Funder: NRC Research Associateship Programs
Due Dates: May 1, 2025 (Next application deadline)
Funding Amounts: Base stipend approximately $95,000 plus $5,000 travel allowance; supplements based on experience; typical award duration 2-3 years.
Summary: Postdoctoral and senior researchers are funded to develop AI-driven autonomous research systems for carbon nanotube synthesis at the US Air Force Research Laboratory.
Key Information: Requires U.S. citizenship and a Ph.D. in Materials Science, Chemistry, or related field; expertise in catalysis, carbon nanotube growth, and electron microscopy essential.
Description
The US Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) invites applications for a research fellowship focused on advancing carbon nanotube synthesis using the Autonomous Research System (ARES™), a pioneering fully autonomous AI-driven research robot. This system employs closed-loop iterative experimentation to optimize carbon nanotube growth.
The research involves developing and implementing novel machine learning algorithms that integrate the physics and chemistry of catalytic chemical vapor deposition (CVD) processes to control nanotube growth properties. The successful candidate will collaborate closely with software engineers and AI/machine learning experts to enhance the capabilities of ARES™.
Candidates must have strong expertise in catalysis, carbon nanotube growth, analytical techniques, and electron microscopy. Experience with machine learning and programming is advantageous. The position requires self-motivation and the ability to work independently while collaborating across multidisciplinary teams.
Due Dates
- Application deadline: May 1, 2025 (5 PM ET)
- Review finalized: Early June 2025
Funding Amount
- Base stipend: Approximately $95,000 per year
- Travel allowance: $5,000 annually
- Experience-based stipend supplements available for postdoctoral and senior researchers
- Typical award duration: 2-3 years
- Additional benefits include relocation assistance and group health insurance for awardees and dependents
Eligibility
- Must be a U.S. citizen
- Ph.D. in Materials Science, Chemistry, or a related field is required
- Open to postdoctoral researchers (within 5 years of Ph.D.) and senior researchers (5+ years post-Ph.D. or permanent appointment with significant research experience)
- Excellent oral and written communication skills required
- No current or recent prior affiliation with AFRL that would disqualify eligibility (e.g., current employment or previous AFRL postdoctoral fellowship)
- Security clearance or National Agency Check may be required
Application Process
- Identify the research opportunity number: 13.25.04.C0319
- 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:
- Research proposal (max 10 pages) detailing problem statement, background, methodology, expected results, and significance
- Curriculum vitae and transcripts (postdocs only)
- Letters of recommendation (minimum 3, including dissertation adviser for postdocs)
- Submit application via the NRC Research Associateship Programs online portal: Apply Now
- Letters of recommendation must be uploaded by letter writers by the deadline
- Applications are reviewed by expert panels; scoring above 70 typically recommended for award
- Applicants will receive reviewer feedback approximately one week after review finalization
Additional Information
- Awardees residing more than 50 miles from the host lab are eligible for relocation support
- Health insurance coverage is available for awardees and dependents in the U.S.
- The research is conducted onsite at Wright-Patterson AFB, OH
- The program fosters professional growth through mentorship, access to advanced facilities, and collaboration with leading scientists
- The fellowship is part of the Air Force Science and Technology Fellowship Program (AF STFP) under the NRC Research Associateship Programs
External Links
Contact Information