The NSF Astronomy and Astrophysics Postdoctoral Fellowships (AAPF) program supports highly qualified recent doctoral graduates in conducting independent research combined with a coherent education plan in astronomy or astrophysics. The program provides up to three years of funding, offering a stipend of $75,000 annually, along with a $35,000 fellowship allowance to cover research-related expenses. Fellows can engage in a wide range of research activities including observational, instrumental, theoretical, or archival data studies in astronomy or astrophysics.

The fellowships are intended to enhance the recipients' professional development, helping establish them as future leaders in the scientific community. Educational activities, constituting 10-25% of the fellow’s time, are also a core requirement, and can include teaching, outreach, or developing educational materials. Proposers are encouraged to align these activities with their host institutions' educational goals.

Eligibility for this fellowship is limited to U.S. citizens, nationals, or permanent residents who have earned their doctoral degree within the past five years. Proposals are submitted directly by the candidate, not through their institution, and each individual can only submit one proposal per competition. The proposal must include a research and education plan, and applicants must secure a host institution in the U.S. or an eligible international site.

The submission window for proposals runs annually from August 15 to October 15. Proposals must be submitted through Research.gov or Grants.gov. Those selected for fellowships will be notified around February following the submission deadline, with the fellowship beginning by October of that year.

For more detailed information, including instructions for preparing and submitting a proposal, applicants are encouraged to visit the NSF website or contact the program officers.