Thermal, Flow, and Particle Characterization in Fire Environments

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Description

This fellowship opportunity supports research at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Engineering Laboratory, Fire Research Division, focusing on the characterization of thermal, flow, gas, and particle phenomena in fire environments. The research aims to provide reliable measurements of heat transfer, fluid flow, gases, and particles during fire ignition and dynamics, using a range of experimental methods including thermocouples, infrared thermography, gas sensors, velocity probes, and aerosol/particle measurement tools.

The project integrates principles of energy and mass conservation, conjugate heat transfer, and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling to deepen understanding of fire physical processes and validate computational fire models such as NIST's Fire Dynamics Simulator (FDS). Outcomes are expected to improve fire detection and prevention systems, enhance predictions of fire smoke behavior (visibility, detection, deposition, emissions), and better characterize thermal exposure of firebrands (embers) in wildland-urban interface fires.

Research Environment

• Location: Gaithersburg, MD at NIST Engineering Laboratory, Fire Research Division
• Advisers: Amy E Mensch (amy.mensch@nist.gov, 301-975-6714)
• Research includes lab-scale and full-scale fire experiments.

Keywords

Thermal fluids, heat transfer measurements, heat transfer modeling, fire detection, smoke measurements, soot measurements, firebrand measurements.

Due Dates

• February 1, 2025 (5 PM ET)
• May 1, 2025 (5 PM ET)
• August 1, 2025 (5 PM ET)
• November 1, 2025 (5 PM ET)

Note: NIST participates only in the February and August review cycles.

Funding Amount

• Base stipend: $82,764 per year
• Travel allowance: $3,000 annually
• Typical appointment length: 2 years
• Health insurance required (cost shared between awardee and agency)
• Relocation assistance available for awardees moving more than 50 miles

Eligibility

• Citizenship: U.S. citizens only
• Education: Ph.D., Sc.D., M.D., D.V.M., or equivalent research doctorate completed before starting tenure
• Postdoctoral applicants must have held their doctorate for less than five years as of the application deadline
• Applicants with current or recent prior affiliation with NIST (e.g., employment or previous NRC fellowship) may be ineligible
• Applicants must contact the Research Adviser before applying to discuss research projects and funding availability

Application Process

Steps to Apply

1. Review eligibility criteria on the NRC RAP website.
2. Identify this Research Opportunity (NIST Fire Research Division, Opportunity Number: 50.73.31.C0531).
3. Contact the Research Adviser (Amy E Mensch) to discuss your research proposal and confirm support.
4. Prepare application materials including:
   • Profile information (contact, education, transcripts)
   • Research proposal (max 10 pages) with sections on problem statement, background, methodology, expected results, and significance
   • Letters of recommendation (minimum 3, including dissertation adviser for postdocs)
5. Submit application via the NRC RAP online system before the deadline.
6. Ensure all letters of recommendation are uploaded by letter writers by the deadline.

Application Materials

• Research proposal demonstrating innovative, feasible research aligned with NIST fire science goals
• 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 and Selection

• Applications are reviewed by expert panels in relevant scientific disciplines.
• The Research Adviser and NIST program representatives review and endorse applications before panel review.
• Scoring is on a 100-point scale; scores above 70 are recommended for awards.
• Funding decisions consider scientific merit, feasibility, and alignment with NIST mission.

Additional Information

• Awardees must maintain health insurance coverage during tenure.
• Annual travel allowance supports conference attendance and fieldwork.
• Relocation expenses reimbursed if moving over 50 miles.
• Applicants with prior NRC Research Associateships must wait two years after previous award termination before reapplying.
• Reviewer feedback is provided approximately one week after review finalization.

External Links

• NRC Research Associateship Programs - For Applicants
• Research Opportunity at NIST - Thermal, Flow, and Particle Characterization in Fire Environments
• NRC RAP Application Portal
• Applicant Guide (PDF)
• Instructions for Recommendation Letter Writers (PDF)

Contact Information