Prospective Applicants
The NSF National Center for Atmospheric Research
The U.S. National Science Foundation National Center for Atmospheric Research (NSF NCAR) is a federally funded research and development center devoted 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. The National Science Foundation is NCAR's main sponsor, with significant additional support provided by other U.S. government agencies, other national governments and the private sector. Through its Advanced Study Program (ASP), NSF NCAR offers a continuing program of postdoctoral study in the atmospheric and related sciences.
Research Opportunities and Service Requirements
The ASP postdoctoral fellowships provide successful applicants with considerable freedom to pursue their own research interests. Fellows develop research projects in collaboration with NSF NCAR scientists and engineers, but all are expected to choose their own research directions and are responsible for the design and conduct of their projects. If you would like assistance connecting with an NSF NCAR scientist to discuss your research proposal, please contact asp-apply@ucar.edu.
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. Thus there is also significant opportunity for projects in computational science, data science, social science, engineering, software engineering and science education. To learn more about NSF NCAR’s work and Strategic Goals see https://ncar.ucar.edu/ and https://ncar.ucar.edu/who-we-are/strategic-plan.
Fellows are expected to participate in ASP activities including seminars, lecture series, research reviews, and professional development workshops. All fellows are expected to provide community service such as outreach, mentoring of undergraduate students or committee work during their term.
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 diverse, equitable and inclusive STEM workforce. Applicants that have been awarded their degree more than 5 years before applying for the ASP program will be considered on a case by case basis but in general are not encouraged to apply.
Stipend and Benefits
Successful applicants receive a stipend of $80,480 in the first year, and $83,270 in the second year, plus a minimum of $3500 for annual scientific travel support. All fellows are eligible for life and health insurance. Each postdoc that lives outside of the IRS 50 mile relocation rule, will be provided with a relocation package to help cover the cost of moving to Boulder, Colorado.
Deadlines, Number and Terms of Appointments (For 2025)
- Applications will be accepted starting July 1, 2025.
- Application deadline is August 29, 2025.
- Offers will be made no later than April 2026.
Fellowships typically start in October, but may start earlier if funds are available. Fellowships must begin by 1/25/2027. ASP hires approximately eight 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 (Note, components 1-3 are required):
Optional cover letter OR personal statement. - A cover letter or personal statement is an opportunity for you to tell the search committee more about you, your qualifications, and your research.
- Research Proposal
- Please note: It is recommended that you reach out to NSF NCAR scientific staff for general guidance and to discuss the strategic priorities for their laboratory. However, NSF NCAR scientific staff cannot contribute to writing your research proposal nor can they review your proposal and provide specific feedback.
If you would like assistance connecting with an NSF NCAR scientist to provide guidance on your research proposal, please contact asp-apply@ucar.edu.
- Your research proposal should clearly articulate what you propose to research at NSF NCAR and why you would benefit from doing this work at NSF NCAR with guidance from NSF NCAR staff.
- 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, activities that are directly related to your research, or activities that are complementary to your proposal. For guidance on broader impacts, see https://new.nsf.gov/funding/learn/broader-impacts
- Your proposal should complement and further the research being conducted at NSF NCAR. For more information about NSF NCAR's research and our new Strategic Plan, please see https://ncar.ucar.edu/who-we-are/strategic-plan
- The length of your research proposal should be no more than three pages (US "letter" size paper, 12 point font, single-spaced, including figures). References may be included on additional pages.
- Examples of successful research proposals (example 1, example 2, example 3)
- Please note: It is recommended that you reach out to NSF NCAR scientific staff for general guidance and to discuss the strategic priorities for their laboratory. However, NSF NCAR scientific staff cannot contribute to writing your research proposal nor can they review your proposal and provide specific feedback.
- Curriculum Vitae
- Transcripts
We only need your graduate transcripts, and they can be unofficial. If you attended a US institution and your transcript contains your social security number, please be sure to block out that number before scanning. Note: If you attended graduate school at an institution that does not have transcripts, please provide a list of your graduate coursework and any grades/marks received.
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.
You will need to select your preferred laboratory
In order to help us properly route your applications materials for review, you will be required to identify at least one lab at NSF NCAR that is relevant to your research. You may select a second lab if your interests span multiple programs. You will be asked to provide some reasoning for your choice. Click here to see an overview of the organization, along with links to specific laboratories. You will select these labs during the questionnaire portion of the application process, do not include this list in your applications materials except while describing your proposed research.
If you have any questions please contact the Advanced Study Program at asp-apply@ucar.edu.