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, access to state-of-the-art facilities, and opportunities to influence government policy, all geared toward enhancing the research career development of the Research Associates. Applicants must have earned a Ph.D., Sc.D., M.D., D.V.M., or academically equivalent research doctorate before beginning tenure. The Fellowships Office makes NRC Research Associateship awards at the postdoctoral and senior researcher levels. For Postdoctoral Associateships, applicants must have held the doctorate for less than five years as of the application deadline. For Senior Associateships, applicants are required to either have held a doctorate for at least five years by the application deadline or to have a permanent appointment in academia, government, or industry, complemented by research experience that has led to significant contributions and recognition as established investigators in their specific fields. A minimum of three (maximum five) recommendation letters are required. The following letter writers should be included: Dissertation Adviser (required for Postdoctoral applicants); individuals (at least two) who have recently worked with the applicant in the applicant's major field; and individuals who are acquainted with the applicant's academic and professional background. There are several application cycles for this program: December 1 - February 1; March 1 - May 1; June 1 - August 1; and September 1 - November 1. Please visit the fellowship's website for more information.