The National Science Foundation's Office of Polar Programs (OPP) Postdoctoral Research Fellowships (PRF) support early-career scientists in advancing polar research, fostering interdisciplinary approaches, and expanding access to polar resources. The program encourages participation from underrepresented groups in STEM and aims to develop future leaders in polar science. Fellows will affiliate with U.S.-based host institutions to conduct research aligned with OPP's objectives while engaging in professional development activities such as mentoring and outreach.

Applicants must be U.S. citizens, nationals, or permanent residents, hold a doctoral degree by the fellowship start date, and have no more than 24 months of full-time postdoctoral experience. Proposals are submitted individually but, if funded, awards are issued to the host institution where the Fellow serves as the principal investigator. Host organizations may include U.S. higher education institutions, non-profits, and certain for-profit research organizations.

The fellowship offers up to $3 million in total funding, with no cost-sharing requirement. Proposals must include a research plan suitable for OPP programs and, if proposing work at a current institution, justify the professional development benefits. Applications must adhere to eligibility criteria and submission guidelines; non-compliant submissions may be rejected without review.

The current application deadline is February 3, 2025. Proposals will be evaluated on intellectual merit and potential to broaden STEM participation. Additional information is available in NSF Publication 22-635 or through NSF Grants.gov support.