Ceramic Synthesis and Processing

The Army Research Laboratory Research Associateship Program (ARL-RAP) offers opportunities for foundational and early applied research and development (R&D) efforts towards enabling the next generation ceramics and ceramic composites for Army systems. Research activities include: 1) novel synthesis and processing techniques for opaque and transparent ceramics and composites with optimal structure/properties for extreme environments and high-rate impact, 2) advanced manufacturing science for development of heterogeneous multi-scale ceramics and interfaces with high fracture and failure tolerance, 3) high-throughput simulation, machine learning and design optimization for processing-structure-property relationships, and 4) high-throughput non-destructive evaluation and characterization for materials discovery. The program 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. Candidates of interest are U.S. Citizens with a Ph.D. or M.S. (B.S. or student may be considered with suitable background) in Ceramic Engineering, Materials Science & Engineering, Chemistry, Mechanical Engineering or a related engineering and science discipline. Preferred attributes include a strong knowledge of ceramic engineering principles and analytical and mechanical characterization techniques. Specialized expertise also desired in areas of ceramic synthesis methods, inorganic chemistry, colloidal particle suspension dispersion and rheology, advanced microscopy and spectroscopy techniques, high-rate mechanisms, advanced manufacturing, process control and modeling, and AI/ML techniques.