EAR Postdoctoral Fellowships | 21 605

FAQs: NSF Division of Earth Sciences (EAR) Postdoctoral Fellowships (Funding Opportunity Number 21-605)

What is the NSF EAR Postdoctoral Fellowship?

The NSF Division of Earth Sciences (EAR) Postdoctoral Fellowship is a funding opportunity designed to help early-career Earth scientists who have recently earned a doctoral degree launch an independent research trajectory. It is structured as an integrated package that combines a self-directed research project with intentional professional development, mentoring, and training.

What is the main goal of this fellowship program?

The overall goal is to help promising new investigators build the track record, skills, and visibility needed to move into leadership roles within the Earth sciences community.

Who is this fellowship intended for?

The fellowship is intended for early-career scientists who have recently earned a doctoral degree and are ready to begin an independent research path within the Earth sciences.

What kinds of research projects are eligible?

Proposed research must fit within the scope of NSF EAR disciplinary programs and align with the overarching theme set for the postdoctoral fellowship program. Projects may be grounded in a single EAR discipline or may bridge multiple EAR areas, as long as the central scientific questions clearly sit within EAR's mission and priorities.

Are interdisciplinary or cross-cutting proposals allowed?

Yes. Proposals that bridge multiple EAR areas are explicitly welcomed, especially research at the intersections of programs. The opportunity highlights cross-cutting science examples such as interdisciplinary Critical Zone (CZ) research and topics connected to Cooperative Studies of Earth's Deep Interior (CSEDI).

Do proposals have to be tied to specific highlighted examples like Critical Zone (CZ) or CSEDI?

No specific example is stated as required. CZ and CSEDI are provided as examples of the kind of cross-cutting, intersection-focused science that is encouraged.

How long can the fellowship support last?

Support can extend for up to two years.

Is the fellowship portable to different institutions?

Yes. A key feature of the program is portability. The fellowship can be taken to an institution of the Fellow's choice.

Can the fellowship be hosted outside the United States?

Yes. The fellowship can be taken to institutions outside the United States, providing flexibility in selecting a host environment, collaborators, facilities, and mentorship.

Is the award made to an institution or to an individual?

The award is made to an individual rather than to an institution.

Who administers the fellowship award?

The fellowship is administered by the Fellow, which emphasizes independence and personal responsibility for managing both the research plan and the professional development plan.

What non-research components are included in the fellowship design?

The fellowship is designed to integrate a self-directed research project with intentional professional development, mentoring, and training.

How does the program address inclusion and equity in the geosciences?

EAR places strong emphasis on improving inclusivity and equity in the geosciences. The program highlights EAR's BAJEDI priorities: belonging, accessibility, justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Are applicants expected to address BAJEDI priorities in their proposals?

Applicants are encouraged to address BAJEDI priorities directly in their proposed activities. Examples mentioned include mentoring, outreach, training approaches, partnership-building, broadening participation efforts, or other actions that measurably improve access and inclusion within the applicant's research and professional context.

Which groups are especially encouraged to apply?

The solicitation notes that applications are especially encouraged from women, veterans, persons with disabilities, and individuals from groups underrepresented in STEM. It also encourages individuals who attended two-year colleges or minority-serving institutions at the undergraduate or graduate level, and those who plan to conduct their fellowship at such institutions.

What types of minority-serving institutions are specifically mentioned?

The opportunity specifically mentions HBCUs, Tribal Colleges and Universities, Hispanic Serving Institutions, Alaska Native Serving Institutions, and Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Serving Institutions.

How many awards does NSF anticipate making under this opportunity?

The opportunity anticipated making around 12 awards.

Is there a specified award ceiling?

An award ceiling is not specified in the provided listing. The available information indicates that the fellowship provides support for up to two years.

What is the Funding Opportunity Number for this program?

The Funding Opportunity Number listed is 21-605.

What is the CFDA number and category associated with this opportunity?

The opportunity is listed under CFDA 47.050 in the science and technology research and development category.

What type of grant opportunity is this?

This is described as a discretionary NSF grant opportunity.

What was the original closing date listed for the opportunity?

The original closing date listed was November 3, 2021.

When was the opportunity record created?

The opportunity record shows a creation date of August 11, 2021.

Does the program emphasize independence for the Fellow?

Yes. The program is designed to help Fellows launch an independent research trajectory, and the award is made to the individual and administered by the Fellow, reinforcing independence and responsibility.

Can an applicant choose their host environment and collaborators?

Yes. Portability is intended to give applicants flexibility to select the host environment, collaborators, facilities, and mentorship that best match their proposed work.

Do proposals need to be within EAR's mission and priorities?

Yes. Even when proposals integrate methods, datasets, or conceptual frameworks across subfields, the central scientific questions must clearly fit within EAR's mission and priorities.