What is the NASA Postdoctoral Program?

The NASA Postdoctoral Program (NPP) offers unique research opportunities to highly-talented U.S. and non-U.S. 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 fellowships are competitive and are designed to advance NASA’s missions in space science, Earth science, aeronautics, space operations, exploration systems, and astrobiology.

Annual NASA Postdoctoral Program application deadlines are March 1, July 1, and November 1. 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, including how to apply, eligibility and requirements, benefits, and what to expect during the application process.