Serves as Postdoctoral Researcher to substantially increase faculty productivity and improve AFIT educational and research products. Postdoctoral researchers provide a unique opportunity to educate civilian human capital for the Air Force workforce thereby meeting Air Force STEM human capital needs.
Summary
This is a Non-Tenure Track position.
Serves as Postdoctoral Researcher to substantially increase faculty productivity and improve AFIT educational and research products. Postdoctoral researchers provide a unique opportunity to educate civilian human capital for the Air Force workforce thereby meeting Air Force STEM human capital needs.
Performs the following postdoctoral fellow duties in the Department of Engineering Physics, Graduate School of Engineering and Management, Air Force Institute of Technology:
Technical problem solving. The incumbent solves research problems to gain additional skills and experience within their area of academic discipline. Technical problem-solving activities include but are not limited to: identifying potential solutions to novel research problems; designing and executing studies to answer research questions; analyzing and interpreting research findings; configuring and designing relevant hardware and/or software; building relevant and useful research models; evaluating existing research techniques, analyzing systems, and recommending improvements to ensure quality and productivity.
Mentorship and Collaboration.The incumbent develops mentorship and collaboration skills by partnering with their research mentor to organize, plan, and execute group research projects. Postdoctoral fellows expand their mentorship skills by partnering with AFIT students in informal settings to guide student investigations, offer research support, and share technical knowledge. The incumbent will collaborate with faculty inside and outside their discipline to identify relevant research questions, develop methods to answer research questions, and to work cooperatively to solve research problems of mutual interest.
Communication. A Postdoctoral researcher prepares manuscripts for publication; documents research activities to ensure reproducibility; and assists in the preparation of proposals and funding reports. The incumbent is responsible for presenting research outputs at relevant conferences, program reviews, sponsor meetings and similar events. Postdoctoral researchers are responsible for reading, understanding, applying technical articles and maintaining a working knowledge of the state of the art in research. The Postdoctoral researcher effectively engages with the broader academic and defense communities by communicating as an active participant in internal and external scientific committees, conferences, including reviewing and critiquing student thesis papers, dissertations, and student thesis/doctoral committee activities.
Males must be registered for Selective Service, see www.sss.gov.
Employee may be required to work other than normal duty hours, to include evenings, weekends and/or holidays. Shift work and emergency overtime may be required.
Employee must maintain current certifications.
Selectee may be subject to serve a one-year trial period.
Candidates are not required to have active-duty service or veterans' preference to be referred and considered. All qualified candidates who meet the recruitment assessment criteria will be referred to the selecting official.
The selected candidate will be subject to a security investigation leading to successful completion of a background investigation with a favorable adjudication. The selectee's failure to meet this requirement will be grounds for termination.
Essential qualities expected of every faculty member include the personal attributes of integrity, industry, cooperation, initiative, and breadth of intellectual interests.
Travel by military or commercial transportation to gather ideas for improving the curriculum, establish research contacts and agreements, conduct research, and present results of research may be required.
Initial appointment is under Schedule A appointing authority, Excepted Appointment Not-to-Exceed 366 days. The appointment cannot be converted to a permanent tenure in the competitive service.
At the time of the expiration of the initial appointment an employee who adequately demonstrates professional competence can be extended in increments up to 3 years.
An initial appointment can be allowed to expire for an employee who does not adequately demonstrate professional competence.
Current Federal employees on a permanent or indefinite appointment may be required to have a minimum of 3-day break in service if selected.
This job is being filled by an alternative hiring process and is not in the competitive civil service. This is an Administratively Determined position in the excepted service.
Recruitment and/or retention incentives may or may not be used.
Permanent Change in Station (PCS) cost is not authorized.
This position may require drug testing and the candidate may be subject to passing a drug test upon selection.
Incumbent may be required to travel by commercial or military conveyance (or other means of travel) to perform temporary duty.
Additional duties supporting the academic and administrative aspects of a military school can be assigned by school and/or university leaders.
Qualifications
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
An earned doctoral degree in a wide variety of fields that includes: physics, applied physics; atmospheric science; materials science; nuclear engineering; applied mathematics; electrical engineering; computer science; operational science; logistics; supply chain management; systems engineering; aeronautical engineering; astronautical engineering; or related fields.
The applicant's record of scholarship must show the ability or potential to (1) conduct and disseminate scholarly research (2) mentor graduate students in conducting research in the school of engineering and management and (3) collaborate with other researchers.
Possess the ability to communicate clearly and expertly in both verbal and written forms concerning academic, administrative, and technical subject matters.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Demonstrated professional knowledge of defense-related research projects that can support nuclear modernization, scaled directed energy, scaled hypersonics, applied artificial intelligence, contested logistics, or quantum battlefield information dominance.
PART-TIME OR UNPAID EXPERIENCE: Credit will be given for appropriate unpaid and or part-time work. You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week.
VOLUNTEER WORK EXPERIENCE: Refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service Programs (i.e., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student and social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge and skills that can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
Education
This position has a positive degree requirement or education forms the basis for qualifications, you MUST submit transcripts with the application. Official transcripts are not required at the time of application; however, if position has a positive degree requirement, qualifying based on education alone or in combination with experience, transcripts must be verified prior to appointment. An accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education must accredit education. Click here to check accreditation.
FOREIGN EDUCATION: Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the requirements. You must show proof the education credentials have been deemed to be at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education program. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying.
Additional information
This job is being filled by an alternative hiring process and is not in the competitive civil service. Late applications from veterans will not be accepted for faculty positions. Late applications for veterans only apply when filling positions in the competitive service.
As a condition of employment, male applicants born after December 31, 1959 must be registered or exempt from Selective Service. For additional information click here.
Direct Deposit: All federal employees are required by PL 104-134 to have federal payments made by Direct Deposit.
Employed Annuitants (Reemployed Annuitants): Applicants in receipt of an annuity based on civilian employment in the Federal Service are subject to the DoD Policy on The Employment of Annuitants. Click here for more information.
Current Federal Civilian employees may apply for temporary and term positions and if selected, a break in service of at least three (3) calendar days may be required prior to appointment to the position.
Application materials become the property of AFIT and WILL NOT be returned.
Applications submitted under this announcement will be considered ONLY for this vacancy.
If you have questions regarding this announcement and have hearing or speech difficulties click here.
Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
How you will be evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
Starting September 27, 2025, USAJOBS began restricting all resumes to two pages in length.
Applicants possessing the required qualifications as contained within this announcement will be evaluated and ranked by a Faculty-Rating Panel based on the extent to which their experience and education relate to the requirements of the position. A personal interview and presentation to the faculty may be required of the top applicants.
Applicants will be assessed based on their teaching credentials, scholarship, service, and education. Your application package (curriculum vitae, transcripts, supporting documents, etc.) will be used to determine your eligibility, qualifications, and quality ranking for this position. Please follow all instructions carefully.
An incomplete package will result in non-consideration of your application.
Interested persons should submit a curriculum vitae and a statement of interest that addresses the ways in which the applicant's qualifications meet the requirements of the ad to include evidence of teaching excellence and promise of research productivity. Additional documents are required to complete your application package, please reference the "How to Apply" and "Required Documents" section for more information.
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
The following documents are required and must be received by the closing date of the announcement.
Letter of application (cover letter) (Required)
Resume: Your resume may NOT exceed two pages, and the font size should not be smaller than 10 pts. If your resume includes a photograph or other inappropriate material or content, you will not be considered for this vacancy. Your resume may be submitted in any format. For qualifications determinations your resume must contain hours worked per week and the dates of employment (i.e., hour per week and month/year to month/year or month/year to present). Resumes that do not contain this information may be marked as insufficient and applicants may not receive consideration for this position. You will not be considered for this vacancy if your resume is illegible/unreadable. Additional information on resume requirements can be located under "How To Apply". (Required)
Curriculum Vitae: You must submit a curriculum vitae (no length restrictions), and it must contain detailed information in the following areas, as appropriate (Required):
Teaching Accomplishments: Include teaching experience and teaching awards.
Professional Accomplishments: Include research, consultations, publications, and awards.
Service Accomplishments: Include membership, leadership roles, nature of service and contribution in collegial and/or professional organizations, societies, etc.
Transcripts - This position has a positive degree requirement or education forms the basis for qualifications, you MUST submit transcripts with the application. Official transcripts are not required at the time of application; however, if position has a positive degree requirement, qualifying based on education alone or in combination with experience, transcripts must be verified prior to appointment. An accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education must accredit education. (Required)
List of three professional references (to include name, complete mailing address and phone number) (Highly Desired)
Statement of Teaching (If Applicable)
Statement of Research interests (If Applicable)
Veterans' preference documents, if applicable (i.e. DD-214, SF-15, Veterans Affairs letter for federal employment) (If applicable)
U.S. Equivalency from a Department of Education approved (non-federal) credentialing agency (i.e. AICE, NACES), who will complete a U.S. Standard of Education Conversion for education completed in foreign colleges or universities. (If applicable)
An incomplete package will result in non-consideration of your application.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
To begin the process, click the Apply Online button to create an account or log in to your existing USAJOBS account. Follow the prompts to complete the application questionnaire. Please ensure you click the Submit My Application button at the end of the process.
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes: a letter of application (cover letter), resume, curriculum vitae, legible copies of ALL transcripts, statement of teaching, and statement of research interest.
PLEASE NOTE: A PhD degree is required before employment begins, but ALL transcripts must be provided for ALL degrees being pursued or obtained as stated in your curriculum vitae are required.
Questions on the position opening or the Department should be directed to the Judy Turner at email: judy.turner.1.ctr@us.af.mil. You can also notify her of your intention to apply.
An incomplete package will result in non-consideration of your application.
1. Your Resume:
Resumes may not exceed two pages. The two-page resume ensures the most relevant experience is reviewed and considered, which is a common practice in both the public and private sectors. Resumes exceeding two pages will be removed from consideration. Additional information on how to complete or update your resume may be located here.
If you submit more than one Resume, only the most recent (latest) will be reviewed to determine your qualifications. The "most recent" is considered the resume with the latest timestamp.
For qualification determination your Resume must contain hours worked per week and dates of employment (i.e., month/year to month/year or month/year to present). If your Resume does not contain this information, your application may be marked as insufficient, and you will not receive consideration for this position. If you are a current Federal employee or previous Federal employee, provide your pay plan, series, and grade, i.e., GS-0301-09. Current Federal Civilian Employees may list any relevant performance related rating (given within the last three years) and/or incentive awards in your Resume/Curriculum Vitae.
Do NOT include photographs, inappropriate material, inappropriate content, nor personal information such as age, gender, religion, social security number, etc., on your resume. If the resume you submit contains such information you will not be considered for this vacancy.
Your name, first and last, MUST be included on your resume.
2. Your Curriculum Vitae:
Teaching accomplishments: Include teaching experience and teaching awards
Professional Accomplishments: Include research, consultations, publications, and awards
Service Accomplishments: Include membership, leadership roles, nature of service and contribution in collegial and/or professional organizations, societies, etc.
Do NOT include photographs, inappropriate material, inappropriate content, nor personal information such as age, gender, religion, social security number, etc., on your resume. If the curriculum vitae you submit contains such information you will not be considered for this vacancy.
3. Additional Required Documents (see Required Documents section). Ensure all submitted documents contain your full name.
If you are claiming veterans' preference, please provide basic eligibility information in your cover letter. Also include in your application a copy of your DD-214 (Member Copy 4) and, if disabled, a completed SF-15 (Application for 10-Point Veterans' Preference), along with a letter for federal employment from the Department of Veterans Affairs indicating your service-connected disability rating.
IF APPLICABLE: An active-duty military member's statement of service/certification letter will be accepted in lieu of a DD-214. The statement/certification letter can be obtained from your servicing military personnel office and must be signed by, or by direction of, the adjutant, personnel officer, or commander of your unit or higher headquarters and must indicate your rank, dates of active-duty service, and type of discharge/character of service (i.e. honorable). Your preference and/or appointment eligibility will be verified prior to appointment. Military members may be appointed before the effective date of their military separation, if member is on terminal leave, and if applicable, with the appropriate 180-day approved waiver.
PLEASE NOTE: It is the applicant's responsibility to verify that information entered and/or uploaded, (i.e., resume) is received, accurate, and submitted by the closing date. You may verify your documents have been processed with your application package successfully.
You can access your USAJOBS account to do so by clicking here. Uploaded documents may take up to one hour to clear the virus scan.
Human Resources WILL NOT modify or change any answers submitted by an applicant.
Once your application package is received an acknowledgement email will be sent.
Upon vacancy closeout, applicants will be notified via e-mail acknowledging receipt of their application package and advised of the anticipated selection date.
Upon candidate selection, all applicants will be notified via e-mail of their selection/non-selection status.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
The following documents are required and must be received by the closing date of the announcement.
Letter of application (cover letter) (Required)
Resume: Your resume may NOT exceed two pages, and the font size should not be smaller than 10 pts. If your resume includes a photograph or other inappropriate material or content, you will not be considered for this vacancy. Your resume may be submitted in any format. For qualifications determinations your resume must contain hours worked per week and the dates of employment (i.e., hour per week and month/year to month/year or month/year to present). Resumes that do not contain this information may be marked as insufficient and applicants may not receive consideration for this position. You will not be considered for this vacancy if your resume is illegible/unreadable. Additional information on resume requirements can be located under "How To Apply". (Required)
Curriculum Vitae: You must submit a curriculum vitae (no length restrictions), and it must contain detailed information in the following areas, as appropriate (Required):
Teaching Accomplishments: Include teaching experience and teaching awards.
Professional Accomplishments: Include research, consultations, publications, and awards.
Service Accomplishments: Include membership, leadership roles, nature of service and contribution in collegial and/or professional organizations, societies, etc.
Transcripts - This position has a positive degree requirement or education forms the basis for qualifications, you MUST submit transcripts with the application. Official transcripts are not required at the time of application; however, if position has a positive degree requirement, qualifying based on education alone or in combination with experience, transcripts must be verified prior to appointment. An accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education must accredit education. (Required)
List of three professional references (to include name, complete mailing address and phone number) (Highly Desired)
Statement of Teaching (If Applicable)
Statement of Research interests (If Applicable)
Veterans' preference documents, if applicable (i.e. DD-214, SF-15, Veterans Affairs letter for federal employment) (If applicable)
U.S. Equivalency from a Department of Education approved (non-federal) credentialing agency (i.e. AICE, NACES), who will complete a U.S. Standard of Education Conversion for education completed in foreign colleges or universities. (If applicable)
An incomplete package will result in non-consideration of your application.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
To begin the process, click the Apply Online button to create an account or log in to your existing USAJOBS account. Follow the prompts to complete the application questionnaire. Please ensure you click the Submit My Application button at the end of the process.
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes: a letter of application (cover letter), resume, curriculum vitae, legible copies of ALL transcripts, statement of teaching, and statement of research interest.
PLEASE NOTE: A PhD degree is required before employment begins, but ALL transcripts must be provided for ALL degrees being pursued or obtained as stated in your curriculum vitae are required.
Questions on the position opening or the Department should be directed to the Judy Turner at email: judy.turner.1.ctr@us.af.mil. You can also notify her of your intention to apply.
An incomplete package will result in non-consideration of your application.
1. Your Resume:
Resumes may not exceed two pages. The two-page resume ensures the most relevant experience is reviewed and considered, which is a common practice in both the public and private sectors. Resumes exceeding two pages will be removed from consideration. Additional information on how to complete or update your resume may be located here.
If you submit more than one Resume, only the most recent (latest) will be reviewed to determine your qualifications. The "most recent" is considered the resume with the latest timestamp.
For qualification determination your Resume must contain hours worked per week and dates of employment (i.e., month/year to month/year or month/year to present). If your Resume does not contain this information, your application may be marked as insufficient, and you will not receive consideration for this position. If you are a current Federal employee or previous Federal employee, provide your pay plan, series, and grade, i.e., GS-0301-09. Current Federal Civilian Employees may list any relevant performance related rating (given within the last three years) and/or incentive awards in your Resume/Curriculum Vitae.
Do NOT include photographs, inappropriate material, inappropriate content, nor personal information such as age, gender, religion, social security number, etc., on your resume. If the resume you submit contains such information you will not be considered for this vacancy.
Your name, first and last, MUST be included on your resume.
2. Your Curriculum Vitae:
Teaching accomplishments: Include teaching experience and teaching awards
Professional Accomplishments: Include research, consultations, publications, and awards
Service Accomplishments: Include membership, leadership roles, nature of service and contribution in collegial and/or professional organizations, societies, etc.
Do NOT include photographs, inappropriate material, inappropriate content, nor personal information such as age, gender, religion, social security number, etc., on your resume. If the curriculum vitae you submit contains such information you will not be considered for this vacancy.
3. Additional Required Documents (see Required Documents section). Ensure all submitted documents contain your full name.
If you are claiming veterans' preference, please provide basic eligibility information in your cover letter. Also include in your application a copy of your DD-214 (Member Copy 4) and, if disabled, a completed SF-15 (Application for 10-Point Veterans' Preference), along with a letter for federal employment from the Department of Veterans Affairs indicating your service-connected disability rating.
IF APPLICABLE: An active-duty military member's statement of service/certification letter will be accepted in lieu of a DD-214. The statement/certification letter can be obtained from your servicing military personnel office and must be signed by, or by direction of, the adjutant, personnel officer, or commander of your unit or higher headquarters and must indicate your rank, dates of active-duty service, and type of discharge/character of service (i.e. honorable). Your preference and/or appointment eligibility will be verified prior to appointment. Military members may be appointed before the effective date of their military separation, if member is on terminal leave, and if applicable, with the appropriate 180-day approved waiver.
PLEASE NOTE: It is the applicant's responsibility to verify that information entered and/or uploaded, (i.e., resume) is received, accurate, and submitted by the closing date. You may verify your documents have been processed with your application package successfully.
You can access your USAJOBS account to do so by clicking here. Uploaded documents may take up to one hour to clear the virus scan.
Human Resources WILL NOT modify or change any answers submitted by an applicant.
Once your application package is received an acknowledgement email will be sent.
Upon vacancy closeout, applicants will be notified via e-mail acknowledging receipt of their application package and advised of the anticipated selection date.
Upon candidate selection, all applicants will be notified via e-mail of their selection/non-selection status.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
