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

February 1, 2026 | August 1, 2026

$82,764 annual stipend + $3,000 travel; 1–3 years typical duration

Postdoctoral fellowship at NIST to study and develop novel semiconductors for advanced electronic device performance and excited state readout.

U.S. citizens only; NIST reviews only in February and August.

--- ## Description This opportunity supports postdoctoral research at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), focusing on the development and study of novel semiconductors with unique optical and electrical properties. The goal is to understand and control device physics governing charge generation, transport, and excited state dynamics (such as excitons and color centers), enabling advanced sensing and readout applications. Research involves the fabrication and electrical testing of devices like transistors, LEDs, and photovoltaics, with an emphasis on the impact of material interfaces and sub-bandgap states. The program leverages NIST’s in-house expertise in optical spectroscopy, magnetic resonance, and advanced electrical characterization techniques. Materials of interest include: - Diamond and wide band gap semiconductors (with controllable sub-bandgap states) - Organic semiconductors and polymers - Two-dimensional (2D) materials - Metal-organic interfaces Key device structures include: - Transistors - Heterojunction devices (e.g., LEDs, photovoltaics) - Other novel (opto)electronic devices Collaboration opportunities exist for materials measurements using advanced NIST capabilities. --- ## Due Dates - February 1, 2026 - August 1, 2026 NIST only participates in the February and August NRC RAP review cycles. --- ## Funding Amount - **Annual Stipend:** $82,764 - **Travel Allotment:** $3,000 per year - **Duration:** Typically 1–3 years --- ## Eligibility - **Citizenship:** Open to U.S. citizens only - **Level:** Postdoctoral applicants (recent Ph.D. graduates) - **Location:** Research conducted at NIST, Gaithersburg, MD - **Other:** Must meet NRC Research Associateship Programs eligibility criteria --- ## Application Process 1. **Review the Opportunity:** See full details on the [NIST NRC RAP opportunity page](https://ra.nas.edu/RAPLab10/Opportunity/opportunity.aspx?LabCode=50&ROPCD=506803&RONum=C0305). 2. **Prepare Application Materials:** Typically includes a research proposal, CV, and references. 3. **Submit Application:** Apply online through the [NRC RAP application portal](https://nrc58.nas.edu/InfoRAP20/Home/signin.aspx?c=RAPApplicants). 4. **Review Cycle:** Applications are reviewed twice annually (February and August). 5. **Start Date:** Awardees must begin their fellowship within a specified window after notification (see program page for details). --- ## Additional Information - Research must be performed at NIST’s Gaithersburg, MD campus. - The opportunity is within the Physical Measurement Laboratory, Nanoscale Device Characterization Division. - Advanced device fabrication and characterization facilities are available. - The program is highly competitive and prestigious, designed to foster independent research and professional development. --- ## External Links - [Full Opportunity Description & Application](https://ra.nas.edu/RAPLab10/Opportunity/opportunity.aspx?LabCode=50&ROPCD=506803&RONum=C0305) - [NRC Research Associateship Programs Home](https://www.nationalacademies.org/our-work/rap/nrc-research-associateship-programs) - [NIST NRC RAP Program Information](https://ra.nas.edu/RAPLab10/Opportunity/program.aspx?LabCode=50) - [Apply Online](https://nrc58.nas.edu/InfoRAP20/Home/signin.aspx?c=RAPApplicants) - [Eligibility Criteria](https://www.nationalacademies.org/our-work/rap/for-applicants#sl-three-columns-bb1a4714-deb9-4e7e-9d70-cf8f1123019b) --- ## Contact Information | Name | Email | Phone | Role/Notes | |---------------------------|---------------------------------|---------------|-----------------------------| | Emily Geraldine Bittle | emily.bittle@nist.gov | 301-975-6298 | Research Adviser | | Ms. Chantale Denis | chantale.denis@nist.gov | 301-975-2722 | NIST Program Contact | | Ms. LaKesha N. Perry | lakesha.perry@nist.gov | 240-753-3172 | NIST Program Contact | | Dr. Jennifer Griffiths | jgriffiths@nas.edu | 202-334-2974 | NRC Program Administrator | | NRC RAP Office | rap@nas.edu | 202-334-2760 | General RAP Inquiries |

Relating Physics to Performance in Electronic Devices for Excited State Readout and Control - NIST NRC Research Associateship Program

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