NIST LABORATORIES, USER FACILITIES, AND 

MAJOR PROGRAMS

Communications Technology Laboratory

Engineering Laboratory

Information Technology Laboratory

Material Measurement Laboratory

Physical Measurement Laboratory

NIST Center for Neutron Research

Baldridge Performance Excellence Program

Manufacturing Extension Partnership 

Office of Advanced Manufacturing

Special Programs Office

Technology Partnerships Office

NIST NRC Postdoctoral 

Research Associateships Program

“I enjoy the program’s professional development, 

such as the ability to work closely with experts 

in my field, the opportunity to secure funding for 

conferences, and mentoring to strengthen my 

writing, networking, and presentation skills.”

—Andre Thompson, Ph.D., EL

www.nist.gov

National Institute of Standards and Technology

100 Bureau Drive, Gaithersburg, MD 20899
ELIGIBILITY

• Applicants must hold U.S. citizenship

• Applicants must have earned a Ph.D. in a science, technology, 

engineering, or mathematics (STEM) discipline before 

beginning tenure

• Applicants must have held their doctorate for less than five 

years at the time of application

NIST NRC POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCH 

ASSOCIATESHIPS PROGRAM OVERVIEW

The NIST NRC Postdoctoral Program supports a nationwide 

competitive postdoctoral program administered in cooperation 

with the National Academies/National Research Council (NRC). 

The postdoctoral program brings research scientists and 

engineers of unusual promise and ability to perform advanced 

research related to the NIST mission, introduces the latest 

university research results and techniques to NIST scientific 

programs, strengthens mutual communication with university 

researchers, shares NIST unique research facilities with the 

U.S. scientific and engineering communities, and provides a 

valuable mechanism for the transfer of research results from 

NIST to the scientific and engineering communities. A NIST NRC 

Postdoctoral Research Associate receives an excepted term 

(temporary) appointment as a NIST federal employee, which 

includes a salary, health insurance, and a travel and relocation 

allowance. Awards are for a maximum 2-year duration and are 

limited to U.S. Citizens.

NIST MISSION

To promote U.S. innovation and industrial competitiveness by 

advancing measurement science, standards, and technology in 

ways that enhance economic security and improve our quality 

of life.

APPLYING FOR AN ASSOCIATESHIP AWARD

Detailed information on procedures and all necessary application 

materials and supporting documents are available from 

http://sites.nationalacademies.org/pga/rap. Search for available 

opportunities under participating agencies. NIST participates in 

the February and August competitions only.

What do I need to do before applying?

Prior to applying, identify and contact a prospective Adviser 

and a Research Opportunity. You must assure that the adviser 

has a mutual interest in hosting you as a post doc.

How do I apply for an Associate award?

The application is completed online in the NRC WebRap system. 

Before applying, carefully review the Research Associateships 

website. Follow the Getting Started instructions and proceed 

to How to Apply.

Application Requirements:

• Academic Transcripts 

• Dissertation Abstract 

• Statement of Previous and Current Research

• List of Publications and Presentations

• Research Proposal

• Letters of Recommendation

“I enjoyed having the flexibility of being involved 

in projects other than the one I proposed, learning 

how NIST helps global industries, having numerous 

traveling (even internationally) opportunities to 

present my work, and establishing solid professional 

and personal relationships with my colleagues.”

—Christina Jones Ph.D., MML

“I enjoyed meeting people with a variety of 

scientific interests and personal hobbies. I liked 

the freedom to develop my own projects and 

collaborations. ”

—Nikki Ritzert, Ph.D., MML