Funder: NRC Research Associateship Programs
Due Dates: May 1, 2025 | August 1, 2025 | November 1, 2025 | February 1, 2026
Funding Amounts: Base stipend approximately $95,000/year plus $5,000 travel allowance; supplements based on experience; typical tenure 2-3 years.
Summary: Supports postdoctoral and senior researchers to conduct applied research on Rotating Detonation Engines (RDEs) at the Air Force Research Laboratory, focusing on combustion physics, materials, and heat transfer.
Key Information: Open to U.S. citizens; requires PhD; relocation and health insurance benefits included; application requires contacting a Research Adviser prior to applying.
Description
This fellowship opportunity supports advanced research on Rotating Detonation Engines (RDEs), a promising propulsion technology that uses detonative combustion to rapidly burn fuel in a compact volume. RDEs have the potential to increase stagnation pressure across the combustor, enabling net pressure gain during the thermodynamic cycle, which could revolutionize propulsion efficiency.
The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) is advancing RDE technology by investigating the complex aerodynamic and thermal environments within these engines. Foundational research is needed to understand the underlying physics and optimize RDEs for practical aerospace applications.
Research topics include, but are not limited to:
- Detonation fundamentals and combustion physics
- Inlet, ejector, and nozzle design
- Materials testing and development for high-temperature environments
- Heat transfer mechanisms in air-breathing RDEs
- Advanced diagnostics such as high-speed imaging and laser diagnostics
- Computational modeling of RDE flow fields and thermodynamics
Recent projects have explored new RDE geometries, flow visualization, and material performance under engine conditions.
This fellowship is part of the NRC Research Associateship Programs and is hosted at the Aerospace Systems Directorate, RQ/Turbine Engine Division, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio.
Due Dates
- May 1, 2025 (5 PM ET)
- August 1, 2025 (5 PM ET)
- November 1, 2025 (5 PM ET)
- February 1, 2026 (5 PM ET)
If a deadline falls on a weekend or federal holiday, it is moved to the next business day.
Funding Amount
- Base stipend: $95,000 per year
- Travel allowance: $5,000 per year
- Experience-based stipend supplements available for postdoctoral and senior researchers
- Typical award duration: 2-3 years
- Additional benefits: relocation assistance for those living more than 50 miles from the host lab, group health insurance for awardees and dependents
Eligibility
- Must be a U.S. citizen
- Ph.D. or equivalent research doctorate required before starting tenure
- Postdoctoral applicants: doctorate earned less than 5 years before application deadline
- Senior applicants: doctorate earned at least 5 years prior or permanent appointment with significant research experience
- Applicants with current or recent prior affiliation with the sponsoring agency may be ineligible
- Must contact the proposed Research Adviser before applying
- Applicants must not have current or previous postdoctoral fellowships sponsored by the agency
Application Process
- Review eligibility criteria and confirm suitability for the NRC Research Associateship Programs.
- Identify this Research Opportunity (Opportunity Number: 13.30.08.C0931) and contact the Research Adviser, Robert Timothy Fievisohn (robert.fievisohn.2@us.af.mil, 937-656-4100), to discuss research plans and funding availability.
- Prepare application materials including:
- Research proposal (max 10 pages) with clear problem statement, background, methodology, expected results, and significance
- Curriculum vitae and publication list
- Transcripts (postdocs only)
- Letters of recommendation (minimum 3, including dissertation adviser for postdocs)
- Submit application via the NRC RAP online system before the deadline.
- Letters of recommendation must be uploaded by letter writers through the online system by the deadline.
- Applications are reviewed by expert panels; scores above 70 typically recommended for award.
Additional Information
- Awardees receive mentorship, access to state-of-the-art facilities, and opportunities to collaborate with leading scientists at AFRL.
- Relocation support is provided for those moving more than 50 miles to the host lab.
- Health insurance is available for awardees and qualifying dependents.
- Applicants should ensure all application components are complete and submitted on time to be considered.
- Feedback on application reviews is provided approximately one week after panel decisions.
- Previous NRC Research Associateship recipients must wait at least two years after their prior award to reapply.
External Links
Contact Information
For questions about eligibility, application process, or technical issues, contact the NRC RAP Program Office at rap@nas.edu or call 202-334-2760.