Funder: [NRC Research Associateship Programs - https://www.nationalacademies.org/our-work/rap/nrc-research-associateship-programs/]
Due Dates: February 1, 2025 | May 1, 2025 | August 1, 2025 | November 1, 2025
Funding Amounts: Base stipend approximately $82,764/year with $3,000 travel allowance; typical appointment duration 2 years.
Summary: Supports postdoctoral research on compact, highly sensitive chip-scale atomic magnetometers at NIST, focusing on sensor design, performance testing, and applications such as low-field NMR and space deployment.
Key Information: Open to U.S. citizens with a doctoral degree earned within the last 5 years; requires contacting the NIST Research Adviser prior to applying; NIST participates in February and August review cycles only.
Description
This fellowship opportunity supports postdoctoral research at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in the Physical Measurement Laboratory, Time and Frequency Division, focused on the development of chip-scale atomic magnetometers. These magnetometers utilize the precession of atomic spins in alkali atom vapor cells and have recently achieved sensitivities comparable to superconducting magnetic sensors. The project aims to create compact, low-power magnetic sensors that combine high sensitivity and accuracy with vector field readout capabilities and manufacturability through laser pumping and silicon micromachining.
Research activities include designing novel sensor instruments, testing their performance, and applying these sensors in areas such as low-field nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and deployment on space platforms. This work contributes to advancing quantum sensor technology and quantum technology applications.
Due Dates
- February 1, 2025 (5 PM ET) — NIST participates in this review cycle
- May 1, 2025 (5 PM ET)
- August 1, 2025 (5 PM ET) — NIST participates in this review cycle
- 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
- Typical appointment duration: 2 years
- Supplementation by host institution is not specified
Eligibility
- Citizenship: Open to U.S. citizens only
- Applicant level: Postdoctoral applicants who have earned a doctoral degree (Ph.D., Sc.D., M.D., D.V.M., or equivalent) within the last 5 years as of the application deadline
- Prior affiliation: Applicants with current or recent prior affiliation with NIST (e.g., employment or previous NRC fellowship at NIST) may be ineligible
- Other: Applicants must contact the proposed Research Adviser at NIST before applying to discuss research projects and funding availability
Application Process
Steps to Apply
- Review eligibility on the NRC RAP website and confirm with NIST if uncertain.
- Identify the Research Opportunity (NIST Chip-scale Atomic Magnetometers, Opportunity Number: 50.68.82.C0807).
- Contact the Research Adviser John E. Kitching (john.kitching@nist.gov, 303-497-4083) to discuss your research proposal and funding.
- Prepare application materials including:
- Profile information (contact, education history, transcripts)
- Research proposal (max 10 pages) with sections on problem statement, background, methodology, expected results, and significance
- Previous and current research description (max 4 pages)
- List of publications and presentations (max 2 pages)
- Letters of recommendation (minimum 3, including dissertation adviser)
- Submit application online via the NRC RAP portal: Apply Now
- Notify letter writers through the online system to upload recommendation letters by the deadline.
Important Notes
- Only one application per sponsoring federal agency is allowed per cycle.
- NIST participates only in the February and August review cycles.
- Letters of recommendation must be uploaded by letter writers via the online system by the deadline.
- Applications missing required materials or letters will not be reviewed.
Additional Information
- NRC Research Associateships provide health insurance options shared between the awardee and the sponsoring agency.
- Relocation assistance is available for awardees moving more than 50 miles to the host laboratory.
- Annual travel allowance supports conference attendance, meetings, or fieldwork.
- Review panels consist of experts in relevant scientific disciplines; applications are scored on academic record, research merit, and fit with agency mission.
- Feedback on reviews is provided approximately one week after panel decisions.
- Applicants who do not receive awards may reapply after one year; previous NRC awardees must wait two years before applying again.
External Links
- NRC Research Associateship Programs Home
- NIST Chip-scale Atomic Magnetometers Opportunity
- NRC RAP Applicant Guide (PDF)
- Visa Options for International Associates (PDF)
Contact Information
| Contact Role | Name | Phone | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Research Adviser | John E. Kitching | john.kitching@nist.gov | 303-497-4083 |
| NRC RAP Program Office | - | rap@nas.edu | 202-334-2760 |