NIST works with the National Research Council (NRC) to offer awards for postdoctoral research in the diverse fields of physical science in which NIST is actively involved. The program provides advanced training for highly qualified postdoctoral, while enhancing the research conducted in federal laboratories.
The NIST/NRC postdoctoral associateship program brings value to the federal research enterprise by inviting new ideas and skills and helping to build future generations of research leaders. For NIST positions, the NRC application process is very competitive and involves two application cycles with application deadlines of February 1 and August 1 of each year. The NRC evaluates all applications using a peer review process. Each application receives multiple reviews by scientists and engineers with expertise across the range of sponsored programs. Sponsor labs have input on the quality of applicants and the relevance to their programs. Successful applicants serve a two-year term, working directly with staff scientists
Additional information about the NIST/NRC program can be found here. Complete instructions on preparing an application for the NIST/NRC program can be found on the NRC Research Associate Program website. Those interested in applying should first identify a potential adviser from the list of opportunities below. It I important to contact the adviser before applying to ensure that the applicant’s proposed project is compatible with the adviser’s interests. The adviser can also provide advice on how the applicant’s interests intersect with NIST’s, which can help in writing an effective proposal.
NIST/NRC Postdoctoral Associateships are only open to US citizens.