Funder: NRC Research Associateship Programs
Due Dates: May 1, 2025 (Next deadline)
Funding Amounts: $99,200 stipend plus $3,000 travel allowance; relocation assistance available; typical fellowship duration 2-3 years.
Summary: Postdoctoral fellowship supporting research on novel, non-flammable solid-state and hybrid ionic conductors and electrolytes to improve rechargeable batteries and fuel cells.
Key Information: Open to U.S. citizens and permanent residents; requires Ph.D. earned within last 5 years; research conducted onsite at Naval Research Laboratory in Washington, DC.
Description
This fellowship opportunity, offered through the NRC Research Associateship Programs, supports postdoctoral researchers in the development of novel solid-state and hybrid ionic conductors and electrolytes. The focus is on creating new, non-flammable, and highly active ionic conductors to overcome the limitations of current materials used in rechargeable batteries and fuel cells, particularly addressing issues such as flammability and operational range of lithium-ion batteries.
The Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) in Washington, DC, hosts this research, providing access to state-of-the-art facilities and expert mentorship. The program encourages proposals involving the design, synthesis, and testing of innovative ionic conductors that deliver high performance without the drawbacks of existing materials.
Key research areas include ionic conductors, anaerobic synthesis, ionomers, lithium-ion technology, hydrogen fuel cells, and battery materials.
Due Dates
- Next application deadline: May 1, 2025, 5:00 PM ET
Applications are reviewed in cycles, with deadlines typically on February 1, May 1, August 1, and November 1 each year. If a deadline falls on a weekend or federal holiday, it is moved to the next business day.
Funding Amount
- Base stipend: $99,200 per year
- Travel allowance: $3,000 annually for conferences, meetings, or fieldwork
- Relocation assistance available for awardees moving more than 50 miles to the host lab
- Health insurance program available for awardees and qualifying dependents in the U.S.
- Typical fellowship duration: 2-3 years
Eligibility
- Citizenship: Open to U.S. citizens and permanent residents only
- Applicant level: Postdoctoral researchers who have earned a Ph.D., Sc.D., M.D., D.V.M., or equivalent research doctorate within the last 5 years as of the application deadline
- Affiliation restrictions: Applicants with current or recent prior employment or postdoctoral fellowships at the sponsoring agency (NRL) may be ineligible
- Research location: Research must be conducted onsite at the Naval Research Laboratory in Washington, DC
- Security clearance: May require satisfactory completion of a National Agency Check or other clearance processes
Application Process
Steps to Apply
- Review eligibility for the NRC Research Associateship Programs and specific agency requirements.
- Identify research opportunities of interest on the NRC RAP website or the NRL program page.
- Contact the proposed Research Adviser(s) listed with the opportunity to discuss your research proposal and funding availability. Advisers for this opportunity include:
- Prepare application materials, including:
- Research proposal (max 10 pages) with clear problem statement, background, methodology, expected results, and significance
- Curriculum vitae and transcripts (postdocs must upload transcripts from all post-secondary institutions)
- Letters of recommendation (minimum 3, including dissertation adviser)
- Register and submit your application through the NRC RAP online portal: Apply Now
- Notify letter writers to upload their recommendation letters by the deadline.
Application Requirements
- Research proposal must be original, innovative, and feasible within 2-3 years
- Letters of recommendation must be uploaded by letter writers via the online system by the deadline
- Transcripts must be current and in English (certified translations required for non-English transcripts)
- Applicants must validate and submit their application before the deadline; incomplete applications will not be reviewed
Additional Information
- Awardees receive mentorship and access to NRL facilities
- Relocation expenses reimbursed if moving more than 50 miles and tenure is at least six months
- Health insurance coverage is available and partially cost-shared
- Applicants can apply to up to three NRC RAP opportunities per cycle but only one per sponsoring agency
- Review panels consist of experts in chemistry, materials science, and related fields
- 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 period
External Links
Contact Information
For general questions about the program or application process, contact the NRC RAP office at rap@nas.edu or call 202-334-2760.