa status, the National Academies are required to withhold 14% from payments made to you and on your behalf as described below, and to report that amount to the IRS at the end of the tax year. The 14% withholding rate applies to awards paid to nonresident aliens as a scholarship or a fellowship to support study, training, or research in the United States.
The amount of the fellowship award that is subject to reporting and income tax withholding will include stipends, the sponsor paid portion of health insurance, and all travel and relocation expenses paid directly by the National Academies. These amounts will be reported to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) at the end of the tax year on IRS Form 1042-S.
You will be sent Form 1042-S by mid-March, and you should use this form to complete Form 1040-NR by June 15. If you have spent a significant amount of time in the U.S., you may be considered a resident alien for tax purposes and would be subject to an earlier tax filing date of April 15 if you pass the IRS Substantial Presence Test.
Please review the IRS website or consult a tax professional for specific regulations regarding tax requirements for nonresident aliens, including any applicable state or local taxes.
FAQs for awardees
FAQs for awardees
For stakeholders
Sponsoring Laboratory Personnel
InfoRap
InfoRAP is the online system for the NRC Research Associateship Programs and allows Research Advisers and the sponsoring agency's Laboratory Program Representative (LPR) to manage:
- Contact information
- Research Opportunities
- Application recommendations
- Award offers (LPR only)
- Associate travel requests
- Associate tenure renewal requests
Advisers and LPRs should use the link above to access InfoRAP and enter the login credentials provided by the Fellowships Office. Advisers and LPRs should contact the Fellowships Office at rap@nas.edu if they have forgotten their credentials or experience any difficulties with signing in.
Research Advisers
The Research Adviser Guide (PDF), outlines the roles of a Research Adviser and the process for updating Research Opportunities. The Fellowships Office also offers Mentoring Guides (PDF), crafted with insights from a former NRC Research Associate and current executive leadership coach. Supported by veteran NRC Research Advisers, these guides cover mentoring essentials for postdoctoral Research Associates in federal labs. They provide a roadmap from initial planning to ensuring a rewarding research experience and career progression for both Advisers and Associates.
LPRs
Financial information for LPRs can also be accessed through InfoRAP, and agencies that wish to make changes to the stipends and travel allowances for one or more locations, divisions, etc., should submit the Stipend Form (PDF) to rap@nas.edu.
Prospective Research Advisers
Research Advisers play a pivotal role in the success of the NRC Research Associateship Programs. They act as scientific mentors to NRC Research Associates throughout their tenure. Their expertise, guidance, and unwavering support are invaluable to the growth and achievements of the NRC Research Associates.
If you are a scientific or engineering staff member holding a permanent position within a sponsoring agency and have a genuine passion for mentorship, we invite you to consider the role of a Research Adviser. For a comprehensive understanding of the role and its responsibilities, please consult the Research Adviser Guide (PDF).
How to Apply
To become a Research Adviser, candidates must:
- Hold a research doctorate.
- Possess a minimum of five years of research experience post their doctoral studies.
- Demonstrate an active record of publications.
While it's typical for Research Advisers to be employed by a sponsoring federal agency, non-federal employees can also serve in this capacity if they are working under a long-term contract with the sponsoring agency and satisfy all other criteria set for Research Advisers.
All applications for the Research Adviser position should be made in the Adviser Application and Research Opportunity Form via the online portal. Upon submission, the Program Administrator will first review your application for requisite qualifications. If successful, your application will then be forwarded to your agency's program manager (Laboratory Program Representative) for final approval.
Prospective Research Advisers are required to provide the following details during the application process:
- Contact information
- Agency affiliation
- Position title
- A curriculum vita (10-page maximum)
- A brief statement of mentoring experience
- Proposed Research Opportunity information
Prospective Sponsors
For nearly seven decades, the Fellowships Office has managed the NRC Research Associateship Programs, diligently serving our federal government sponsors. The legacy of the program is built on understanding and adapting to the distinct needs of each sponsor, all while fostering the growth of eminent scientists and engineers as they make substantial contributions to federal research initiatives. The NRC Research Associateship Programs have provided generations of researchers a vital steppingstone in their careers, ultimately benefiting the scientific community as a whole. As we look to the future of the programs, we invite any interested federal entities, academic institutions, and other potential partners to please reach out to us at rap@nas.edu to explore sponsorship opportunities.