High-Power Microwave Source Research

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Description

This fellowship opportunity is offered through the NRC Research Associateship Programs (RAP) in collaboration with the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) at Kirtland, New Mexico. It supports research and development of new and compact high-power microwave (HPM) devices and systems. The program covers all phases of research including conceptual design, computer simulation, laboratory construction and testing, and demonstration of device capabilities.

Research areas of interest include but are not limited to:

• Compact pulsed power generators
• Electron beam generation and vacuum diode design
• Microwave tube and amplifier design
• Pulse charging transmission lines with fast switches
• Antenna system design and microwave tube coupling
• Phase locking techniques for HPM devices
• Analytical and numerical modeling of HPM source components

Current research focuses on materials for HPM sources, electron beam conversion to HPM pulses, compact pulsed power components, and HPM pulse extraction and radiation. The program emphasizes strong integration between simulation and experimental validation, including physics modeling of novel processes in HPM sources.

The fellowship provides access to premier research facilities and collaboration with scientists at national laboratories, universities, and contractors.

Due Dates

Applications are accepted quarterly with deadlines at 5 PM ET on:

• December 1 (review finalized early March)
• March 1 (review finalized early June)
• June 1 (review finalized early September)
• September 1 (review finalized early December)

If a deadline falls on a weekend or federal holiday, it is moved to the next business day.

Funding Amount

• Stipends vary by sponsoring agency and location.
• Typical award duration is 2-3 years.
• Relocation assistance is available for awardees moving more than 50 miles.
• Annual travel allowance provided to support conferences, meetings, or fieldwork.
• Health insurance coverage is required and partially subsidized.

Eligibility

• Applicants must be U.S. citizens.
• Must hold a doctoral degree (Ph.D., Sc.D., M.D., D.V.M., or equivalent) before starting tenure.
• Postdoctoral applicants: doctorate earned less than 5 years before application deadline.
• Senior applicants: doctorate earned at least 5 years prior or permanent appointment with significant research accomplishments.
• Applicants with current or recent prior affiliation with the sponsoring agency (e.g., employment or previous postdoctoral fellowship) may be ineligible.
• Letters of recommendation must come from individuals not employed by the sponsoring agency unless they have served as mentors or collaborators during prior academic or research roles.
• Security clearance or National Agency Check may be required depending on the agency.

Application Process

1. Review eligibility criteria on the NRC RAP website.
2. Identify research opportunities and contact the proposed Research Adviser to discuss the project and funding.
3. Prepare application materials including:
   • Profile information (contact, education, transcripts, employment, honors)
   • Research proposal (up to 10 pages) with sections on problem statement, background, methodology, expected results, and significance
   • Previous and current research description (up to 4 pages)
   • List of publications and presentations (up to 2 pages)
   • Letters of recommendation (minimum 3, including dissertation adviser for postdocs)
4. Submit application via the NRC RAP online portal before the deadline.
5. Letters of recommendation must be uploaded by letter writers through the online system by the deadline.

Applications are reviewed by expert panels in engineering, applied sciences, and related fields. Scores are based on academic record, research merit, letters, and alignment with agency mission. Only top-scoring applicants receive award recommendations.

Additional Information

• Applications with missing or incomplete materials will not be reviewed.
• Applicants can apply to up to three different sponsoring agencies per cycle but only one application per agency.
• Applicants who previously held an NRC Associateship must wait at least two years before applying again.
• Reviewer feedback is provided approximately one week after review finalization.
• Award decisions typically take 6-8 weeks after review completion.
• Applicants are responsible for ensuring letters of recommendation are submitted on time.

External Links

• NRC Research Associateship Programs - For Applicants
• Air Force Science and Technology Fellowship Program (AF STFP)
• Research Opportunity Details - High-Power Microwave Source Research
• NRC RAP Application Portal

Contact Information

Researchers interested in high-power microwave device development and related fields are encouraged to explore this opportunity for a prestigious fellowship with access to leading-edge facilities and expert mentorship.