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; typical appointment duration 2 years.
Summary: Supports postdoctoral research combining theory, simulation, machine learning, and autonomous experiments to accelerate discovery of industrial liquid formulations using neutron and X-ray scattering.
Key Information: Open to U.S. citizens with a doctoral degree earned within the last 5 years; applications require prior contact with a Research Adviser; NIST participates in February and August review cycles only.
Description
This fellowship opportunity supports postdoctoral researchers to work at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) within the Material Measurement Laboratory, Materials Science and Engineering Division. The project focuses on accelerating the discovery and rational design of complex industrial liquid formulations—such as those used in personal care products, biotherapeutics, and specialty chemicals—by integrating theory, simulation, machine learning (ML), and autonomous experimental platforms.
The research leverages a highly adaptable, programmable sample environment capable of autonomously preparing and characterizing liquid formulations using neutron and X-ray scattering techniques. This approach addresses the challenge of mapping the high-dimensional parameter space of complex mixtures with many components, which is difficult due to the vast number of possible compositions.
The goal is to extend this automated platform by incorporating new measurement modalities and developing active learning methods that combine theoretical models, simulations, and ML tools. These advances aim to reduce the cost and time required to create phase diagrams and assess formulation stability, ultimately improving understanding of molecular interactions that govern rheology, morphology, and performance efficacy in surfactants, polymers, nanoparticles, and biotherapeutics.
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: NIST participates only in the February and August review cycles.
Funding Amount
- Annual stipend: Approximately $82,764
- Annual travel allowance: $3,000
- Typical appointment duration: 2 years
- Health insurance required (cost shared between awardee and agency)
- Relocation assistance available for awardees moving more than 50 miles
Eligibility
- Citizenship: Open to U.S. citizens only
- Applicant level: Postdoctoral researchers who have earned a Ph.D. or equivalent research doctorate within the last 5 years as of the application deadline
- Prior or current employment or postdoctoral fellowship at the sponsoring agency (NIST) may disqualify applicants
- Applicants must have no recent prior affiliation with the sponsoring agency that would conflict with eligibility
- Applicants must contact the proposed Research Adviser before applying to discuss research plans and funding availability
Application Process
- Review eligibility criteria and identify research opportunities at NRC RAP Programs
- Search and select research opportunities via the NRC RAP Opportunity Search
- Contact the Research Adviser listed for the opportunity to discuss the project and confirm support
- Prepare application materials including:
- Profile information (contact, education, transcripts, research history)
- Research proposal (up to 10 pages) detailing problem statement, background, methodology, expected results, and significance
- Letters of recommendation (minimum 3, including dissertation adviser for postdocs)
- Submit application through the NRC RAP online system before the deadline
- Letters of recommendation must be uploaded by letter writers via the online system by the deadline
- Applications are reviewed by expert panels; scoring above 70 typically leads to award recommendations
Additional Information
- Awards are site-specific; research must be conducted on-site at NIST
- Health insurance coverage is mandatory for the duration of the appointment
- Annual travel allowance supports conference attendance and fieldwork
- Relocation expenses reimbursed for moves over 50 miles if tenure exceeds six months
- Applicants who previously held an NRC Research Associateship may apply again after a two-year gap
- Reviewer feedback is provided approximately one week after panel review completion
- Applicants are responsible for ensuring all materials and letters are submitted on time
External Links
Contact Information
| Contact Type | Details |
|---|
| Program Contact Email | rap@nas.edu |
| Program Phone | 202-334-2760 |
| Research Adviser | Tyler Biron Martin |
| Adviser Email | tyler.martin@nist.gov |
| Adviser Phone | 301-975-8866 |