Funder: NRC Research Associateship Programs
Due Dates: May 1, 2025 (Next application deadline)
Funding Amounts: Stipend approximately $99,200 per year plus $3,000 travel allowance; relocation assistance available for eligible awardees. Typical fellowship duration 2-3 years.
Summary: Supports postdoctoral research on high-power diode physics at the Naval Research Laboratory using pulsed-power generators to produce intense electron and ion beams for applications including radiography and fusion.
Key Information: Open to U.S. citizens and permanent residents; requires Ph.D. earned within last 5 years; applicants must contact Research Adviser prior to applying.
Description
This fellowship opportunity supports extensive experimental and theoretical research into the physics of high-power (~megaampere, megavolt) diodes at the Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) in Washington, DC. Research utilizes pulsed-power generators to produce intense electron and ion beams through various diode configurations, including pinched-beam, series, multiple-cathode, inverse, plasma-filled, and ion-beam diodes.
Applications of this research include:
- Material response studies
- Radiation production
- High-power pulsed radiography using cylindrical rod-pinch diodes
- Intense ion-beam production, focusing, and transport for ion inertial confinement fusion
Theoretical work complements experimental efforts through analytic techniques and numerical simulations.
The program is part of the NRC Research Associateship Programs, which provide postdoctoral scientists with opportunities to conduct self-directed research aligned with federal laboratory goals, gain mentorship, and access state-of-the-art facilities.
Due Dates
- Next application deadline: May 1, 2025, 5:00 PM ET
Application cycles occur quarterly with deadlines on February 1, May 1, August 1, and November 1.
Funding Amount
- Base stipend: Approximately $99,200 per year
- Travel allowance: $3,000 annually
- Relocation assistance available for awardees relocating more than 50 miles
- Health insurance 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
- Education: Applicants must have earned a Ph.D., Sc.D., M.D., D.V.M., or equivalent research doctorate before beginning tenure
- Postdoctoral applicants must have held their doctorate for less than five years as of the application deadline
- 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 prior to applying
Application Process
Steps to Apply
- Review eligibility criteria on the NRC RAP website and specific agency requirements.
- Identify Research Opportunities of interest via the NRL RAP Opportunities List.
- Contact the Research Adviser (Joseph Schumer: joseph.w.schumer.civ@us.navy.mil, 202-404-4359) 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, methodology, expected results, and significance
- Letters of recommendation (minimum 3, including dissertation adviser for postdocs)
- Submit application online via the NRC RAP portal before the deadline.
- Monitor application status and ensure all letters of recommendation are submitted on time.
Application Materials
- Contact and demographic information
- Education history and transcripts (postdocs must upload transcripts; seniors not required)
- Previous and current research description (max 4 pages)
- List of publications and presentations (max 2 pages)
- Research proposal (max 10 pages)
- Letters of recommendation uploaded by referees via the online system
Review Process
- Applications are reviewed by expert panels in physics and related disciplines.
- The Research Adviser and Laboratory Program Representative provide initial endorsement.
- Each application is scored on academic record, research merit, and fit with laboratory mission.
- Applicants scoring above 70/100 are recommended for awards based on available funding.
Additional Information
- Awardees must enroll in health insurance during tenure.
- Relocation expenses reimbursed if moving more than 50 miles and tenure is at least six months.
- Annual travel allowance supports conference attendance and fieldwork.
- Applicants with prior NRC Research Associateships must wait at least two years before reapplying.
- Applicants are responsible for ensuring completeness and timely submission of all materials.
External Links
Contact Information
For general questions about the NRC Research Associateship Programs, contact the Fellowships Office at rap@nas.edu or call 202-334-2760.