Polymer Rheology
This grant studies how polymers move and behave under stress using multiple techniques to measure their properties across a wide range of frequencies.
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 | August 1, 2025 | November 1, 2025 | February 1, 2026
Funding Amounts: Stipend approximately $99,200 per year with $3,000 travel allowance; typical fellowship duration 2-3 years.
Summary: Supports postdoctoral research on polymer chain dynamics and viscoelastic properties using advanced rheological and spectroscopic techniques at the Naval Research Laboratory.
Key Information: Open to U.S. citizens and permanent residents; requires Ph.D. earned within last 5 years; relocation and health insurance benefits included.
Description
This fellowship opportunity at the Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) focuses on the fundamental study of polymer rheology, specifically characterizing the dynamics of polymer chains to understand and predict their physical properties. Due to the large size and complexity of polymer molecules, their motions span many decades of time and length scales. The research involves obtaining viscoelastic data over a broad frequency range (at least 12 decades) using combined spectroscopic methods such as transient creep, dynamic mechanical analysis, rheo-dielectric, and rheo-optical measurements. The goal is to dissect the contributions of various modes of motion to the mechanical behavior of polymers.
The program is part of the NRC Research Associateship Programs, which provide postdoctoral scientists with opportunities to conduct self-directed research aligned with federal laboratory goals, gain mentorship, and access state-of-the-art facilities.
