Microstructural Evolution in Naval Materials
Research on how changes to the tiny structures inside steel, titanium, and aluminum alloys affect their properties for naval applications.
This grant is no longer accepting proposals
NRC Research Associateship Programs has archived this opportunity.
Funder: NRC Research Associateship Programs
Due Dates: May 1, 2025
Funding Amounts: $99,200 stipend plus $3,000 travel allowance; fellowship duration typically 2-3 years
Summary: Postdoctoral fellowship supporting research on microstructural evolution in naval materials including steel, titanium, and aluminum alloys at the Naval Research Laboratory.
Key Information: Open to U.S. citizens and permanent residents; access to advanced microstructural characterization facilities; relocation and health insurance benefits available.
Description
This fellowship opportunity supports research on the microstructural evolution of naval materials and how these changes affect their physical properties. The research focuses on microstructural features such as dislocations, precipitates, grain boundaries, crystallography, and phase distributions/transformations. It investigates how variations in chemistry, thermomechanical exposure, and processing conditions influence these microstructures and, consequently, the material properties.
Research areas include structural materials, joining techniques, and additive manufacturing, with a focus on ferrous, titanium, and aluminum alloys. The Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) in Washington, DC, offers successful candidates access to state-of-the-art microstructural characterization tools such as High-Resolution Electron Microscopy (HREM), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Scanning Electron Microscopy with Electron Backscatter Diffraction (SEM/EBSD), Atom Probe Tomography (APT), X-ray Computed Microtomography (XCMT), and Focused Ion Beam (FIB) systems. Additionally, a wide range of material fabrication and processing equipment is available.
This program is part of the NRC Research Associateship Programs, which provide postdoctoral and senior researchers with opportunities to conduct self-directed research aligned with federal laboratory goals, gain mentorship, and access advanced facilities.
