The NSF National Center for Atmospheric Research


The U.S. National Science Foundation National Center for Atmospheric Research (NSF NCAR) is dedicated to service, research and education in the atmospheric and related sciences. NSF NCAR's mission is to understand the behavior of the atmosphere and related Earth and geospace systems; to support, enhance, and extend the capabilities of the university community and the broader scientific community, nationally and internationally; to foster the transfer of knowledge and technology for the betterment of life on Earth. Besides research in core atmospheric sciences, NSF NCAR has a strong interdisciplinary mission to bring other fields to bear on complex problems in Earth system science and related disciplines.

Research Opportunities and this year’s Scientific Theme
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. 

While ASP welcomes applications in all of NSF NCAR’s research areas, this year we are inviting applications to specifically consider the first theme of the NSF NCAR Strategic Plan “Building National Resilience." Our 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. Applicants are strongly encouraged to articulate how their proposed work would support this theme.

Example topics under this theme include: 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, or 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 in late July until September 2026, check back for exact dates.
  • Offers will be made no later than April 2027.

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.
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.
     
  2. Research Proposal
     
    • Please note: You are allowed 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). References may be included on a fourth page.  
       
    • Examples of successful research proposals (example 1, example 2, example 3)
       
  3. Curriculum Vitae

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.