The U.S. National Science Foundation offers postdoctoral fellows paid opportunities to expand their skills and knowledge in science and engineering.
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Information for principal investigators
This page highlights opportunities that postdoctoral fellows can directly apply to.
If you're interested in supporting postdocs with NSF funding, explore NSF's Funding Search page. Most of NSF's funding opportunities allow proposers to include postdocs in their project budget.
Engineering Postdoctoral Fellowship
NSF's Engineering Fellows program supports independent postdoctoral research in engineering. In addition to hands-on academic research with a faculty advisor, each fellowship cohort participates in professional development and mentoring activities designed to prepare them for future research careers.
These two-year fellowships provide a stipend and travel allowance.
Citizens and permanent residents of the United States who have recently earned a Ph.D. are eligible to apply.
The program accepts applications on an annual basis. Visit the eFellows website to learn more.
Innovative Postdoctoral Entrepreneurial Research Fellowship
Funded by NSF, the Innovative Postdoctoral Entrepreneurial Research Fellowship (I-PERF) recruits, trains, mentors, matches and funds early-career, Ph.D.-level scientists and engineers so they can participate in innovative entrepreneurial activities at some of the nation’s most promising startup companies.
Fellows receive an annual stipend of $78,000, optional individual health and life insurance benefits, relocation assistance to the approved host company, a professional conference travel allowance, and scripted professional development training.
Applicants must have earned a doctoral degree in an NSF-supported STEM discipline within the last seven years. Only U.S. citizens, nationals or permanent residents are eligible to apply. See the I-PERF website for full eligibility criteria.
Visit the I-PERF website to apply.
Mathematical and Physical Sciences Postdoctoral Fellowships
The NSF Mathematical and Physical Sciences Directorate (NSF MPS) offers three postdoctoral fellowship programs:
NSF Mathematical and Physical Sciences Ascending Postdoctoral Research Fellowships
Supports postdoctoral fellows performing impactful research across all fields supported by NSF MPS while broadening the participation of groups that are underrepresented in the mathematical and physical sciences.
NSF Mathematical Sciences Postdoctoral Research Fellowships
Supports postdoctoral fellows in pursuing research and training in mathematics and statistics, including their applications to other disciplines.
NSF Astronomy and Astrophysics Postdoctoral Fellowships
Supports postdoctoral fellows to conduct an integrated program of independent research and education in areas supported by the NSF Division of Astronomical Sciences.
Postdoctoral Research Fellowships
NSF's Postdoctoral Research Fellowships support independent postdoctoral research, allowing fellows to perform work that will broaden their perspectives, facilitate interdisciplinary interactions, and help establish them in leadership positions.
These two- or three-year fellowships provide a stipend and a research and training allowance.
Citizens, nationals and permanent residents of the United States who have recently earned a Ph.D. or will have earned their Ph.D. before beginning the fellowship are eligible to apply.
Current postdoctoral fellowship opportunities can be found on NSF's Funding Search.
Deadlines vary by program: some accept proposals at any time while others have annual deadlines.