The NASA Postdoctoral Program (NPP) offers unique research opportunities to highly-talented US and non-US scientists to engage in ongoing NASA research projects at a NASA Center, NASA Headquarters, or at a NASA-affiliated research institute. These one- to three-year Fellowship appointments are competitive and are designed to advance NASA's missions in space science, earth science, aeronautics, space operations, exploration systems, and astrobiology.
As a postdoctoral scientist or senior scientist, the Fellow will conduct research of national importance and will collaborate with distinguished US and international researchers. NASA Postdoctoral Program Fellows have made significant research contributions that have advanced specific science efforts of NASA and the body of general scientific knowledge, in the areas of astrophysics, earth science, aeronautics, biology and astrobiology, cosmo-chemistry, heliophysics, planetary science, and technology development.
NASA Postdoctoral Program application deadlines are March 1, July 1 and November 1 annually. Scientists within five years of receiving their degrees are eligible to apply as a Postdoctoral Fellow; scientists who have received their doctorates more than five years previously may apply as a Senior Fellow. After the first year as a Postdoctoral Fellow, scientists interested in management may apply to the Postdoctoral Management Program at NASA headquarters.
Learn more about NASA Postdoctoral Program stipend rates and other benefits.
For more information, please see the NPP Policies and Procedures Document.