Funder: NRC Research Associateship Programs
Due Dates: May 1, 2025 (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: Supports postdoctoral and senior researchers to design, simulate, and characterize novel integrated photonic devices and circuits at AFRL, advancing next-generation microwave photonics systems.
Key Information: Open to U.S. citizens; requires Ph.D. and prior contact with Research Adviser; relocation and health insurance benefits included.
Description
This research opportunity is offered through the NRC Research Associateship Programs at the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Sensors Directorate, located at Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio. The Ultrafast Photonics Devices and Research Laboratory conducts both basic and applied research in microwave photonics, focusing on the development of novel integrated photonic devices and circuits. These include both active and passive components such as interferometric devices, novel waveguides, nonlinear components, modulators, and detectors.
Candidates with expertise in numerical simulation, design, layout, and characterization of photonic components and systems are highly sought. The research involves fabrication through multi-project wafer runs via AIM Photonics or other foundries. The position offers opportunities to contribute experimentally, theoretically, and through simulations, working closely with a multi-functional team to advance integrated photonic systems for next-generation applications.
Key research areas include integrated photonics, silicon and InP photonics, photonic integrated circuits (PICs), high-speed test and measurement, electronic-photonic system design, laser dynamics, nonlinear optics, and oscillator technologies.
Due Dates
- Application Deadline: May 1, 2025 (5 PM ET)
- Review Finalized: Early June 2025
- Reviewer feedback available approximately one week after review finalization
Funding Amount
- Base stipend: $95,000 per year
- Travel allowance: $5,000 per year
- Experience-based stipend supplements available for postdoctoral and senior researchers
- Typical award duration: 2-3 years
- Additional benefits include relocation assistance and health insurance coverage
Eligibility
- Citizenship: Open to U.S. citizens only
- Education: Ph.D., Sc.D., M.D., D.V.M., or equivalent research doctorate required before starting tenure
- Applicant Levels: Postdoctoral (within 5 years of doctorate) and Senior researchers (5+ years post-doctorate or permanent appointment with significant research record)
- Prior or current employment or postdoctoral fellowship at AFRL or related contractors may disqualify eligibility
- Applicants must contact the Research Adviser prior to applying to discuss research projects and confirm eligibility
- Security clearance or National Agency Check may be required depending on agency policies
Application Process
- Identify Research Opportunity: Review the AFRL Sensors Directorate opportunity and confirm eligibility.
- Contact Research Adviser: Reach out to Dr. Nicholas G Usechak (nicholas.usechak@us.af.mil) to discuss research interests and project fit.
- Prepare Application:
- Complete profile information including education history and transcripts (required for postdocs).
- Upload documents: dissertation abstract (postdocs), previous/current research description, publications list, and research proposal (max 10 pages).
- Provide at least three keywords related to your research.
- Arrange for 3-5 letters of recommendation, including your dissertation adviser for postdocs. Letters must be uploaded by letter writers via the online system by the deadline.
- Submit Application: Use the NRC RAP online portal to submit your application by May 1, 2025, 5 PM ET.
- Review and Notification: Applications are reviewed by expert panels; scores above 70 are recommended for awards. Notification typically occurs 6-8 weeks after review.
Additional Information
- Awardees must maintain health insurance coverage during tenure; a group plan is available.
- Relocation assistance is provided for awardees moving more than 50 miles to the host laboratory.
- The program encourages professional growth through mentorship and access to state-of-the-art facilities.
- Applications with incomplete or missing materials will not be reviewed.
- Applicants who have previously held an NRC Research Associateship must wait at least two years before applying again.
- The program does not support research conducted at the applicant’s current institution; research must be performed onsite at AFRL.
External Links
Contact Information