Funder: NRC Research Associateship Programs
Due Dates: February 1, 2025 (NIST February Review) | May 1, 2025 (Close Date) | August 1, 2025 (NIST August Review)
Funding Amounts: Base stipend approximately $82,764/year with $3,000 travel allowance; typical appointment duration is 2 years.
Summary: Supports postdoctoral research to develop cost-effective design and retrofit strategies mitigating progressive structural collapse from multiple threats using advanced modeling and simplified analysis tools.
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; NIST participates only in February and August review cycles.
Description
This fellowship opportunity at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) focuses on research to prevent progressive structural collapse. The goal is to develop innovative design and retrofit strategies that leverage synergies in mitigating collapse risks from multiple hazards such as blast, impact, fire, wind, and earthquake. The research aims to enhance structural efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
Key research areas include:
- Development and application of advanced modeling and simulation tools to assess vulnerability of structural systems, including novel design concepts, under various threats.
- Creation of experimentally validated, simplified design and analysis tools compatible with commonly used structural analysis software.
- Formulation of performance criteria and mitigation methods applicable to both new constructions and existing structures.
This program is part of the NRC Research Associateship Programs, which provide postdoctoral scientists and engineers with opportunities to conduct self-directed research aligned with federal laboratory goals.
Due Dates
- February 1, 2025 (NIST participates in this review cycle)
- May 1, 2025 (Application close date)
- August 1, 2025 (NIST participates in this review cycle)
Note: NIST only participates in the February and August review cycles.
Funding Amount
- Base stipend: Approximately $82,764 per year
- Travel allowance: $3,000 annually
- Typical appointment duration: 2 years
Additional benefits include health insurance and relocation assistance if applicable.
Eligibility
- Citizenship: Open to U.S. citizens only.
- Education: Applicants must have earned a Ph.D. or equivalent research doctorate within the last 5 years as of the application deadline.
- Applicant Level: Postdoctoral researchers.
- 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 Clearance: May be required depending on agency policies.
Application Process
Steps to Apply
- Review Eligibility: Confirm eligibility on the NRC RAP website and NIST-specific criteria.
- Identify Opportunity: Locate the NIST Prevention of Progressive Structural Collapse opportunity (Research Opportunity Number: 50.73.11.B6281).
- Contact Adviser: Reach out to the designated Research Adviser (Fahim Sadek, fahim.sadek@nist.gov) to discuss research interests and funding availability.
- Prepare Application: Follow the NRC RAP guidelines to prepare:
- Profile information including education and transcripts.
- Research proposal (max 10 pages) detailing problem statement, background, methodology, expected results, and significance.
- Letters of recommendation (minimum 3, including dissertation adviser).
- Submit Application: Apply through the NRC RAP online portal before the deadline.
Important Notes
- Only one application per sponsoring federal agency is allowed per cycle.
- Letters of recommendation must be uploaded by letter writers via the online system by the deadline.
- Applications missing required materials or letters will not be reviewed.
- Applicants are encouraged to discuss and refine proposals with the Research Adviser before submission.
Additional Information
- The fellowship provides access to NIST facilities and mentorship.
- Awardees must maintain health insurance coverage during tenure.
- Relocation assistance is available for those moving more than 50 miles.
- Annual travel allowance supports conference attendance and fieldwork.
- Review feedback is provided approximately one week after panel decisions.
- Applicants who do not receive awards may reapply; those recommended but unfunded may reapply without waiting.
External Links
Contact Information
| NRC RAP Office | Email | Phone |
|---|
| Fellowships Office | rap@nas.edu | 202-334-2760 |