NIST Photometry, Colorimetry, and Solid-State Lighting

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Description

This fellowship opportunity at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) supports postdoctoral research focused on developing measurement science and standards to advance new lighting technologies, with a strong emphasis on solid-state lighting products such as LEDs. NIST offers access to unique, state-of-the-art facilities including:

• Spectrally Tunable Lighting Facility: Allows illumination of a room with virtually any light spectrum to study perceived color quality, chromaticity effects on visual scenes, and lighting optimization for specific applications.
• Center for High Accuracy Retroreflection Measurements: Quantifies performance of retroreflective materials used in roadway safety.
• Color and Appearance Metrology Facility: Uses a five-axis goniometer to measure color and appearance attributes under various illumination and viewing geometries.
• Photometric Measurement Capabilities: Includes a 4-meter photometric bench, a 2.5-meter diameter integrating sphere for light source measurements, and capabilities to study aging effects on LED photometric performance.

The research aims to support the commercialization and development of improved lighting technologies by providing rigorous measurement standards and scientific insights.

Due Dates

• February 1, 2025 (NIST participates in review)
• May 1, 2025 (closed)
• August 1, 2025 (NIST participates in review)

Note: NIST only participates in the February and August review cycles.

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.
• Applicant Level: Postdoctoral researchers who have earned a doctoral degree (Ph.D., Sc.D., M.D., D.V.M., or equivalent) prior to beginning tenure.
• Doctorate Recency: 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 postdoctoral fellowship at NIST) may be ineligible.
• Other: Applicants must contact the proposed NIST Research Adviser before applying.

Application Process

Steps to Apply

1. Review Eligibility: Confirm eligibility on the NRC RAP website and NIST-specific criteria.
2. Identify Opportunity: Search for the NIST Photometry, Colorimetry, and Solid-State Lighting opportunity.
3. Contact Adviser: Reach out to one of the listed NIST advisers (e.g., C. Cameron Miller or Yuqin Zong) to discuss research interests and funding availability.
4. Prepare Application: Follow detailed instructions in the NRC RAP Applicant Guide, including:
   • Profile information and education history with transcripts.
   • Research proposal (up to 10 pages) including problem statement, background, methodology, expected results, and significance.
   • Letters of recommendation (minimum 3, including dissertation adviser for postdocs).
5. Submit Application: Apply through the NRC RAP online portal before the deadline (February or August cycle for NIST).

Application Materials

• Contact and demographic information
• Education history and transcripts (required for postdocs)
• Research proposal (max 10 pages)
• 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 proposed Research Adviser and NIST program representatives review and endorse applications before panel review.
• Scoring is on a 100-point scale; scores above 70 typically recommended for award.
• Funding decisions consider scientific merit, feasibility, and alignment with NIST mission.

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 NRC RAP opportunities but only one per sponsoring agency.
• Applicants with prior NRC Research Associateships must wait two years before reapplying.

External Links

• NRC Research Associateship Programs Home
• NIST Photometry, Colorimetry, and Solid-State Lighting Opportunity
• NRC RAP 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.