Funder: NRC Research Associateship Programs
Due Dates: May 1, 2025 (Next deadline)
Funding Amounts: $99,200 stipend plus $3,000 travel allowance; relocation and health insurance benefits available.
Summary: Postdoctoral fellowship to conduct atomic-scale materials research using advanced aberration-corrected STEM at the Naval Research Laboratory for nanoelectronics and quantum technology applications.
Key Information: Open to U.S. citizens and permanent residents; requires Ph.D. earned within 5 years; application includes contacting research adviser prior to applying.
Description
This fellowship opportunity supports postdoctoral research at the Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) focused on atomic-scale patterning of materials using aberration-corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM). The research aims to harness electron beam–matter interactions to engineer nanoscale and sub-nanoscale features for nanoelectronic devices and scalable quantum technologies.
Example research projects include:
- Characterization and manipulation of single-atom defects in diamond.
- Electron-beam-induced 2H-to-1T phase transformations in transition metal dichalcogenides.
Research will be conducted using NRL’s state-of-the-art facilities, including:
- Nion UltraSTEM-200X aberration-corrected STEM with electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS) and direct-electron detection.
- Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS).
- In situ biasing and electrochemical holders.
- Supporting instruments such as FEI Helios G3 FIB-SEM, Cameca atom probe, and atomic layer deposition (ALD) systems.
This program offers a unique opportunity to work at the forefront of nanoscale analytical transmission electron microscopy and materials engineering.
Due Dates
- Next application deadline: May 1, 2025 (5 PM ET)
- Other deadlines occur quarterly: February 1, August 1, November 1 (check official site for updates)
Funding Amount
- Base stipend: $99,200 per year
- Travel allowance: $3,000 annually
- Relocation assistance available for awardees moving more than 50 miles.
- Group health insurance available for awardees and qualifying dependents in the U.S.
Eligibility
- Citizenship: Open to U.S. citizens and permanent residents only.
- Education: Applicants must have earned a Ph.D., Sc.D., M.D., D.V.M., or equivalent research doctorate before beginning tenure.
- Experience: 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 NRL or related postdoctoral fellowships may be ineligible.
- Applicants must contact the proposed Research Adviser before applying.
Application Process
Steps to Apply
- Review eligibility criteria on the NRC RAP For Applicants page.
- Identify this Research Opportunity (NRL Atomic-scale Patterning of Materials) via the NRL RAP Opportunities List.
- Contact the Research Adviser, Bethany Hudak (bethany.m.hudak.civ@us.navy.mil, 202-767-5702), to discuss your research proposal and funding availability.
- Prepare application materials including:
- Research proposal (max 10 pages) with clear problem statement, background, methodology, expected results, and significance.
- Curriculum vitae, transcripts (for postdocs), and list of publications.
- Letters of recommendation (minimum 3, including dissertation adviser).
- Submit application through the NRC RAP online system: Apply Now.
- Ensure all letters of recommendation are uploaded by letter writers before the deadline.
Application Requirements
- Research proposal must be innovative, technically sound, and feasible within 2-3 years.
- Letters of recommendation must be from individuals familiar with your academic and research background and not employed by NRL unless they have been mentors or collaborators.
- Transcripts must be current and include all coursework; official doctoral transcript required if awarded.
Additional Information
- Awardees must enroll in health insurance throughout the tenure.
- Relocation expenses reimbursed for those moving more than 50 miles.
- Annual travel allowance supports conference attendance and research-related travel.
- Review process involves expert panels in relevant scientific disciplines.
- Applicants scoring 70+ on a 100-point scale are recommended for awards.
- Feedback on application reviews is provided approximately one week after panel decisions.
External Links
Contact Information
For general questions about the NRC Research Associateship Programs, contact the Fellowships Office at the National Academies via the above email or phone.