NRL Transmission Electron Microscopy of Planetary Materials
This grant funds electron microscopy analysis of lunar soil to understand how solar wind and micrometeorites alter the Moon's surface.
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: Approximately $99,200 per year; awards typically 1 year with possible renewals up to 3 years.
Summary: Fellowship funding for postdoctoral researchers to conduct advanced electron microscopy analysis of lunar soil at the Naval Research Laboratory to study space weathering effects.
Key Information: Open to U.S. citizens and permanent residents; postdoctoral level; requires contacting a Research Adviser prior to application; awards include stipend, health insurance, relocation, and travel allowance.
Description
This fellowship opportunity supports postdoctoral research at the Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) focused on understanding space weathering processes on the Moon. The research aims to investigate how solar wind irradiation and micrometeoroid bombardment interact to produce physical and chemical changes in lunar soil, particularly the formation of nanophase metallic iron inclusions. The work involves using state-of-the-art aberration-corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) combined with electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) to analyze individual grains from lunar soils.
The program is part of the NRC Research Associateship Programs (RAP), which provide prestigious postdoctoral fellowships at federal laboratories. Awardees gain access to advanced facilities, mentorship, and opportunities to contribute to high-impact research aligned with the Naval Research Laboratory’s mission.
