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BRET Career Development ASPIRE Program

National Academies NRC Postdoctoral and Research Associate Programs

Posted by on Wednesday, April 8, 2026 in Job Opportunities .

Interested in a research career in government? The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine sponsors awards for postdoctoral and senior researchers at participating federal laboratories and affiliated institutions. These awards provide the opportunity for recipients to do independent research in some of the best-equipped and staffed laboratories in the U.S. Research opportunities are open to U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and for some of the laboratories, foreign nationals. Applications are accepted in four cycles each year.

  • February: Opens December 1; Closes February 1
  • May: Opens March 1; Closes May 1
  • August: Opens June 1; Closes August 1
  • November: Opens September 1; Closes November 1

Applicants should contact prospective Research Adviser(s) at the lab(s) prior to the application deadline to discuss their research interests and funding opportunities. Web: www.nas.edu/rap

Further details below:

Advance your career with a federal research fellowship!
The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine administer two prestigious research fellowship programs that are open to postdoctoral and senior researchers with a Ph.D., Sc.D., M.D., or D.V.M. (or near completion). These programs are designed to advance scientific discovery and innovation and provide the opportunity to design independent research projects, collaborate with leading scientists, and contribute to mission-driven innovation.
NRC Research Associateship Programs (RAP)

 

Apply to RAP by May 1
Air Force Science & Technology Fellowship Program (AF STFP)

  • Nearly 300 active opportunities to conduct research at the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory, the U.S. Air Force Institute of Technology, and the U.S. Air Force Academy
  • Monthly base stipend starting at $95,000/year; may be higher based on experience
  • Open to U.S. citizens

 

Apply to AF STFP by May 1
Additional Award Benefits of RAP and AF STFP 

  • Health insurance (including dental and vision)
  • Relocation assistance for awardees who will be on tenure for at least six months and who at the time of award reside more than 50 miles from the host laboratory
  • Professional travel allowance

 

How to Apply 

Visit the program’s webpage linked above for detailed eligibility criteria, application guidance, and access to the online application portal.

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