NIST Polymer Mechanics, Dynamics, and Transport

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Description

This fellowship opportunity, offered through the NRC Research Associateship Programs at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), supports postdoctoral research focused on the fundamental mechanisms of small molecule and gas transport through polymeric materials. The research aims to understand how water, solvents, gases, or other small penetrants diffuse through polymers, with particular attention to:

• Thermodynamic interactions between diffusing species and the polymer host.
• Dynamic or kinetic coupling between the polymer matrix and penetrants.
• Mechanical impacts of swelling stresses induced by penetrants on polymer properties.
• Changes in transport and mechanical properties when polymers are confined in thin films or interphases, such as those found in composite materials.

Applications of this research include improving selective transport in membranes (e.g., reverse osmosis, fuel cells) and enhancing barrier properties in coatings and composites.

The fellowship is situated within the Material Measurement Laboratory, Materials Science and Engineering Division at NIST in Gaithersburg, MD.

Due Dates

NIST participates in the February and August review cycles for this opportunity. Key deadlines for the NRC Research Associateship Programs are:

• February 1, 2025 (5 PM ET)
• May 1, 2025 (5 PM ET)
• August 1, 2025 (5 PM ET)
• November 1, 2025 (5 PM ET)

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
• Appointment duration: Typically 2 years
• Supplementation by host institution may be possible but is not guaranteed

Eligibility

• Citizenship: Open to U.S. citizens only
• Education: Applicants must have earned a Ph.D., Sc.D., M.D., D.V.M., or equivalent research doctorate before beginning tenure
• Career stage: Postdoctoral applicants who have held their doctorate for less than five years as of the application deadline
• Prior affiliation: Applicants with current or recent prior affiliation with NIST (e.g., employment or previous NRC fellowship) may be ineligible
• Letter writers: Must not be employed by NIST unless they have served as mentors or collaborators during the applicant’s prior academic or research training

Application Process

Steps to Apply

1. Identify the opportunity: Review the NIST Polymer Mechanics, Dynamics, and Transport research opportunity and confirm eligibility.
2. Contact the Research Adviser: Applicants must contact the designated NIST Research Adviser, Christopher L. Soles (christopher.soles@nist.gov), to discuss the research proposal and funding availability before applying.
3. Prepare application materials:
   • Profile information including education history and transcripts (postdocs must upload transcripts)
   • Research proposal (maximum 10 pages) including:
     • Statement of the problem
     • Background and relevance
     • Methodology
     • New or unusual methods
     • Expected results and significance
     • Literature cited
   • Previous and current research description (max 4 pages)
   • List of publications and presentations (max 2 pages)
   • Letters of recommendation (minimum 3, including dissertation adviser)
4. Submit application online via the NRC Research Associateship Programs portal.
5. Notify letter writers to upload their letters by the deadline.

Review and Selection

• Applications are reviewed by expert panels in relevant scientific disciplines.
• The Research Adviser and NIST program representatives review and endorse applications before panel review.
• Applicants are scored on academic record, research proposal quality, letters of recommendation, and relevance to NIST’s mission.
• Scores above 70/100 typically receive award recommendations.
• Funding decisions are made by NIST based on ranking and available slots.

Additional Information

• Health insurance enrollment is required for the duration of the fellowship; a group plan is available with shared costs.
• Relocation assistance is provided for awardees moving more than 50 miles to the host lab.
• Annual travel allowance supports conference attendance and research-related travel.
• Applicants may apply to up to three NRC Research Associateship opportunities but only one per sponsoring agency.
• Applicants with prior NRC awards must have a two-year gap before applying again.
• Reviewer feedback is provided approximately one week after review finalization.

External Links

• NRC Research Associateship Programs Home
• NIST Polymer Mechanics, Dynamics, and Transport Opportunity
• NRC Research Associateship Programs For Applicants
• Applicant Guide (PDF)
• Visa Options for International Associates (PDF)

Contact Information

Applicants are encouraged to contact the Research Adviser early to discuss research plans and eligibility before submitting an application. For general application questions, contact the NRC Fellowships Office.