Funder: NRC Research Associateship Programs
Due Dates: May 1, 2025 (Next deadline)
Funding Amounts: Base stipend approximately $95,000 plus $5,000 travel allowance; supplements based on experience; typical tenure 2-3 years.
Summary: Supports postdoctoral and senior researchers to advance AI-driven autonomous research systems at the US Air Force Research Laboratory, focusing on expanding ARES™ capabilities in materials science, additive manufacturing, flow chemistry, and human-machine teaming.
Key Information: Requires U.S. citizenship; Ph.D. required; applicants must contact the Research Adviser prior to applying; relocation and health insurance benefits included.
Description
The US Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) invites applications for research fellowships to enhance ARES™ (Autonomous Research System), a pioneering AI-powered autonomous robot that performs closed-loop iterative experimentation to grow carbon nanotubes. The program aims to expand ARES™ capabilities into new domains such as additive manufacturing (3D printing), flow chemistry, and human-machine teaming through synthetic agent development and cognitive psychology.
This opportunity is multidisciplinary, seeking candidates with expertise in materials science, autonomy/robotics, computer science/software engineering, human-machine interactions, artificial intelligence/machine learning, operations research/applied mathematics/industrial or systems engineering, symbolic regression/knowledge representation, and decision science/optimal experimental design.
A current focus includes developing the additive manufacturing ARES™ system (AM ARES) by integrating rheological and prior knowledge into its decision-making loop and making the system accessible online via open-source software and data tools to promote affordability and educational use.
The autonomous research field is rapidly evolving, and applicants are encouraged to contact the Principal Investigator (PI) for information on current investments and research directions.
Due Dates
- Next application deadline: May 1, 2025, 5:00 PM ET
Applications are reviewed in cycles with deadlines on February 1, May 1, August 1, and November 1 each year. If a deadline falls on a weekend or federal holiday, it is moved to the next business day.
Funding Amount
- Base stipend: Approximately $95,000 per year
- Travel allowance: $5,000 annually
- Experience-based supplements available for postdoctoral and senior researchers
- Typical award duration: 2-3 years
- Additional benefits include paid relocation (if relocating more than 50 miles) and group health insurance coverage for awardees and dependents
Eligibility
- Citizenship: U.S. citizens only
- Education: Ph.D. in Materials Science, Chemistry, or related fields for materials roles; or Ph.D. in autonomy/robotics, computer science/software engineering, human-machine interactions, AI/ML, operations research/applied mathematics/industrial or systems engineering, symbolic regression/knowledge representation, or decision science/optimal experimental design for other roles
- Experience Level: Open to postdoctoral researchers (within 5 years of Ph.D.) and senior researchers (5+ years post-Ph.D. or permanent appointment with significant research accomplishments)
- Other: Excellent oral and written communication skills required; must be able to work within a government facility; prior or current affiliation with AFRL may affect eligibility—applicants should verify with the Fellowships Office
Application Process
- Review eligibility criteria on the NRC RAP For Applicants page
- Identify this Research Opportunity (Opportunity Number: 13.25.04.C0441) and contact the Research Adviser, Dr. Benji Maruyama (benji.maruyama@afrl.af.mil), to discuss research plans and funding availability before applying
- Prepare application materials including:
- Profile information (contact, education, transcripts, employment, honors)
- Research proposal (max 10 pages) detailing 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 for postdocs)
- Submit application via the NRC RAP online system before the deadline
- Letters of recommendation must be uploaded by letter writers through the online system by the deadline
- Applications are reviewed by expert panels; scoring above 70/100 is typically required for award recommendation
Additional Information
- Awardees receive mentorship, access to AFRL facilities, and opportunities to contribute to cutting-edge autonomous research
- The program supports professional growth and career advancement in academia, industry, or government research
- Health insurance and relocation assistance are provided
- Applicants with prior NRC Research Associateships must wait at least two years before applying again
- Security clearance or background checks may be required depending on agency policies
External Links
Contact Information