Funder: NRC Research Associateship Programs
Due Dates: February 1, 2025 | May 1, 2025 | August 1, 2025 | November 1, 2025
Funding Amounts: Stipend approximately $82,764 per year plus $3,000 travel allowance; 2-year term appointments at NIST.
Summary: Supports postdoctoral research to develop AI-augmented manufacturing solutions using sensors, metrology, and machine learning to monitor, predict, and optimize machine tool performance.
Key Information: Open to U.S. citizens with a doctoral degree earned within the last 5 years; research conducted onsite at NIST Engineering Laboratory, Intelligent Systems Division in Gaithersburg, MD.
Description
This fellowship opportunity at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) focuses on advancing augmented intelligence for manufacturing systems. The U.S. manufacturing sector relies heavily on over 500,000 machine tools that produce precision parts, but these machines degrade over time, causing unplanned downtime and revenue loss. The goal is to develop smart machine tools that are self-aware through on-machine sensors and diagnostics, enabling real-time monitoring and prediction of machine health and process performance.
Augmented intelligence here refers to the integration of traditional scientific intelligence with artificial intelligence (AI) to provide actionable insights for optimizing manufacturing processes. Research proposals should explore innovative, non-invasive, data-rich, and cost-effective methods that combine metrological techniques and machine learning to enhance machine tool performance and production quality.
Examples of research topics include monitoring rotary or linear axes, ball screw preload and backlash, spindle performance, real-time cutting forces, and thermal drift. NIST provides access to laboratory testbeds, machining centers, computational resources, and an AI interest group, offering a collaborative environment with NIST engineers and scientists.
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.
Funding Amount
- Annual stipend: Approximately $82,764
- Annual travel allowance: $3,000
- Appointment duration: 2 years (term appointment at NIST)
Eligibility
- Citizenship: U.S. citizens only
- Degree: Must have earned a Ph.D., Sc.D., M.D., D.V.M., or equivalent research doctorate before starting tenure
- Experience: Postdoctoral applicants must have held their doctorate for less than five years as of the application deadline
- Affiliation: Applicants with current or recent prior affiliation with NIST or the sponsoring agency may be ineligible; prior collaboration is generally acceptable unless continuing the same project or adviser
- Security: May require satisfactory completion of security clearance or National Agency Check depending on agency requirements
Application Process
Steps to Apply
- Review eligibility criteria on the NRC RAP For Applicants page.
- Identify this Research Opportunity (NIST, Engineering Laboratory, Intelligent Systems Division) and contact the Research Adviser, Gregory William Vogl (gvogl@nist.gov), to discuss your research proposal and funding availability.
- Prepare application materials including:
- Profile information (contact, education, transcripts)
- Research proposal (max 10 pages) detailing problem statement, background, methodology, expected results, and significance
- Letters of recommendation (minimum 3, including dissertation adviser for postdocs)
- Submit your application via the NRC RAP online system before the deadline.
- Notify and monitor your letter writers to ensure timely submission of recommendation letters.
Important Notes
- Only one application per sponsoring federal agency per cycle is allowed.
- Applications must be complete with all required documents by the deadline.
- Letters of recommendation must be uploaded by letter writers via the online system by the deadline.
- Review feedback is provided approximately one week after review finalization.
Additional Information
- Research must be conducted onsite at NIST facilities in Gaithersburg, MD.
- Health insurance enrollment is required for the duration of the appointment.
- Relocation assistance is available for awardees living more than 50 miles from the host laboratory.
- Annual travel allowance supports conference attendance, meetings, or fieldwork.
- The program encourages innovative, technically sound, and feasible research projects that can be completed within 2-3 years.
- Applicants are encouraged to engage with NIST’s AI interest group and leverage computational and experimental resources.
External Links
Contact Information