Funder: NRC Research Associateship Programs
Due Dates: May 1, 2025 (Application Deadline)
Funding Amounts: Stipend approximately $99,200 per year plus $3,000 travel allowance; relocation assistance available for eligible awardees.
Summary: Supports postdoctoral research developing analytical methods for precise generation and verification of trace-level hazardous chemicals in air to test sensor performance using advanced automated systems.
Key Information: Open to U.S. citizens and permanent residents holding a doctoral degree; research conducted at Naval Research Laboratory in Washington, DC.
Description
This fellowship opportunity at the Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) supports postdoctoral research focused on developing and validating analytical methods for generating and verifying trace chemicals in air. The research aims to create stable and reproducible concentrations of hazardous chemicals at extremely low levels, ranging from parts per trillion to parts per million, both individually and in complex mixtures. These trace air mixtures are critical for evaluating the performance of new sensors and detection systems.
Key research activities include designing, modeling, and testing new sample chambers to ensure controlled fluid flow, and developing validation methods for the air stream using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry and spectroscopy. The project integrates these components into an automated testing system to enhance accuracy and reproducibility.
This research is highly relevant for advancing sensor technology and environmental monitoring, with applications in defense and public safety.
Due Dates
- Application Deadline: May 1, 2025 (5:00 PM ET)
Funding Amount
- Annual stipend: Approximately $99,200
- Travel allowance: $3,000 per year
- Relocation assistance available for awardees relocating more than 50 miles from the host laboratory
- Health insurance available for awardees and qualifying dependents in the U.S.
Eligibility
- Citizenship: U.S. citizens and permanent residents only
- Applicant Level: Postdoctoral researchers 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 restrictions: Applicants with current or recent prior employment or postdoctoral fellowships at the sponsoring agency may be ineligible
- Must be able to conduct research on-site at the Naval Research Laboratory in Washington, DC
Application Process
Steps to Apply
- Review eligibility criteria on the NRC RAP website and confirm suitability for this opportunity.
- Identify this Research Opportunity (NRL code 64.15.15.B7121) and contact the Research Adviser, Kevin Johnson (kevin.j.johnson152.civ@us.navy.mil), to discuss your research proposal and funding availability.
- Prepare application materials including:
- Profile information (contact, education, transcripts)
- Research proposal (up to 10 pages) detailing problem statement, background, methodology, expected results, and significance
- Letters of recommendation (minimum 3, including dissertation adviser) uploaded by letter writers via the online system
- Submit your application through the NRC RAP online portal before the May 1 deadline.
Application Requirements
- Research proposal must be innovative, technically sound, and feasible within a 2-3 year tenure
- Letters of recommendation must be submitted by eligible letter writers and received by the deadline
- Transcripts must be current and uploaded (not required for senior applicants)
- Applicants must notify letter writers to upload letters via the online system
Review and Selection
- Applications are reviewed by expert panels in chemistry and related fields
- Evaluation criteria include academic record, research proposal quality, letters of recommendation, and alignment with the host laboratory’s mission
- Scores above 70/100 typically recommended for award; funding depends on availability and ranking
- Feedback provided approximately one week after review finalization
Additional Information
- Awardees must maintain health insurance coverage during tenure
- Relocation expenses reimbursed for those moving more than 50 miles to the host lab and staying at least six months
- Research must be conducted on-site at the Naval Research Laboratory
- Applicants with prior NRC Research Associateships must wait at least two years before applying again
- The program encourages diversity and provides equal consideration regardless of race, gender, or background
External Links
Contact Information