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 and 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 the institution or national facility of their choice, and 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 community.
AAPFs are awards to individuals; applications are submitted directly by the applicant to NSF. Each candidate must identify one or more sponsoring scientist(s) and host institution(s) at the time of proposal submission. Candidates may propose to hold the fellowship at
U.S. institutions of higher education, NSF-funded national centers, facilities or institutes, and/or non-profit organizations with research and educational missions. Fellowship tenure is also allowed at international sites that are operated by
U.S. organizations. Each candidate may submit only one fellowship proposal per year.
