AGENCY: National Science Foundation (NSF)/Directorate for Mathematical and Physical Sciences (MPS)/Division of Astronomical Sciences

PROGRAM: Astronomy and Astrophysics Postdoctoral Fellowships (AAPF)

OBJECTIVES:  This program provides an opportunity for highly qualified, recent doctoral scientists to carry out an integrated program of independent research and education. Fellows may engage in observational, instrumental, theoretical, laboratory or archival data research in any area of astronomy and astrophysics, in combination with a coherent educational plan for the duration of the fellowship. The program supports researchers for a period of up to 3 years with fellowships that may be taken to the institution or national facility of their choice. The program is intended to recognize early-career investigators of significant potential and to provide them with experience in research and education that will establish them in positions of distinction and leadership in the community.

ELIGIBILITY RESTRICTIONS: Fellowships are awarded to individuals, and proposals must be submitted directly by the applicant to NSF. Eligibility is limited to citizens, nationals, or permanent residents of the United States who have earned a doctoral degree within 5 years of the proposal deadline date or expect to receive the doctoral degree by 1 October of the award year. Individuals who have not yet received their doctoral degrees at the time of application must, in the event of being selected for an award, present evidence of having completed all academic requirements before beginning their fellowships at their host institutions.  Fellows must not have participated in postdoctoral training for a combined full-time-equivalent duration of more than 3 years prior to the proposal deadline.

DEADLINES: October 8, 2008

FUNDING INFORMATION: Support may be requested for periods of up to 3 years, at a level of $83,000 per year. NSF anticipates up to 9 awards annually, subject to availability of funds. Fellowship stipends of $58,000 annually are paid directly to the Fellow on a monthly schedule. A research allowance of $12,000 per year is provided to the Fellow for expenses directly related to the conduct of research, such as computing, travel, publication charges, and other research needs. An institutional allowance of $3,000 per year, available upon request, is paid to the host institution for expenses incurred in support of the Fellow, such as general purpose supplies and use of equipment and facilities. A benefit allowance of $10,000 per year is provided to either the fellow or the host institution in support of fringe benefits, including health insurance, dental and/or vision insurance, disability insurance, retirement, dependent care, and moving expenses. No additional stipend, salary, or other remuneration may be accepted from any other appointment, fellowship, or grant during the period of the fellowship. 

AGENCY CONTACT:
Dana Lehr, Program Director
Directorate for Mathematical and Physical Sciences
National Science Foundation
4201 Wilson Boulevard Rm 1045 S
Arlington, VA 22230
Telephone: 703-292-7456
Fax: 703-292-9034
Email: dlehr@nsf.gov
Web: http://www.nsf.gov/pubs/2008/nsf08581/nsf08581.htm

REMARKS: Applications must be submitted electronically using either the NSF FastLane system or Grants.gov. Collaborative proposals must be submitted via FastLane. For more information about FastLane, or to register as a FastLane user, please contact Kathleen Foster in the Office of Sponsored Programs (OSP) at x3-4365 or kfoster@bu.edu. Information about Grants.gov for BU Investigators can be obtained on the OSP website at: http://www.bu.edu/osp/pdf/Grantsgovinfo.pdf. In addition, for investigators interested in submitting proposals via Grants.gov, NSF has published the NSF Grants.gov Application Guide which may be found online at: http://www.nsf.gov/bfa/dias/policy/docs/grantsgovguide.pdf. Investigators should contact the OSP Assistant Director assigned to their school or department as soon as possible to coordinate submission through either FastLane or Grants.gov.