Funder: NRC Research Associateship Programs
Due Dates: February 1, 2025 | May 1, 2025 | August 1, 2025
Funding Amounts: Base stipend approximately $82,764/year with $3,000 travel allowance; typical appointment duration 2 years.
Summary: Supports postdoctoral research to develop advanced metrology tools for laser-matter interaction and process monitoring in metal additive manufacturing using laser powder bed fusion.
Key Information: Open to U.S. citizens with a Ph.D. earned within the last 5 years; research conducted at NIST in Gaithersburg, MD; requires prior contact with Research Adviser.
Description
This fellowship opportunity supports postdoctoral research at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) focused on advancing metrology for metal-based additive manufacturing, specifically laser powder bed fusion (LPBF). The project aims to develop precise measurement tools to characterize fundamental properties of laser-matter interaction, including laser propagation, material cooling rates, and thermo-fluid dynamics. Techniques employed include high-speed micro-videography, radiometry, and both contact and non-contact thermo-fluid measurements.
The research addresses the critical need for experimental validation of computational models and in-situ process monitoring under highly controlled conditions, which is essential for broader adoption of metal additive manufacturing in critical applications requiring qualification and certification.
Desired qualifications include experimental research experience, mechanical design skills (preferably SolidWorks), proficiency in LabVIEW for virtual instrument development, and data/image processing experience (MATLAB preferred).
Due Dates
- February 1, 2025 (NIST participates in February review)
- May 1, 2025 (Close date for applications)
- August 1, 2025 (NIST participates in August review)
Applicants should confirm deadlines and submit materials by 5:00 PM ET on these dates.
Funding Amount
- Base stipend: Approximately $82,764 per year
- Travel allowance: $3,000 annually
- Appointment duration: Typically 2 years
- Additional supplementation may be available depending on the agency
Eligibility
- Citizenship: Open to U.S. citizens only
- Education: Applicants must have earned a Ph.D., Sc.D., 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 affiliation with NIST (e.g., employment or previous NRC fellowship) may be ineligible
- Other: Applicants must contact the proposed Research Adviser prior to applying
Application Process
- Identify the Research Opportunity number: 50.73.51.C0997
- Contact the Research Adviser, Dr. David Deisenroth (david.deisenroth@nist.gov), to discuss research plans and funding availability
- Prepare application materials including:
- Research proposal (max 10 pages) with clear problem statement, background, methodology, expected results, and significance
- Curriculum vitae and publication list
- Letters of recommendation (minimum 3, including dissertation adviser)
- Transcripts (for postdoctoral applicants)
- Submit application via the NRC RAP online system: Apply Now
- Ensure letters of recommendation are uploaded by letter writers before the deadline
- Applications are reviewed by expert panels; scoring above 70 is typically required for award recommendation
Additional Information
- Research is conducted onsite at NIST in Gaithersburg, MD
- Health insurance enrollment is required throughout the tenure
- Relocation assistance is available for awardees living more than 50 miles from the host lab
- Annual travel allowance supports conference attendance and fieldwork
- Applicants should review detailed eligibility and application instructions on the NRC RAP website
- Feedback on application reviews is provided approximately one week after panel decisions
External Links
Contact Information
For questions about eligibility, application procedures, or technical details, contact the Research Adviser or the NRC RAP office.