Funder: NRC Research Associateship Programs
Due Dates: February 1, 2025 | May 1, 2025 | August 1, 2025 | November 1, 2025
Funding Amounts: $82,764 stipend plus $3,000 travel allowance; typical appointment duration 2 years.
Summary: Postdoctoral fellowship at NIST to develop advanced MRI and biomagnetic sensing technologies including nanomagnetic contrast agents, low-field MRI with neural sensing, and benchtop microMRI systems.
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 application.
Description
This fellowship opportunity at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) focuses on cutting-edge research in biomagnetic imaging and sensing. The research aims to advance magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and biomagnetic sensing techniques through three main thrusts:
- Characterization of novel nanomagnetic contrast agents using NIST’s NMR/MRI systems on macroscopic scales and scanned probe imaging on the nanoscale.
- Integration of low-field MRI with neural sensing technologies employing atomic magnetometers, including AI-based analysis, targeting applications such as spinal imaging.
- Development of benchtop microMRI systems featuring novel point-of-use hyperpolarization, optimized for biopsies and organoid growth.
The research involves cleanroom fabrication of functional nano-agents based on spintronics concepts, setting up neural sensing systems, and optimizing integrated components such as hyperpolarizers, gradient systems, FPGA-based imaging consoles, and bioreactor functionality.
This fellowship is part of the NRC Research Associateship Programs, which provide postdoctoral researchers with opportunities to conduct self-directed research aligned with federal laboratory goals, gain mentorship, and access state-of-the-art facilities.
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
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 with the same adviser or project.
- Security: Some awards may require satisfactory completion of security clearance processes.
Application Process
Steps to Apply
- Review eligibility criteria on the NRC RAP website and confirm eligibility for NIST.
- Identify this Research Opportunity (Opportunity number: 50.68.62.B6229) and contact the Research Adviser, Stephen E. Russek (stephen.russek@nist.gov), to discuss research plans and funding availability.
- Prepare application materials including:
- Research proposal (max 10 pages) with sections on problem statement, background, methodology, new methods, expected results, and significance.
- Curriculum vitae and transcripts (postdoctoral applicants must upload transcripts from all post-secondary institutions).
- Letters of recommendation (minimum 3, including dissertation adviser).
- Submit application via the NRC RAP online portal before the deadline.
- Notify letter writers to upload their letters by the deadline.
Application Materials
- Profile information (contact, education, employment, honors)
- Research proposal and abstract
- Previous and current research description (max 4 pages)
- List of publications and presentations (max 2 pages)
- Letters of recommendation uploaded by referees via the online system
Review and Selection
- Applications are reviewed by expert panels in relevant scientific disciplines.
- The Research Adviser and NIST program representatives review and endorse applications before panel review.
- Applicants are scored on academic record, research proposal quality, letters of recommendation, and relevance to NIST’s mission.
- Scores above 70 are recommended for awards; funding depends on availability and ranking.
Additional Information
- Health insurance enrollment is required during tenure; group plans are available.
- Relocation assistance is provided for awardees moving more than 50 miles.
- Annual travel allowance supports conference attendance and fieldwork.
- Applicants may apply to up to three different federal agencies but only one application per agency per cycle.
- Applicants who do not receive an award may reapply; those recommended but unfunded may reapply without waiting.
External Links
Contact Information
For general questions about the NRC Research Associateship Programs, contact the Fellowships Office at rap@nas.edu or call 202-334-2760.