NCAR Advanced Study Program: Postdoctoral Fellowship Grant

NCAR Advanced Study Program: Postdoctoral Fellowship Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: University Corporation for Atmospheric Research
Amount: Up to US $167,250
Last Updated: September 14, 2025

Summary

The NCAR Advanced Study Program offers a prestigious postdoctoral fellowship for independent research at the National Center for Atmospheric Research. This program, established over fifty years ago, fosters collaboration among scientists and engineers while encouraging fellows to pursue their own research interests. Successful candidates will engage in a diverse range of interdisciplinary projects across atmospheric sciences and related fields, with support for community involvement and professional development, making it an exceptional opportunity for emerging scholars.

Overview

The ASP postdoctoral fellowship is an excellent opportunity to conduct independent research at the National Center for Atmospheric Research. ASP fellows are part of a collaborative cohort, are mentored by leading NCAR scientists and engineers, and benefit from the breadth of science and training happening at NCAR. The ASP Postdoctoral Fellowship Program has been a part of NCAR for over fifty years and has sponsored more than 500 postdoctoral scientists. Many former fellows now occupy prominent positions in the university community or at NCAR. Atmospheric scientists, physicists, chemists, applied mathematicians, computer scientists, engineers, and specialists from related disciplines such as biology, geology, science education, economics, and geography can participate in ASP and contribute to innovation and creativity at NCAR. 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 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. Besides research in core atmospheric sciences, NCAR has a strong interdisciplinary mission to bring other fields to bear on complex problems in climate, weather 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 NCAR’s work and Strategic Goals see here. 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 NCAR Fellows are expected to relocate to Boulder, CO and work in residence full time at NCAR. Due to COVID-19 relocation to Boulder may be delayed in agreement with ASP. 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.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. An applicant must have a Ph.D. or Sc. D. degree granted in an area related to NCAR work or must be able to complete such a degree and finish all thesis revisions and defense before starting the 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 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.There are no special restrictions for foreign applicants.