Operando Investigation of Electrochemical Interfaces

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Description

This fellowship supports research on the operando investigation of electrochemical interfaces, focusing on understanding molecular-level interactions and dynamics during electrocatalysis and electrodeposition processes such as CO2 reduction and copper deposition. The research integrates advanced analytical techniques including electrochemical mass spectrometry and vibrational spectroscopies like shell isolated nanoparticle enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SHINERS) to probe the electrode-electrolyte interface in real-time under operating conditions.

The goal is to elucidate reaction mechanisms and optimize electrode materials and electrolytes to improve performance in electrochemical applications. Outcomes are expected to advance cutting-edge metrologies and contribute to the development of next-generation electrochemical technologies.

Key references include recent studies on electrocatalysis microenvironments, chloride phase transitions on copper surfaces, and tuning water activity to promote multicarbon product formation in CO2 electroreduction.

Due Dates

• February 1, 2025 (NIST participates in February reviews)
• May 1, 2025 (Close date)
• August 1, 2025 (NIST participates in August reviews)

Note: If a deadline falls on a weekend or federal holiday, it is moved to the next business day.

Funding Amount

• Base stipend: Approximately $82,764 per year
• Travel allowance: $3,000 annually
• Typical appointment length: 2 years
• No supplementation details provided

Eligibility

• Citizenship: Open to U.S. citizens only
• Applicant level: Postdoctoral researchers (doctoral degree must be earned before starting tenure)
• Doctorate must have been held for less than five years at application deadline
• Applicants must not have current or recent prior affiliation with the sponsoring agency that disqualifies eligibility (e.g., prior postdoctoral fellowship at the agency)
• Applicants must contact the proposed Research Adviser before applying
• Foreign nationals are generally not eligible unless specified by the sponsoring agency
• Security clearance or background checks may be required depending on the agency

Application Process

• Review eligibility criteria on the NRC RAP website
• Identify research opportunities and contact the Research Adviser listed for the opportunity to discuss research plans and funding availability
• Prepare application materials including:
  • Profile information (contact, education, transcripts, employment, honors)
  • Research proposal (up to 10 pages) with sections on problem statement, background, methodology, expected results, and significance
  • Previous and current research description (up to 4 pages)
  • List of publications and presentations (up to 2 pages)
  • Letters of recommendation (minimum 3, including dissertation adviser for postdocs)
• Submit application via the NRC RAP online portal before the deadline
• Letters of recommendation must be uploaded by letter writers through the online system by the deadline
• Applications are reviewed by expert panels in relevant scientific disciplines
• Applicants scoring 70+ out of 100 are recommended for awards, subject to funding availability

Additional Information

• Health insurance enrollment is required throughout the tenure; group health insurance is available with shared cost
• Relocation assistance is provided for awardees moving more than 50 miles to the host laboratory
• Annual travel allowance supports conference attendance and fieldwork
• Applicants can apply for up to three research opportunities but only one per sponsoring federal agency per cycle
• Feedback on application reviews is provided approximately one week after panel decisions
• Previous NRC Research Associateship holders may apply again after a two-year gap from prior award termination

External Links

• NRC Research Associateship Programs - For Applicants
• Operando Investigation of Electrochemical Interfaces | NIST Fellowship
• NRC RAP Application Portal
• Applicant Guide (PDF)
• Instructions for Recommendation Letter Writers (PDF)

Contact Information