Proximal Probe Studies of the Electrode-Electrolyte Interface

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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 using advanced in situ scanning tunneling and atomic force microscopy techniques to study phenomena at electrode-electrolyte interfaces. Research topics include:

• Metal on metal epitaxy via electrochemical processing
• Influence of organic and inorganic additives on microstructural evolution of electrodeposited metal films
• Structure and dynamics of corroding interfaces, focusing on de-alloying and passivating oxide layer formation and breakdown on transition metals
• Molecular structure, assembly, and ordering on electrode surfaces relevant to molecular electronics
• Surface alloy formation through underpotential deposition and kinetic trapping
• Role of surface structure in electrocatalysis

The research aims to deepen understanding of fundamental processes relevant to materials science, corrosion, electrochemistry, and molecular electronics.

Due Dates

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

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

NIST specifically participates in the February and August review cycles.

Funding Amount

• Annual stipend: Approximately $82,764
• Annual travel allowance: $3,000
• Typical appointment length: 2 years
• Health insurance coverage is required and partially subsidized
• Relocation assistance available for awardees moving more than 50 miles

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
• Experience: Postdoctoral applicants must have held their doctorate for less than five years as of the application deadline
• Prior affiliation: Applicants with current or recent prior employment or postdoctoral fellowships at NIST may be ineligible; research collaborations are generally acceptable unless continuing with the same adviser or project
• Security: Award may be contingent on satisfactory completion of security clearance processes

Application Process

Steps to Apply

1. Review eligibility criteria on the NRC RAP website.
2. Identify this and other research opportunities via the NRC RAP search.
3. Contact the proposed Research Adviser (Thomas P. Moffat, thomas.moffat@nist.gov) to discuss research plans and funding availability.
4. Prepare application materials including:
   • Research proposal (max 10 pages)
   • Previous and current research description (max 4 pages)
   • List of publications and presentations (max 2 pages)
   • Letters of recommendation (minimum 3, including dissertation adviser)
5. Register and submit your application through the NRC RAP online portal before the deadline.

Application Requirements

• Proposal must clearly state the problem, background, methodology, expected results, and significance.
• Letters of recommendation must be uploaded by letter writers via the online system by the deadline.
• Transcripts are required for postdoctoral applicants.
• Applicants may apply to up to three research opportunities but only one per sponsoring federal agency.

Review and Selection

• Applications are reviewed by expert panels in relevant scientific disciplines.
• Scores are assigned on a 100-point scale; scores above 70 are recommended for awards.
• Final funding decisions depend on ranking and available slots.
• Feedback is provided approximately one week after review finalization.

Additional Information

• Awards are onsite at NIST's Material Measurement Laboratory in Gaithersburg, MD.
• The program offers mentorship, access to state-of-the-art facilities, and professional development.
• Applicants must maintain health insurance coverage during tenure.
• Relocation and travel allowances support awardees' research activities.
• Applicants with prior NRC Research Associateships must wait at least two years before reapplying.

External Links

• NRC Research Associateship Programs Home
• Research Opportunity Details at NIST
• NRC RAP Application Guide (PDF)
• Visa Options for International Associates (PDF)

Contact Information