Funder: NRC Research Associateship Programs
Due Dates: February 1, 2025 | May 1, 2025 | August 1, 2025 | November 1, 2025
Funding Amounts: Stipend approximately $99,200 per year plus $3,000 travel allowance; relocation assistance available for eligible awardees. Duration typically 2-3 years.
Summary: Supports postdoctoral research developing advanced multivariate data analysis methods to enhance chemical sensor systems for detecting hazardous substances in air and liquid.
Key Information: Open to U.S. citizens and permanent residents holding a doctoral degree; requires contacting a Research Adviser prior to application; health insurance provided.
Description
This fellowship opportunity at the Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) focuses on research to develop and apply multivariate data analysis techniques for chemical sensors and analytical instruments. The research aims to improve the selectivity, sensitivity, and robustness of chemical sensor systems used to monitor hazardous chemical species in air or liquid environments, which is critical for personal protection and environmental monitoring.
Key methods include neural networks, genetic algorithms, signal processing, and multivariate statistical approaches applied to pattern recognition and multivariate calibration. The research supports identification of chemical warfare agents, toxic industrial chemicals, and fires through detection systems employing arrays of semi-selective sensors.
Applications of these techniques include complex mixture analysis enhanced by multivariate calibration, demonstrated in technologies such as membrane inlet mass spectrometry and gas chromatography mass spectrometry.
Research Areas and Keywords
- Algorithms
- Artificial intelligence
- Chemical sensors
- Environmental toxicology
- Multivariate analysis
- Pattern analysis
- Signals and signal processing
Due Dates
The NRC Research Associateship Programs have four annual application deadlines:
- February 1, 2025
- May 1, 2025
- August 1, 2025
- November 1, 2025
Deadlines are at 5:00 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 $99,200 per year
- Travel allowance: $3,000 annually
- Relocation assistance: Available for awardees relocating more than 50 miles and staying at least six months
- Health insurance: Group health insurance available for awardees and qualifying dependents in the U.S.
Awards typically support 2-3 year postdoctoral research tenures.
Eligibility
- Citizenship: Open to U.S. citizens and permanent residents only.
- Education: Applicants must have earned a Ph.D., Sc.D., M.D., D.V.M., or equivalent research doctorate before beginning tenure.
- Experience: Postdoctoral applicants must have held their doctorate for less than five years as of the application deadline.
- Affiliation Restrictions: Applicants with current or recent prior affiliation with the sponsoring agency (e.g., employment or previous NRC fellowship at the agency) may be ineligible.
- Security Clearance: Some projects may require successful completion of security checks or clearances.
- Other: Applicants must contact the proposed Research Adviser before applying to discuss research plans and funding availability.
Application Process
Steps to Apply
- Review Eligibility: Confirm eligibility on the NRC RAP website and specific agency pages.
- Identify Opportunities: Search for research opportunities at NRL and other participating agencies.
- Contact Adviser: Reach out to the Research Adviser listed for the opportunity to discuss your research proposal and funding.
- Prepare Application: Follow the Applicant Guide (PDF) for detailed instructions.
- Submit Application: Register and apply online at the NRC RAP application portal.
Required Application Materials
- Profile information including education history and transcripts (postdocs only)
- Research proposal (max 10 pages) with sections on problem statement, background, methodology, expected results, and significance
- List of publications and presentations
- Letters of recommendation (minimum 3, including dissertation adviser for postdocs) uploaded by letter writers via the online system
- Disclosure of any current or prior affiliation with the sponsoring agency
Review and Selection
- Applications are reviewed by expert panels in relevant scientific disciplines.
- Each application is scored on a 100-point scale; scores above 70 are recommended for awards.
- Selection depends on scientific merit, feasibility, applicant qualifications, and alignment with agency mission.
- Feedback is provided approximately one week after review finalization.
Additional Information
- Awardees must maintain health insurance coverage during tenure.
- Relocation expenses are reimbursed for eligible awardees.
- Applicants may apply to up to three different agencies per cycle but only one application per agency.
- Previous NRC Research Associateship holders may apply again after a two-year gap.
- Letters of recommendation must be submitted by the deadline; ineligible or missing letters result in disqualification.
External Links
Contact Information
For general inquiries and application support, contact the NRC Research Associateship Programs office via email or phone.