Atmospheric and Geospace Sciences Postdoctoral Research Fellowships

The Atmospheric and Geospace Sciences Postdoctoral Research Fellowships (AGS-PRF) program is administered by the Division of Atmospheric and Geospace Sciences (AGS) under the Directorate for Geosciences at the National Science Foundation (NSF). The NSF is an independent federal agency established in 1950 to promote science and engineering progress in the United States. The AGS-PRF supports early-career scientists, offering two-year fellowships to pursue independent research in atmospheric and geospace sciences. These fellowships aim to nurture future leaders in the field by providing opportunities for research, interdisciplinary collaboration, and professional development at U.S. institutions. The AGS-PRF program is open to U.S. citizens, nationals, and lawful permanent residents who are either current graduate students, have held a PhD for no more than two years at the time of submission, or have less than 18 months of full-time employment in the field if more than two years have elapsed since earning their degree. Research supported must fall within one or more of the following AGS disciplines: Atmospheric Chemistry, Climate and Large-Scale Dynamics, Paleoclimate, Physical and Dynamic Meteorology, Aeronomy, Magnetospheric Physics, Solar Terrestrial, or Space Weather Research. Proposals must clearly justify the choice of host institution and scientific mentors, especially if remaining at the current or PhD-granting institution. Fellows receive up to $202,000 over two years, with $100,000 in the first year and $102,000 in the second. This amount includes a stipend of $70,000 (year one) and $72,000 (year two), and a $30,000 annual allowance for research expenses, travel, fringe benefits, and other professional development activities. These funds are awarded directly to individuals rather than host institutions. Fellows are expected to engage full-time in fellowship activities and are not permitted to hold other employment or funding during the fellowship period without NSF approval. Applications are accepted at any time and must be submitted via Research.gov or Grants.gov. Proposals must include a project summary, project description (not exceeding 10 pages), data management plan, budget, and letters of collaboration from host institutions and scientific mentors. Notably, recommendation letters are not accepted; instead, detailed institutional support and mentoring plans are required. NSF uses its established merit review process, evaluating proposals based on intellectual merit, broader impacts, and additional criteria such as professional development potential and the benefits of the host institution. Evaluation and selection are managed by NSF program officers, and decisions are generally made within six months. Awardees must start their fellowships within six months of receiving the award notice. Additional administrative requirements include annual and final project reports and compliance with NSF’s data management and harassment policies. Contact information for program officers Chia-Lin Huang and Sylvia Edgerton is provided for direct inquiries about the program.