Funder: NRC Research Associateship Programs
Due Dates: May 1, 2025 (Application Deadline)
Funding Amounts: Approximately $80,000 base stipend plus $3,000 travel allowance; stipend may increase with experience. Duration typically 2-3 years.
Summary: Postdoctoral fellowship supporting research on accelerating synthesis of energetic materials using mass spectrometry ion sources and confined volume methodologies at Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division.
Key Information: Open to U.S. citizens with a PhD; extensive analytical instrumentation available including mass spectrometry, NMR, Raman, FTIR, and X-ray diffraction; relocation and health insurance benefits provided.
Description
This postdoctoral research opportunity focuses on accelerating the synthesis of energetic materials by employing confined volume methodologies generated via various mass spectrometry ion sources. The research will explore and compare reaction acceleration across different reaction classes and ionization techniques, including:
- Paper spray ionization
- Desorption electrospray ionization
- Easy ambient sonic spray ionization
- Electrospray ionization
- Nanoelectrospray ionization
Additionally, Leidenfrost droplets will be investigated as a unique environment for accelerated synthesis, despite not being an ion source.
The Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division (NAWCWD) Chemistry Department provides robust analytical support with access to advanced instrumentation such as mass spectrometers, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), Raman and Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometers, and a single crystal X-ray diffraction facility.
This fellowship is part of the NRC Research Associateship Programs, which offer prestigious postdoctoral awards to conduct self-directed research aligned with federal laboratory goals, fostering professional growth and collaboration with leading scientists.
Due Dates
- Application Deadline: May 1, 2025 (5 PM ET)
- Review Finalized: Early June 2025
Note: If a deadline falls on a weekend or federal holiday, it is moved to the next business day.
Funding Amount
- Base stipend: Approximately $80,000 per year
- Travel allowance: $3,000 annually
- Stipend supplements available based on years of post-PhD experience
- Typical award duration: 2-3 years
- Additional benefits include paid relocation (if relocating more than 50 miles) and access to group health insurance for awardees and dependents in the U.S.
Eligibility
- Citizenship: Open to U.S. citizens only
- Education: Applicants must have earned a Ph.D. 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 employment or postdoctoral fellowships at the sponsoring agency may be ineligible
- Applicants must not have ongoing or recent affiliation that would disqualify them, but prior collaborative research with the agency is generally acceptable if not a continuation of the same project or adviser
- Security clearance may be required depending on agency policies
Application Process
Steps to Apply
- Review eligibility criteria on the NRC RAP website and specific agency requirements.
- Identify this research opportunity (Research Opportunity number: 34.01.01.C0366) and contact the Research Adviser, Benjamin G. Harvey (benjamin.g.harvey.civ@us.navy.mil), to discuss research plans and funding availability.
- Prepare application materials including:
- Research proposal (max 10 pages) detailing problem statement, background, methodology, expected results, and significance
- Curriculum vitae and education history with transcripts (postdoctoral applicants must upload transcripts)
- Letters of recommendation (minimum 3, including dissertation adviser) uploaded by letter writers via the online system
- Submit application through the NRC RAP online portal before the May 1, 2025 deadline.
- Monitor application status and ensure all letters of recommendation are submitted on time.
Application Components
- Profile information (contact, education, employment, honors)
- Research proposal with clear objectives and methodology
- Previous and current research description (max 4 pages)
- List of publications and presentations (max 2 pages)
- Letters of recommendation uploaded by referees via the online system
Review Process
- Applications are reviewed by expert panels in chemistry and related fields
- The Research Adviser and Laboratory Program Representative provide initial endorsement
- Each application is scored on academic record, research merit, letters, and fit with laboratory mission
- Scores above 70 are recommended for award; funding depends on rank and availability
Additional Information
- Awardees receive mentorship and access to state-of-the-art facilities at NAWCWD in China Lake, CA
- Relocation assistance is available for those moving more than 50 miles
- Health insurance coverage is provided for awardees and qualifying dependents
- Applicants must comply with all application instructions, including formatting and document submission guidelines
- Previous NRC Research Associateship holders may apply again after a two-year gap from prior award termination
- Applicants are responsible for ensuring completeness and timely submission of all materials
External Links
Contact Information
| Contact Person | Email | Phone | Affiliation |
|---|
| Benjamin G. Harvey | benjamin.g.harvey.civ@us.navy.mil | 760-939-0247 | Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division, Chemistry Dept. |
| NRC RAP Program Office | rap@nas.edu | 202-334-2760 | National Academies Fellowships Office |
For general questions about the NRC Research Associateship Programs, contact the Fellowships Office at rap@nas.edu or call 202-334-2760.