Funder: NRC Research Associateship Programs
Due Dates: February 1, 2025 | May 1, 2025 | August 1, 2025
Funding Amounts: $82,764 stipend plus $3,000 travel allowance; typical appointment duration is 2 years.
Summary: Supports postdoctoral research applying Machine Learning/AI, including reinforcement learning, to optimize experimental design and data analysis at the NIST Center for Neutron Research.
Key Information: Open to U.S. citizens with a doctoral degree earned within the last 5 years; requires contacting a NIST Research Adviser prior to applying.
Description
This fellowship opportunity, offered through the NRC Research Associateship Programs, supports postdoctoral researchers applying Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence techniques to neutron scattering experiments at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Center for Neutron Research (NCNR). The focus is on leveraging AI/ML methods such as reinforcement learning to optimize experimental design and enhance data analysis capabilities in neutron scattering physics.
The program aims to provide a high-quality research experience at a federal laboratory, fostering professional growth and collaboration with leading scientists. Awardees will have access to state-of-the-art facilities and mentorship from NIST staff, contributing to advancements in physics through innovative AI applications.
Due Dates
- February 1, 2025 (NIST participates in February and August reviews)
- May 1, 2025 (RAP opportunity at NIST)
- August 1, 2025 (NIST participates in February and August reviews)
If a deadline falls on a weekend or federal holiday, it is moved to the next business day.
Funding Amount
- Base stipend: $82,764 per year
- Travel allowance: $3,000 annually to support conference attendance, meetings, or fieldwork
- Appointment duration: Typically 2 years at NIST
Eligibility
- Citizenship: Open to U.S. citizens 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
- Prior affiliation: Applicants with current or recent prior employment or postdoctoral fellowships at NIST may be ineligible; research collaborations are generally acceptable unless continuing the same project or adviser
- Security: May require satisfactory completion of a National Agency Check or other clearance processes
Application Process
- Identify Research Opportunity: Review the NIST opportunity titled "Applications of Machine Learning/AI to Neutron Scattering" (Opportunity number 50.61.01.C0300).
- Contact Adviser: Applicants must contact the designated Research Adviser, William D. Ratcliff (william.ratcliff@nist.gov, 301-975-4316), to discuss research plans and funding availability before applying.
- Prepare Application: Submit a research proposal (max 10 pages) detailing the problem, background, methodology, expected results, and significance. Include at least three keywords related to AI, machine learning, and neutron scattering.
- Submit Required Documents: Upload transcripts, previous research descriptions, publications, dissertation abstract (for postdocs), and letters of recommendation (minimum 3, including dissertation adviser).
- Apply Online: Create an account and submit the application via the NRC RAP online system before the deadline.
- Letters of Recommendation: Letters must be uploaded by letter writers through the online system by the deadline. Letter writers cannot be employed by NIST unless they have served as mentors or collaborators during the applicant’s prior research.
Additional Information
- Awardees must maintain health insurance coverage during tenure; a group plan is available with shared costs.
- Relocation assistance is provided for awardees moving more than 50 miles to the host laboratory.
- The review process involves expert panels evaluating academic record, research proposal quality, and relevance to NIST’s mission.
- Applicants receive reviewer feedback approximately one week after review finalization.
- Applicants who do not receive an award may reapply; those previously holding an NRC Associateship must wait two years before applying again.
External Links
Contact Information
For questions about eligibility or application procedures, contact the NRC Fellowships Office at rap@nas.edu.