Advancing State-of-the-Art Material Phase and Crystallographic Texture Characterization

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Description

This postdoctoral fellowship opportunity at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) focuses on improving the accuracy and precision of measuring material phase fractions and crystallographic texture in advanced engineering materials. Although phase structure and texture have been measurable since the early 1900s, the reliability of these measurements remains poorly quantified, especially for complex multi-phase alloys.

The research targets advanced high strength steels (AHSS) such as dual phase (DP), transformation induced plasticity (TRIP), quenched & partitioned (Q&P), and complex phase (CP) steels, as well as precipitation hardened aluminum alloys. Accurate quantification of phase amounts and their evolution during processing and deformation is critical for understanding and optimizing material properties.

Crystallographic texture, the preferential grain orientation distribution resulting from processing and deformation history, significantly influences material behavior during forming and manufacturing in automotive, aerospace, and other industries. Precise texture measurement is essential to predict and control material response.

NIST offers world-class facilities utilizing neutron, magnetic, X-ray, and electron-based techniques (including Electron Backscatter Diffraction (EBSD), neutron diffraction, and X-ray diffraction (XRD)) to investigate, compare, and improve measurement methods. The program collaborates extensively with industrial and academic partners to enhance measurement standards and methodologies.

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: 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
• Typical appointment duration: 2 years
• No supplementation indicated

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 starting 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 security clearance depending on agency requirements

Application Process

Steps to Apply

1. Review eligibility criteria on the NRC Research Associateship Programs site.
2. Identify this Research Opportunity (NIST LabCode=50, ROPCD=506421, RONum=B8104) via the NRC RAP Opportunities search.
3. Contact the Research Adviser, Adam Creuziger (adam.creuziger@nist.gov, 301-975-6015), to discuss research interests and funding availability.
4. Prepare application materials including:
   • Research proposal (max 10 pages) with clear problem statement, background, methodology, expected results, and significance
   • Curriculum vitae and education history with transcripts (postdocs only)
   • Letters of recommendation (minimum 3, including dissertation adviser)
5. Register and submit your application through the NRC RAP application portal.
6. Ensure all letters of recommendation are uploaded by letter writers before the deadline.

Application Requirements

• Proposal must be innovative, technically sound, and feasible within 2-3 years
• Letters of recommendation must be from individuals familiar with the applicant’s academic and research background; letter writers cannot be employed by NIST unless they have served as mentors or collaborators during prior research
• Transcripts must be current and include all coursework; unofficial transcripts accepted for application but official transcripts required upon award

Review Process

• Applications are reviewed by expert panels in engineering and materials science disciplines
• Each application is evaluated on academic record, research proposal quality, letters of recommendation, and host laboratory support
• Scores are averaged from multiple reviewers; scores above 70 typically recommended for award
• Final funding decisions depend on ranking and available slots

Additional Information

• Health insurance enrollment is required throughout the tenure; group plans are available with shared costs
• Relocation assistance is provided for awardees moving more than 50 miles to the host lab
• Annual travel allowance supports conference attendance and research-related travel
• Applicants may apply to up to three different agencies per cycle but only one application per agency
• Applicants who previously held an NRC Research Associateship must wait at least two years before applying again

External Links

• NRC Research Associateship Programs Home
• NIST Fellowship Opportunity Details
• NRC RAP Application Portal
• Applicant Guide (PDF)
• Visa Options for International Associates (PDF)

Contact Information

For general questions about the NRC Research Associateship Programs, contact the Fellowships Office at rap@nas.edu or call 202-334-2760.