Funder: NRC Research Associateship Programs
Due Dates: May 1, 2025 | August 1, 2025 | November 1, 2025 | February 1, 2026
Funding Amounts: Approx. $67,000 stipend per year; typical fellowship duration 2-3 years.
Summary: Postdoctoral fellowship to investigate how ocean waves influence air-sea interactions and marine atmospheric boundary layer dynamics using field data, aimed at improving environmental forecasting relevant to the U.S. Navy.
Key Information: Open to postdoctoral and senior researchers with a Ph.D. in ocean/atmosphere science, physics, applied mathematics, or related fields; applicants must contact the Research Adviser prior to applying.
Description
This postdoctoral research opportunity at the Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) focuses on studying the role of ocean waves in mediating air-sea exchange and modulating the marine atmospheric boundary layer. The research will utilize micrometeorological and oceanographic data collected from recent field campaigns to explore topics such as:
- Dynamics and structure of the wave-affected atmospheric surface layer
- Impacts of wave breaking on atmospheric turbulence and air-sea exchange in coastal and deep water zones
- Upper ocean forcing effects on the atmospheric boundary layer
- Influence of waves and surface fluxes on marine fog properties and life cycle
The overarching goal is to elucidate the physics of atmosphere-ocean coupling to improve environmental forecasting for weather, climate, and applications relevant to the U.S. Navy.
Ideal candidates hold a doctorate in ocean/atmosphere science, physics, mechanics, applied mathematics, or related disciplines, and have strong experimental data analysis skills. Applicants with numerical modeling experience interested in model-observation studies are also encouraged to apply.
This fellowship is part of the NRC Research Associateship Programs, which provide prestigious postdoctoral and senior research awards at federal laboratories and affiliated institutions.
Due Dates
- May 1, 2025 (next upcoming deadline)
- August 1, 2025
- November 1, 2025
- February 1, 2026
Note: Deadlines are at 5 PM ET. If a deadline falls on a weekend or federal holiday, it is moved to the next business day.
Funding Amount
- Stipend approximately $67,000 per year (varies by sponsoring agency and location)
- Typical fellowship duration is 2-3 years
- Health insurance coverage required and partially subsidized
- Relocation assistance available for awardees moving more than 50 miles
- Annual travel allowance provided for conferences, meetings, or fieldwork
Eligibility
- Applicants must have earned a Ph.D. or equivalent research doctorate before beginning tenure.
- Postdoctoral applicants must have held their doctorate for less than five years as of the application deadline.
- Senior applicants must have held a doctorate for at least five years or have a permanent appointment with significant research accomplishments.
- Research opportunities at NPS are open to U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and non-U.S. citizens (applicants with dual citizenship should contact NPS for eligibility).
- Applicants must not have current or recent prior affiliation with the sponsoring agency that disqualifies eligibility (e.g., current employment or previous NRC fellowship at the same agency).
- Applicants must contact the proposed Research Adviser before applying.
- Letter writers cannot be employed by the sponsoring agency unless they have served as mentors or collaborators during the applicant’s prior academic or research work.
Application Process
Steps to Apply
- Review eligibility criteria on the NRC RAP for Applicants page.
- Identify this and other research opportunities via the NPS NRC Opportunities page.
- Contact the Research Adviser listed for this opportunity to discuss your research interests and funding availability.
- Prepare application materials including:
- Profile information (contact, education, employment, honors)
- Transcripts (required for postdocs)
- Dissertation abstract (postdocs only)
- Previous and current research description (max 4 pages)
- List of publications and presentations (max 2 pages)
- Research proposal (max 10 pages) with sections on problem statement, background, methodology, expected results, and significance
- At least three letters of recommendation (including dissertation adviser for postdocs)
- Register and submit your application through the NRC RAP online system: Start Application.
Important Notes
- Letters of recommendation must be uploaded by letter writers via the online system by the application deadline.
- Applications missing required materials or letters will not be reviewed.
- Applicants can apply for up to three research opportunities but only one per sponsoring federal agency.
- Reviewers evaluate applications on academic record, research merit, letters, and host laboratory support.
- Feedback is provided approximately one week after review finalization.
Additional Information
- The NRC Research Associateship Programs have a rigorous peer-review selection process.
- Awards are contingent on availability of funding and program priorities.
- Health insurance is mandatory for all awardees.
- Relocation and travel allowances are provided.
- Applicants with questions about eligibility, application, or security clearance should contact the NRC Fellowships Office.
External Links
Contact Information