What are the responsibilities and job description for the Soft Armor Research position at DEVCOM Army Research Laboratory?
About the Research
Located at Aberdeen Proving Ground in Maryland, the U.S. Army Research Laboratory (ARL) is the Army's central laboratory. Its diverse assortment of unique facilities and dedicated workforce of government and private sector partners make up the largest source of world-class integrated research and analysis in the Army.
US citizenship is required for this research opportunity. The successful candidate will assist with the development of novel nano-mechanical test methods for and characterization of single fibers and sub-fiber morphologies, using the primary tools of atomic force microscopy and instrumented indentation, typically adding in situ material strains during the test. Of specific interest is the origin of failure and strength (failure analysis and modes of failure) for current high-performance fiber chemistries and processing. Candidates who are interested in broadening their professional experience by learning and developing new nano-mechanical characterization techniques to probe material structure-property relationships at the nano-scale are encouraged to apply. Preferred experience includes: nano-mechanical characterization methods (AFM, nanoindentation); high performance fibers or related materials; background in engineering (materials properties, mechanical testing).
Required qualifications: Applicants should have received a Ph.D. degree in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering or a closely related discipline. Candidates should demonstrate a strong academic background with research experience in structure-property and mechanical testing of materials. Additional experience with atomic force microscopy is desirable.
ARL Advisor: Kenneth Strawhecker
ARL Advisor Email: kenneth.e.strawhecker.civ@mail.mil
About WMRD
The goals of the Weapons and Materials Research Directorate (WMRD) are to enhance the lethality and survivability of weapons systems, and to meet the soldier’s technology needs for advanced weaponry and protection. Research is pursued in energetic materials dynamics, propulsion/flight physics, projectile warhead mechanics, terminal effects phenomena, armor/survivability technologies, environmental chemistry, and advanced materials (energetic, metals, ceramics, polymers, composite/hybrids, and mechanics) for armor, armament, missiles, ground vehicles, helicopters, and individual soldier applications necessary for maintaining and ensuring supremacy in future land warfare.
About ARL-RAP
The Army Research Laboratory Research Associateship Program (ARL-RAP) is designed to significantly increase the involvement of creative and highly trained scientists and engineers from academia and industry in scientific and technical areas of interest and relevance to the Army. Scientists and Engineers at the CCDC Army Research Laboratory (ARL) help shape and execute the Army's program for meeting the challenge of developing technologies that will support Army forces in meeting future operational needs by pursuing scientific research and technological developments in diverse fields such as: applied mathematics, atmospheric characterization, simulation and human modeling, digital/optical signal processing, nanotechnology, material science and technology, multifunctional technology, combustion processes, propulsion and flight physics, communication and networking, and computational and information sciences.
A complete application includes:
- Curriculum Vitae or Resume
- Three References Forms
- An email with a link to the reference form will be available in Zintellect to the applicant upon completion of the on-line application. Please send this email to persons you have selected to complete a reference.
- References should be from persons familiar with your educational and professional qualifications (include your thesis or dissertation advisor, if applicable)
- Transcripts
- Transcript verifying receipt of degree must be submitted with the application. Student/unofficial copy is acceptable
If selected by an advisor the participant will also be required to write a research proposal to submit to the ARL-RAP review panel for :
- Research topic should relate to a specific opportunity at ARL (see Research Areas)
- The objective of the research topic should be clear and have a defined outcome
- Explain the direction you plan to pursue
- Include expected period for completing the study
- Include a brief background such as preparation and motivation for the research
- References of published efforts may be used to improve the proposal
A link to upload the proposal will be provided to the applicant once the advisor has made their selection.
Questions about this opportunity? Please email ARLFellowship@orau.org