Apply
Important Deadlines
Annual application deadlines are March 1, July 1, and November 1. Each deadline is 11:59 p.m. U.S. Eastern Time.
Important: The next deadline in which NAI will participate is November 1, 2009.
Note: Only one application may be submitted per application cycle.
Application Instructions
The suggested browser for completing the application is Internet Explorer 6.0.
You must have an e-mail address and create a password by clicking on the registration link on the login page. BE SURE YOU FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS EXACTLY. Once you have registered, you will be able to re-enter the application; you do not have to complete the application in one session.
YOU SHOULD MAKE A NOTE OF YOUR PASSWORD BECAUSE ONLY YOU WILL KNOW IT!
You may apply as either a Postdoctoral Fellow or a Senior Fellow. A Postdoctoral Fellow has held the doctoral degree for less than five years at the time of application. A Senior Fellow has held the doctoral degree for five or more years at the time of application.
Application Components
During the application process, you will be asked to submit PDF files of the following:
Research Proposal
- Review the research opportunities. An applicant must submit a research proposal that relates to a specific opportunity for research at NASA. A proposal must be the original work of an applicant and be coordinated with a NASA advisor listed with the opportunity.
- Communicate directly with the advisor for the research opportunity before writing a proposal. The advisor can provide more specific information on current research and available technical facilities, and offer scientific support for proposal development.
- Include the following so that the research proposal is sufficiently complete for outside peer review purposes:
- title of proposal;
- brief abstract (maximum one page);
- statement of problem;
- background and relevance to previous work;
- general methodology and procedure;
- explanation of new or unusual techniques;
- expected results and their significance and application; and
- literature citations where appropriate.
- Maximum length is 15 pages, including figures and citations; double-spaced; 12-point font
Dissertation Abstract
- Not required of Senior Fellow candidates
- Maximum 350 words, double-spaced, 12-point font
Research Experience
- A concise description of all investigations, stating where, when, and with whom they were conducted
- Maximum 1200 words, double-spaced, 12-point font
Publications
Maximum 1800 words, double-spaced, 12-point font
A list in the following order:
- refereed journal articles
- books
- published proceedings
- non-refereed articles
- patents
Citations should include:
- authors
- year of publication
- title
- full name of journal
Graduate Degree Transcripts
The following requirements apply to all applicants, even if you have not obtained the Ph.D. degree yet.
- Official copies of graduate degree transcripts (Master's and Ph.D.) must be sent directly from the granting institution to the address below. Transcripts sent by the applicant will not be accepted.
- Transcripts from foreign institutions must be accompanied by an official English translation.
- Transcripts must be received no later than the application deadline.
- Transcripts are not required of Senior Fellow applicants.
A graduate degree transcript is an official report of the academic record of a student provided by the university. It may show titles of courses completed, credits and grades received, academic status, honors received, and degree(s) conferred.
If the institution does not provide graduate degree transcripts, please have the degree-granting institution(s) provide a letter listing the courses completed and grades obtained. If coursework is not required for the graduate degree, then that should be stated in the letter. This information should be sent in English directly from the granting institution(s) on its official letterhead.
Previous applicants who are submitting a new application do not need to submit transcripts again, unless the transcript has changed. However, you must notify Janeen Pointer (Janeen.Pointer@orau.org) if the transcripts provided previously need to be associated with a new application.
Postal Mail Address
NASA Postdoctoral Program
Attn: Janeen Pointer, MS-36
P.O. Box 117
Oak Ridge, Tennessee 37831-0117
Express Mail Address
NASA Postdoctoral Program
Attn: Janeen Pointer, MS-36
Building SC-200
1299 Bethel Valley Road
Oak Ridge, Tennessee 37830
Phone: 865-574-3172
References
Three references are required. These must be received no later than the application deadline. If you have received your doctoral degree within the last five years, one reference must be from your thesis advisor. The NPP Research Opportunity Advisor should not serve as a reference. When you register to apply, you will receive an e-mail with instructions for obtaining reference information.