the National Research Council of the National Academies sponsors a number of awards for postdoctoral researchers at federal laboratories and affiliated centers. These awards provide generous stipends ($38,000 - $65,000 per year), and the opportunity to do independent research in some of the best-equipped and staffed laboratories in the country. Detailed program information, including instructions on how to apply online, and a list of participating laboratories, is available on the NRC Research Associateship Programs Web site at: www.national-academies.org/rap Questions should be directed to the NRC at 202-334-2760 (tel) or rap@nas.edu. There will be four review cycles annually. Upcoming deadline dates are: November 1, 2006 February 1, 2007 May 1, 2007 August 1, 2007 Applicants should begin a dialog with prospective Advisers at the lab as early as possible, before their anticipated application deadline.