RAP opportunity at Air Force Science and Technology Fellowship Program AF STFP
Self-driving laboratory for chemical sensing
Location
Materials & Manufacturing, RX/Soft Matter Materials
| opportunity |
location |
|
| 13.25.04.C1156 |
Wright-Patterson AFB, OH 454337817 |
Advisers
| name |
email |
phone |
|
| Rahul Rao |
rahul.rao.2@us.af.mil |
864.650.4557 |
Description
The rise of self-driving labs (SDLs) has heralded an unprecedented age in boosting R&D efforts towards real-world applications and commercialization. In this context, the use of complex artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI/ML) tools can not only speed up research but also improve reproducibility, and by traversing multi-dimensional parameter spaces, enable new research discoveries. At AFRL, we are developing an SDL for the automated synthesis of metal nanoparticles, followed by printing of nanoparticle-based devices as field-deployable, spectroscopy-based chemical sensors. This opportunity involves automated high-throughput nanoparticle synthesis in flow chemical reactors enabled by ML optimization. Additionally, we are also interested in automated processing and printing methodologies on paper-based substates for developing the sensors [1,2]. Finally, experience with ML-based spectral classification and signal deconvolution is desired. This work brings together multi-disciplinary team of chemists, physisicts, materials scientists and computer scientists towards estabilishing and running an SDL at AFRL, and at the same time accelerating Air Force research efforts towards enabling new technologies.
[1]. A.N. Giordano et al., "Fabrication of SERS Substrates Using Silver-Coated Gold Nanostars for Chemical Sensing: A Multiobjective Bayesian Optimization Approach", (2025) 8 (23): 11930
[2]. B. Rist et al., "Improving nerve agent detection using paper-based microfluidics and surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy", Proc. SPIE 14048, Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosives (CBRNE) Sensing XXVII, 140480O (10 Jun 2026)
Keywords
in situ, SERS, Raman spectroscopy, plasmons, robotics, AI/ML, automation, self-driving lab
Eligibility
citizenship
Open to U.S. citizens
level
Open to Postdoctoral and Senior applicants
Stipend
| Base Stipend |
Travel Allotment |
Supplementation |
|
| $95,000.00 |
$5,000.00 |
|
Experience Supplement
Postdoctoral and Senior awardees will receive an appropriately higher stipend based on the number of years of experience past their PhD.
|
Additional Benefits
relocation
Awardees who reside more than 50 miles from their host laboratory and remain on tenure for at least six months are eligible for paid relocation to within the vicinity of their host laboratory.
health insurance
A group health insurance program is available to awardees and their qualifying dependents in the United States.