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ERI Funding Opportunities

Welcome to the ERI Funding Opportunities Site

College of Engineering campus
Research drives excellence in the College of Engineering by serving as a magnet to attract and retain outstanding faculty and students. Funding opportunities relevant to the College of Engineering will be posted here. If you are interested in pursuing any of these opportunities please contact ERI at eri-pre@iastate.edu for assistance or additional information. New opportunities are posted weekly. To have the new opportunities delivered directly to your inbox please subscribe using your ISU email address. One email per week.

 

 

Military Installation Resilience through Resource Recovery and Waste-to-Energy Systems

DEVCOM Army Research Laboratory

Solicitation: ARL-R-USMA-CEGS-400053

https://zintellect.com/Opportunity/Details/ARL-R-USMA-CEGS-400053

Posted Date: March 7, 2025

Proposed Due Date: Open

This research involves conducting applied research in the fields of Environmental Engineering, Environmental Science, and/or Civil Engineering. The fellowship position is based at the United States Military Academy’s Center for Environmental and Geographic Sciences in West Point, New York. The following areas have the most opportunities (this is not an exhaustive list and is provided to convey scope):

  • Biotechnology
  • Environmental Biotechnology
  • Environmental Microbiology
  • Environmental Modeling, AI/ML
  • Environmental Chemistry
  • Microbial Ecology
  • Water Treatment
  • Wastewater Treatment
  • Anaerobic Digestion
  • Membranes / Membrane Bioreactors
  • Organic Waste-to-Energy
  • Biomethane Production
  • Resource Recovery
  • Mass and Energy Balances
  • Bioreactor Design and Optimization
  • Technoeconomic Assessment
  • Lifecycle Analysis
  • Energy Security
  • Environmental Sustainability
  • Energy Resilience

Materials Process Modeling with Machine-Learning

DEVCOM Army Research Laboratory

Solicitation: ARL-R-WMRD-300093

https://zintellect.com/Opportunity/Details/ARL-R-WMRD-300093

Posted Date: March 7, 2025

Proposed Due Date: Open

 

This project will encompass modeling of quantitative parts performance relationships utilizing state-of-the-art machine-learning (ML) technologies and tools. In traditional design, process optimization and part optimization are performed independently, ignoring the inherent dependence of materials and part properties on processing conditions. In this project, ML models will be used to extract cross-property and inverse functions in a holistic framework of the scientific design and production process.

Candidates well-versed in the application and/or development of probabilistic graph models, dimensionality reduction and featurization, or neural networks for materials science or process modeling are being sought. Experience with (computational) materials science or engineering is appreciated, but not necessary. Experience with software engineering is also highly respected.

Advanced Optical Beam Control Using Metasurfaces

DEVCOM Army Research Laboratory

Solicitation: ARL-R-PEQS-400039-F1

https://zintellect.com/Opportunity/Details/ARL-R-PEQS-400039-F1

Posted Date: March 7, 2025

Proposed Due Date: Open

The U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Army Research Laboratory is the U.S. Army’s foundational research laboratory. In this specific project, the postdoctoral researchers will have a unique opportunity to research advanced optical imaging and infrared beam shaping/structuring technologies using metasurfaces: Desired experiences of the candidates include (1) numerical modeling experience using commercial electromagnetic simulation tools, such as COMSOL, Ansys Lumerical, and (2) experiences with cleanroom micro/nanoscale device fabrication.

Neuromorphic materials and computing Devices and platforms

DEVCOM Army Research Laboratory

Solicitation: ARL-R-SEDD-300100-PEQS

https://zintellect.com/Opportunity/Details/ARL-R-SEDD-300100-PEQS

Posted Date: March 7, 2025

Proposed Due Date: Open

 

This research position focuses on low power electronic devices and circuits. As the challenges with computing reaches its limits, due to power scaling challenges of today’s transistor technologies, a desperate need for development of new approaches to high performance computing is needed. In this research program we attempt to develop neuromorphic devices based on ferroelectric FETs and electrochemically gated devices. To achieve the objectives of this research program we seek to select motivated, competent, and skillful candidate that can move this project forward. This opportunity will expose the candidate to a multidisciplinary research program that spans materials development, device design and integration, and circuit development. The candidate is expected to have an in-depth knowledge of device physics and basic circuit design. The basic Qualifications for this position include experience with fabrication and characterization of FETs and memory devices, experience with electrical and material characterization techniques, experience with material growth and device integration techniques (e.g. ALD, sputtering, and UHV deposition)

Improving Structural Dynamic and Material Characteristic Understanding of Turbomachinery Components

AFRL

Solicitation: 13.30.08.B8144

https://ra.nas.edu/RAPLab10/Opportunity/opportunity.aspx?LabCode=13&ROPCD=133008&RONum=B8144

Posted Date: March 7, 2025

Proposed Due Date: Open

 

Computational and experimental research to understand structural behavior of turbomachinery components is being conducted by the Turbine Engine Integrity Branch (RQTI) in the Aerospace Systems Directorate of AFRL. The research areas include mistuning, nonlinear vibration, applied damping prediction, system identification, damage detection, probabilistic analysis, fatigue life and crack growth predictions, additive manufacturing, thermomechanical fatigue, multiphysics lifing, and development of new structural design approaches. Within these areas are several key research topics that require the integration of experimentation and analysis. Ongoing work consists of modal characterization via finite element methods and bench experimentation, standard fatigue and fracture characterization using mechanical testing and physics-based modeling, novel component and material testing development leveraging reduced order modeling (ROM) and surrogate response prediction, and uncertainty quantification in analysis and experimental methods.

To support the aforementioned research, both experimental and computational facilities are available within RQTI. The Turbine Engine Fatigue Facility (TEFF) is a state-of-the-art research facility that performs structural and dynamic experimentation. The TEFF directly supports Air Force legacy fleets, as well as developmental programs through basic research in the areas of material characterization, vibratory assessment, life prediction modeling, and qualification of advanced measurement techniques. Experimental capabilities in the TEFF include scanning laser vibrometry, advanced geometric optical scanner, digital microscopy, triangulation displacement sensor, ping dynamic frequency analysis, large-to-small scale electrodynamic shakers, high-frequency/ultrasonic shakers, high-temperature induction and resistance ovens, single- and multi-axial servo-hydraulic load frames, traveling wave excitation system, and vacuum spin chamber for small IBDs. The Structural Analysis Group (SAG) is the high-performance computational research area leveraging physics-based understandings from finite element methods and computational fluid dynamics. The integrated work conducted by the SAG utilizes finite element software ANSYS, mathematical programming language MATLAB, executable programming languages Python and LabVIEW, computational fluid dynamics software STAR-CCM, mistuning ROM algorithm MAGMA, and digital twin solid model algorithm MORPH.

Enabling solubility and stability of functional ingredients

Halo

https://www.halo.science/request_for_solutions/creatine-in-beverages-and-liquids

Posted Date: March 01, 2026

Proposal Due Date: April 03, 2026

We are looking for a solution that enables creatine to be used in liquid products by improving its effective solubility and stability. The ideal solution should withstand thermal processing and maintain creatine’s functional benefits throughout at least 9 months, and ideally 12 months, of shelf life in finished liquid applications.

Solutions of interest include:
  • Chemical modification or derivatization
  • Encapsulation
  • Physical modification, including complexation
  • Matrix-based or formulation-enabled stabilization
  • Processing modification

Early Career Research Program (ECRP)

DOE

Solicitation: DE-FOA-0003602

https://simpler.grants.gov/opportunity/b87fbc8e-bc65-49d2-af30-c7ac1d5168d4

Posted Date: March 03, 2026

Pre-Application Due Date: April 21, 2026 by 5:00 pm ET

Proposal Due Date: June 02, 2026 by 11:59 pm ET

DOE SC hereby invites applications for support under the ECRP in the following program areas: Advanced Scientific Computing Research (ASCR); Basic Energy Sciences (BES); Biological and Environmental Research (BER); Fusion Energy Sciences (FES); High Energy Physics (HEP); Nuclear Physics (NP); Isotope Research and Development and Production (DOE IP). The purpose of this program is to support the development of individual research programs of outstanding scientists early in their careers and to stimulate research careers in the areas supported by SC.

 

High Temperature Polymers/Composites and Additive Manufacturing of High Temperature Materials

DoD

Solicitation: 64.15.15.B8451

https://ra.nas.edu/RAPLab10/Opportunity/opportunity.aspx?LabCode=64&ROPCD=641515&RONum=B8451

Posted Date: May 14, 2025

Proposed Due Date: Open

The basic and applied research focuses on the design, synthesis, and development of novel compounds/resins/polymers with unique high-temperature properties, flame resistant composites, and novel thermal protection system technologies. Potential applications for the innovative materials include structural (e.g., hypersonic vehicles, aircraft, ship, automobile, and missile), coating, and composite applications. Our research activities have resulted in the development and transition to applied DOD programs and to industry of novel high-temperature polymers/composites. A wide range of instruments are available for characterization and evaluation studies of the new materials in addition to collaborations with other DoD laboratories, industrial partners, and academic institutions. Experience with photochemical reactions, dye synthesis, and  characterization is a bonus.

High Power Solid-State Laser Science and Technologies

DEVCOM Army Research Laboratory

Solicitation: ARL-C-SEDD-1346786070

https://zintellect.com/Opportunity/Details/ARL-C-SEDD-1346786070

Posted Date: Unknown

Proposal Due Date: Open

Research is being pursued on enabling technologies for high power solid-state lasers to meet the needs of the Army and the other armed services. These lasers are more rugged and compact than gas lasers, but are much harder to scale to sufficiently high powers while maintaining good beam quality. We are investigating technologies for power scalable gain media in Near- and Mid-IR along with advanced thermal management, and beam quality improvement.  These include ceramic gain media, which are as good as single crystals in most regards, but are mechanically stronger, inherently engineerable, and can be scaled to larger sizes, if needed. We are pursuing the use of these materials and others at cryogenic temperatures, where key thermal and spectroscopic properties are much improved over those at room temperature. We are particularly interested in laser operation at wavelengths near 1.6 microns in Er-doped solids, since this wavelength range offers much improved eye safety, and where recent advances in diodes laser pumps offer the potential for greatly improved efficiency and reduced thermal distortion. Also of interest are so called ‘low-phonon’ laser materials which have high potential for efficient laser operation in the 3-5 µm wavelength range. Other gain media of interest are fibers, which offer considerable beam quality and efficiency advantages, as well as better device integration, but require innovative designs to enable sufficient laser power scaling. We are also investigating special materials and laser architectures to promote heat removal from laser gain media and to further improve beam quality, beam correction and beam combining techniques based on stimulated light scattering (Brillouin and Raman).

Our laboratories have a range of laser and spectroscopic tools for these studies. These include numerous types of diode lasers and diode arrays, including fiber-coupled ones, for efficient pumping of bulk laser materials and fibers, and a range of laser cavity designs to test materials and thermal management approaches. We also have a host of state of the art spectrometers for absorption, emission and Raman spectroscopy, cryostats for both laser and spectroscopic studies as a function of temperature and a setup for measuring materials thermal conductivity in a wide range of temperatures.

Ceramic Synthesis and Processing

DEVCOM Army Research Laboratory

Solicitation: ARL-R-WMRD-300034-SEM

https://zintellect.com/Opportunity/Details/ARL-R-WMRD-300034-SEM

Posted Date: March 7, 2025

Proposed Due Date: Open

Opportunities exist 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.

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.

 

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