NSF Astronomy and Astrophysics Postdoctoral Fellowships
Last verified by NonDilute: 2026-06-08. Official notice and agency instructions control.
If you just earned a PhD in astronomy or astrophysics and want three years of funded independence to establish yourself as a research leader, this fellowship removes institutional constraints and lets you pick where you work.
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What this is
This is a career-launching fellowship for early-career researchers who have recently completed a doctorate in astronomy, astrophysics, or closely related fields. Fellows design their own research program (observational, theoretical, instrumental, laboratory, or archival) combined with an educational component, and can take the fellowship to any eligible host institution. The program provides up to $110,000+ annually for three years, designed to establish fellows as independent investigators poised for leadership roles in academia or research.
Who can apply
Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents who have earned a doctorate in astronomy, astrophysics, or a closely related discipline within the past three years. You must propose taking the fellowship to an eligible U.S. host institution (typically universities, observatories, or research centers with appropriate research infrastructure).
Eligible applicant types
- Others (see text field entitled "Additional Information on Eligibility" for clarification)
Full description — from the agency
NSF Astronomy and Astrophysics Postdoctoral Fellowships provide an opportunity for highly qualified, recent doctoral scientists to carry out an integrated program of independent research and education. Fellows may engage in observational, instrumental, theoretical, laboratory or archival data research in any area of astronomy or astrophysics, in combination with a coherent educational plan for the duration of the fellowship. The program supports researchers for a period of up to three years with fellowships that may be taken to eligible host institutions of their choice. The program is intended to recognize early-career investigators of significant potential and to provide them with experience in research and education that will establish them in positions of distinction and leadership in the scientific community.
Topics: postdoctoral fellowship · astronomy research · astrophysics · early-career scientist · nsf funding · research independence · observational astronomy · theoretical astrophysics
Public-source funding discovery only. This summary is generated from public agency data and may be incomplete or stale. NonDilute is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or acting on behalf of any government agency. Official notices and agency instructions control. NonDilute does not determine eligibility, provide grant-writing advice, or guarantee funding.