Funder: NRC Research Associateship Programs
Due Dates: May 1, 2025 (Next deadline)
Funding Amounts: Base stipend approximately $95,000 plus $5,000 travel allowance; supplements based on experience; typical award duration 2-3 years.
Summary: Postdoctoral and senior research fellowships in computer science and engineering fields including networking, security, AI, and cloud computing at the Air Force Institute of Technology.
Key Information: Open to U.S. citizens with a PhD; strong motivation for academic research encouraged; relocation and health insurance benefits included.
Description
This fellowship opportunity is offered through the NRC Research Associateship Programs (RAP) at the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT), located at Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio. It supports postdoctoral and senior researchers with a PhD in computer science, computer engineering, or related fields to conduct research in several advanced areas:
- Networking
- Security
- Data Analytics
- Natural Language Processing (NLP)
- Applied Machine Learning
- Trusted Compilers and Computing
- Cognitive Radios
- Cloud Computing
The research is expected to contribute to the lab’s core thrust areas. Candidates with backgrounds in artificial intelligence, optimization, algorithm design, operations research, and hands-on software design and implementation are especially encouraged to apply. Strong communication skills and the ability to work independently within an interdisciplinary team are essential.
Applicants motivated to pursue academic research careers will find this program particularly suitable.
Due Dates
- Next application deadline: May 1, 2025, 5:00 PM ET
- Subsequent deadlines occur quarterly: August 1, November 1, February 1, etc.
- If a deadline falls on a weekend or federal holiday, it is moved to the next business day.
Funding Amount
- Base stipend: Approximately $95,000 per year
- Travel allowance: $5,000 annually for conferences, meetings, or fieldwork
- Experience supplements: Additional stipend increases based on years of post-PhD experience
- Typical award duration: 2 to 3 years
- Additional benefits include paid relocation (if moving more than 50 miles) and access to group health insurance for awardees and qualifying dependents.
Eligibility
- Citizenship: Open to U.S. citizens only
- Education: Must have earned a PhD, ScD, MD, DVM, or equivalent research doctorate before starting tenure
- Experience Levels:
- Postdoctoral applicants: Doctorate earned less than 5 years before application deadline
- Senior applicants: Doctorate earned at least 5 years prior or permanent appointment with significant research contributions
- Affiliation Restrictions: Applicants with current or recent prior employment or postdoctoral fellowships at the sponsoring agency may be ineligible
- Security Clearance: May be required depending on agency; foreign nationals should consult with advisers regarding clearance and residency requirements
- Other: Strong motivation for academic research and ability to work independently in interdisciplinary teams are expected
Application Process
Steps to Apply
- Review eligibility on the NRC RAP website and specific agency requirements.
- Identify research opportunities of interest via the RAP search tools.
- Contact the proposed Research Adviser (e.g., Kenneth Mark Hopkinson at AFIT) to discuss research projects and funding availability.
- Prepare application materials including:
- Profile information (contact, education, transcripts)
- Research proposal (max 10 pages) with clear problem statement, background, methodology, expected results, and significance
- Previous and current research description (max 4 pages)
- List of publications and presentations (max 2 pages)
- Letters of recommendation (minimum 3, including dissertation adviser for postdocs)
- Submit application online via the NRC RAP portal before the deadline.
Important Notes
- Letters of recommendation must be uploaded by letter writers via the online system by the deadline.
- Applicants may apply to up to three different agencies but only one application per agency per cycle.
- Transcripts must be current and may be unofficial but must include all coursework and degree dates.
- Applications with missing or incomplete materials will not be reviewed.
- Applicants are responsible for ensuring all letters are submitted on time.
Additional Information
- Awardees receive mentorship, access to state-of-the-art facilities, and opportunities to collaborate with leading scientists.
- The program supports professional growth and career advancement in academia, industry, or government research.
- Relocation assistance is provided for those moving more than 50 miles to the host laboratory.
- Health insurance is available for awardees and dependents in the U.S.
- Review panels consist of experts from academia, industry, and government who evaluate applications on scientific merit, applicant qualifications, and relevance to the sponsoring agency’s mission.
External Links
Contact Information