Approaches for Evaluating the NRC Resident Research Associateship Program at NIST

The NRC Resident Research Associateship Program at NIST provides two-year temporary appointments for outstanding scientists and engineers. This book describes program applicants and awardees and offers suggestions for an in-depth assessment of career outcomes. Preliminary investigation indicates that outreach efforts produce more qualified applicants than NIST has slots to fill, the pool of applicants is increasingly diverse, and many Research Associates go on to permanent positions at NIST. The agency should conduct a more thorough evaluation of the program, including an assessment of outreach to potential applicants, individuals who decline an award, the program's impact on the careers of awardees, and the benefits of the program to NIST and the broader scientific and engineering community.Table of ContentsFront MatterExecutive Summary1 Overview2 Recruitment and Selection3 Research Associates’ Experiences4 Careers5 Preliminary Results and RecommendationsBibliographyAppendix A Committee Members Biographical InformationAppendix B Survey of Earned DoctoratesAppendix C Data on Science and Engineering DoctoratesAppendix D Application for Research Associate Programs Appendix E Examination of Applications to Prospective ProgramsAppendix F Ph.D. Fields by Broad CategoryAppendix G Names of LaboratoriesAppendix H Research Associateship Final ReportAppendix I Evaluation of Associate by Adviser