Vital, integrated research in Earth system science

A global leader in Earth system science, the U.S. National Science Foundation National Center for Atmospheric Research (NSF NCAR) advances scientific breakthroughs by providing the research community with cutting-edge modeling, observational tools, and computing resources. The impact? Delivering critical insights that protect lives, support the economy, and strengthen national security. We also provide training for the next generation of scientists ensuring we maintain our country's competitive edge not just now, but in the future.

The Advanced Study Program (ASP) postdoctoral fellowship is an excellent opportunity to conduct independent research at NSF NCAR. ASP fellows are part of a collaborative cohort, are mentored by leading scientists and engineers, and benefit from the breadth of science and training happening at NSF NCAR. The ASP Postdoctoral Fellowship Program has been a part of NSF NCAR for over sixty years and has sponsored more than 600 postdoctoral scientists. Many former fellows now occupy prominent positions in the university community or at NSF NCAR.
  
Atmospheric scientists, physicists, heliophysicists, chemists, applied mathematicians, computer scientists, engineers, and many other specialists from related disciplines including biology, geology, science education, economics, or geography can participate in ASP and contribute to innovation and creativity at NSF NCAR.

The Advanced Study Program (ASP) postdoctoral fellowships provide successful applicants with considerable freedom to pursue their research interests. Fellows develop research projects in collaboration with NSF NCAR scientists and engineers, but all are responsible for the design and conduct of their projects. 

Research Opportunities and this year’s Scientific Theme

ASP welcomes applications in all of NSF NCAR’s research areas and this year we are requesting applications to describe how the science fits with the first theme of the NSF NCAR Strategic Plan “Building National Resilience." 

NSF NCAR’s science is urgently needed to address the environmental challenges that threaten the nation’s resilience. We must pursue our work in a way that ensures the Earth system science community’s research is as responsive as possible to society’s needs. NSF NCAR conducts and supports both fundamental and applied research and welcomes ASP proposals in both. Therefore, applicants should articulate how their proposed work would support building national resilience, either directly or in the longer term through advancing science and capabilities that underpin decision making. Example topics under this theme include, but are not limited to: building resilience to the impacts of hazardous storms, protecting geomagnetic storm-sensitive assets, supporting decision-making for water cycle related impacts, reducing the risk from wildfire hazards for a resilient society, and protecting society and infrastructure from temperature extremes.

If you would like assistance connecting with an NSF NCAR scientist to discuss your research proposal, please contact asp-apply@ucar.edu.

Service Requirement

In addition to their research and lab activities, ASP fellows are expected to participate in ASP activities including seminars, lecture series, research exchanges, and professional development workshops. All fellows are expected to provide community service during their term such as community engagement, student mentorings, or committee work.

Residence at NSF NCAR

Fellows are expected to relocate to Boulder, CO and work in residence full time at NSF NCAR. 

Qualifications

An applicant must have a Ph.D. or Sc.D. degree granted in an area related to NSF NCAR work or must be able to complete such a degree and finish all thesis revisions and defense before starting the NSF NCAR appointment. Primary criteria used in the selection of postdoctoral fellows are the applicant's scientific capability and potential, especially as indicated by originality and independence, the match between the applicant's interests and the research opportunities available at NSF NCAR, the potential for leadership in the field, and the applicant’s commitment to contributing to a collaborative and team scientific environment. Applicants that have been awarded their Ph.D. or Sc.D degree more than 5 years before applying for the ASP program will be considered on a case by case basis.

Stipend and Benefits

Successful applicants receive a stipend of $82,650 in the first year, and $85,520 in the second year, plus a minimum of $3500 for annual scientific travel support. All fellows are eligible for life and health insurance.  Postdocs that live outside of the IRS 50 mile relocation rule, will be provided with a relocation package towards the cost of moving to Boulder, Colorado.

Deadlines, Number and Terms of Appointments

  • Applications will be accepted beginning August 31st, 2026
  • Deadline to apply: October 25th, 2026
  • Offers will be made no later than April 2027
  • If you would like to be notified when the application period begins, please complete this form: https://forms.gle/bCEErsDFPP9vWQmr7.

Fellowships typically start in October 2027, but may start earlier if funds are available. Fellowships must begin no later than 1/31/2028. ASP hires approximately seven new postdoctoral fellows a year. Appointments are for a maximum of two years. By applying to this position you may also be considered for other postdoctoral fellowship positions within NSF NCAR.

How to apply

Guidelines for AI use in ASP applications
Your application consists of the following components:

  1. Cover letter - A cover letter is an opportunity for you to tell the search committee more about you, your qualifications, and your research.
    • The length of your cover letter should be no more than two pages (US "letter" size paper, 10 point font, single-spaced, and the smallest allowable margin size is 1/2 inch).
  2. Research Proposal
    • Please note: You are encouraged to reach out to NSF NCAR scientific staff for general guidance and to discuss NSF NCAR strategic priorities. However, NSF NCAR scientific staff cannot contribute to writing your research proposal nor can they review your proposal and provide specific feedback.
    • Your research proposal should clearly articulate what you propose to research at NSF NCAR, how it aligns with and supports NSF NCAR’s strategic theme "Building national resilience", and why you would benefit from doing this work at NSF NCAR.
    • Additionally, you will need to incorporate the broader impacts of your research into this proposal. Broader impacts should be clearly stated in your proposal and may be accomplished through your research, or activities that are either directly related to, or complementary to your research. For guidance on broader impacts, see https://new.nsf.gov/funding/learn/broader-impacts
    • The length of your research proposal should be no more than three pages (US "letter" size paper, 10 point font, single-spaced, including figures, and and the smallest allowable margin size is 1/2 inch). References may be included on a fourth page.
    • Examples of successful research proposals (example 1, example 2, example 3)
  3. Curriculum Vitae
    • The length of your CV should be no more than three pages (US "letter" size paper, 10 point font, single-spaced,  and the smallest allowable margin size is 1/2 inch).

In addition to the components listed above, you will also be required to provide answers to several questions as part of the questionnaire when applying. These questions will help us determine the proper scientists to forward your application to for their assessment.

If you have any questions please contact the Advanced Study Program at asp-apply@ucar.edu.