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; awards typically 1 year with possible renewals up to 3 years.
Summary: Supports postdoctoral research on magnetic/semiconductor heterostructures to study interface effects on magnetic anisotropy, spin transport, and magneto-optical properties using thin-film growth techniques.
Key Information: Research conducted at Naval Research Laboratory (NRL); open to U.S. citizens and permanent residents; postdoctoral level only; requires contacting Research Adviser prior to application.
Description
This fellowship opportunity supports research focused on the growth and detailed characterization of magnetic/semiconductor heterostructures. The goal is to understand how the interface between magnetic materials and semiconductors influences key properties such as magnetic film anisotropy, spin-polarized charge transport, and magneto-optical effects. Research involves preparing samples using advanced thin-film growth facilities, including a multiple growth chamber molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) system, which allows deposition of magnetic films directly on MBE-grown II-VI or III-V semiconductor epilayers.
The program is hosted at the Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) and is part of the NRC Research Associateship Programs, which provide postdoctoral scientists with opportunities to conduct self-directed research aligned with federal laboratory goals. The fellowship offers access to state-of-the-art facilities and mentorship from leading scientists.
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)
If a deadline falls on a weekend or federal holiday, it is moved to the next business day.
Funding Amount
- Stipend approximately $99,200 per year (varies by sponsoring agency and location)
- Awards are typically made for one year with the possibility of renewal for up to three years, subject to mutual agreement and funding availability
- Additional benefits include health insurance, relocation assistance, and an annual travel allowance
Eligibility
- Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents
- Must hold a Ph.D. or equivalent research doctorate before beginning tenure
- Postdoctoral applicants must have held their doctorate for less than five years as of the application deadline
- Research opportunities at NRL are open to postdoctoral applicants only (no senior level)
- Applicants with current or recent prior affiliation with NRL (e.g., employment or previous NRC fellowship) may be ineligible
- Letter writers cannot be employed by NRL unless they have served as mentors or collaborators during the applicant’s prior academic or research training
Application Process
Steps to Apply
- Review eligibility criteria on the NRC RAP For Applicants page.
- Identify this specific Research Opportunity at NRL (Opportunity page).
- Contact the proposed Research Adviser listed with the opportunity to discuss your research proposal and funding availability.
- Prepare application materials including:
- Profile information and education history with transcripts
- Research proposal (max 10 pages) detailing problem statement, background, methodology, expected results, and significance
- List of publications and presentations
- Letters of recommendation (minimum 3, including dissertation adviser for postdocs)
- Submit your application via the NRC RAP online system before the deadline.
- Notify and monitor your letter writers to ensure timely submission of recommendation letters.
Important Notes
- Only one application per sponsoring federal agency is allowed per cycle.
- Applications are reviewed by expert panels; scoring above 70 is typically required for award recommendation.
- Review feedback is provided approximately one week after panel decisions.
- Awards are contingent on availability of funds and final agency approval.
Additional Information
- Awards are onsite only at NRL; research cannot be conducted at the applicant’s current institution.
- Health insurance coverage is required throughout the tenure.
- Relocation assistance is available for awardees moving more than 50 miles.
- Annual travel allowance is provided to support conference attendance and research-related travel.
- Renewals beyond the initial year require mutual agreement and funding availability.
- Applicants with prior NRC Research Associateships must wait at least two years before applying again.
External Links
Contact Information