The National Research Council of the National Academies sponsors a number of awards for graduate, postdoctoral and senior researchers at participating federal laboratories and affiliated institutions.

These awards include generous stipends ranging from $42,000 to $80,000 per year for recent Ph.D. recipients, and higher for additional experience. Graduate entry level stipends begin at $30,000.

These awards provide the opportunity for recipients to do independent research in some of the best-equipped and staffed laboratories in the U.S. The program is open to U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and for some of the laboratories, foreign nationals.

Detailed program information, including online applications, instructions on how to apply, and a list of participating laboratories, are available on the NRC Research Associateship Programs website.

There are four annual review cycles:

* August -- opens June 1, closes Aug. 1.

* November -- opens Sept. 1, closes Nov. 1.

* February -- opens Dec. 1, closes Feb. 1.

* May -- opens March 1, closes May 1.

More detailed information and an online application can be found at www.nationalacademies.org/rap. Applicants should contact prospective adviser(s) at the lab(s) prior to the application deadline to discuss their research interests and funding opportunities.

Questions should be directed to the NRC at 202-334-2760 or rap@nas.edu.