[NRC Research Associateship Programs](https://www.nationalacademies.org/our-work/rap/nrc-research-associateship-programs/)

May 1, 2025 (Next deadline)

$99,200 stipend plus $3,000 travel allowance; typical fellowship duration 2-3 years.

Postdoctoral fellowship supporting research in quantum computing methods applied to quantum chemistry at the Naval Research Laboratory.

Open to U.S. citizens and permanent residents; relocation and health insurance benefits included.

--- ## Description This fellowship opportunity at the Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) focuses on advancing quantum computing methods for quantum chemistry applications. Quantum chemistry benefits from quantum computing's ability to prepare and measure quantum states in exponentially large Hilbert spaces, enabling efficient exploration of many-particle systems. The research team has demonstrated success in computing many-electron ground-state energies for small molecules, such as molecular fluorine, using real quantum hardware. The program seeks a talented postdoctoral scientist to develop new computational methods to expand current capabilities and deepen understanding of quantum chemistry through quantum computing. Research areas include quantum simulation, quantum algorithms, electronic structure methods, statistical mechanics, and theoretical chemistry. This fellowship is part of the NRC Research Associateship Programs, which provide high-quality research opportunities at federal laboratories, mentorship, and access to state-of-the-art facilities. --- ## Due Dates - Next application deadline: **May 1, 2025, 5:00 PM ET** - Review finalized: Early June 2025 - 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: **$99,200** per year - Travel allowance: **$3,000** annually for conferences, meetings, or fieldwork - Duration: Typically 2-3 years, with possible renewal depending on the project and funding - Additional benefits: Paid relocation for awardees living more than 50 miles from the host lab (after six months tenure), group health insurance for awardees and qualifying dependents in the U.S. --- ## Eligibility - **Citizenship:** Open to U.S. citizens and permanent residents only - **Applicant level:** Postdoctoral applicants who have earned a doctoral degree (Ph.D., Sc.D., M.D., D.V.M., or equivalent) within the last five years as of the application deadline - **Prior affiliation:** Applicants with current or recent prior employment or postdoctoral fellowships at the sponsoring agency may be ineligible; collaboration experience is generally acceptable unless continuing the same project or adviser - **Security clearance:** May be required depending on agency policies; foreign nationals should consult with the Research Adviser regarding clearance requirements --- ## Application Process ### Steps to Apply 1. **Review eligibility** on the NRC RAP website and specific agency criteria. 2. **Identify research opportunities** of interest via the [NRL Opportunities List](https://ra.nas.edu/RAPLab10/Opportunity/opportunities.aspx?ROPCD=641515&RONum=C0173&LabCode=64) or general search. 3. **Contact the Research Adviser** (Daniel Gunlycke, lennart.d.gunlycke.civ@us.navy.mil, 202-767-6346) to discuss your research proposal and funding availability. 4. **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) 5. **Register and submit your application** through the NRC RAP online system: [Start Application](https://ra.nas.edu/RAPApplicants20/Appl_Registration/ModulePage.aspx?Nav=Register) 6. **Notify and monitor letter writers** to ensure timely submission of 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-U.S. institutions) - Applicants may apply to up to three different agency opportunities per cycle but only one per agency --- ## Additional Information - Applications are reviewed by expert panels in chemistry and related disciplines - Review criteria include academic record, research proposal quality, letters of recommendation, and alignment with the host laboratory’s mission - Applicants scoring above 70 are recommended for awards; funding depends on availability and ranking - Awardees gain access to mentorship, advanced facilities, and professional development opportunities - All application materials become property of the National Academies and are not returned - Applicants with previous NRC Research Associateships must wait at least two years before reapplying --- ## External Links - [NRC Research Associateship Programs Home](https://www.nationalacademies.org/our-work/rap/nrc-research-associateship-programs) - [Quantum Computing for Quantum Chemistry Fellowship Details](https://ra.nas.edu/RAPLab10/Opportunity/opportunity.aspx?LabCode=64&ROPCD=641515&RONum=C0173) - [NRC RAP Applicant Guide (PDF)](http://nationalacademies.org/docs/D5291E2C4C3BA68408761D069AC0A476EC67D0159A0A) - [Visa Options for International Associates (PDF)](http://nationalacademies.org/docs/DC1A5EB616038B151B07485EE9A47D4EC7BF85596C54) --- ## Contact Information | Contact Type | Details | |--------------------|------------------------------------------------| | Research Adviser | Daniel Gunlycke
lennart.d.gunlycke.civ@us.navy.mil
202-767-6346 | | NRC RAP Office | Email: [rap@nas.edu](mailto:rap@nas.edu)
Phone: 202-334-2760 | | NRC RAP Contact Page | [https://www.nationalacademies.org/our-work/rap/nrc-research-associateship-programs/#sectionContact](https://www.nationalacademies.org/our-work/rap/nrc-research-associateship-programs/#sectionContact) |

Quantum Computing for Quantum Chemistry

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