The National Research Council in Washington has announced that it is seeking applications for approximately 350 postdoctoral and senior research associateship awards in 2000. More than 120 research laboratories representing US government agencies will provide the opportunity to pursue study in engineering, applied sciences and computer sciences; physics; space and planetary sciences; mathematics; chemistry; life and medical sciences; and earth and atmospheric sciences.

Since the founding of the program in 1954, more than 8000 scientists have received the associateships. The awards, which include relocation expenses and professional travel, are for one or two years and may be renewed for up to three years. Senior candidates may request shorter periods. Annual stipends vary with the sponsoring laboratory but range from $30,000 to $50,000 for recent PhD recipients.

Application deadlines for the three rounds of competition are Jan. 15, April 15 and Aug. 15, 2000. Further information and application materials are available on the Web at www.national-academies.org/rap.