Frequently Asked Questions
Program Information | Stipends and Benefits | Taxes | Travel
Program Information
Who do I contact for more information?
The NASA Postdoctoral Program (NPP) e-mail address is: nasapostdoc@orau.org.
You can also find contacts for information on specific topics on this site.
Who administers the NASA Postdoctoral Program (NPP)?
The program is administered for NASA by Oak Ridge Associated Universities (ORAU). ORAU is a university consortium leveraging the scientific strength of major research institutions to advance science and education by partnering with national laboratories, government agencies, and private industry.
What is the difference between the NASA Postdoctoral Research Program and the NASA Postdoctoral Management Program, and who is eligible for each?
The NASA Postdoctoral Management Program is an adjunct to the NASA Postdoctoral Research Program and is designed to provide valuable research management experience for some of the Research Program Fellows. You must have at least one year of experience as a Research Program Fellow before you can apply to the Postdoctoral Management Program.
How do I determine whether I apply as a Postdoctoral Fellow or 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.
How long is an NPP fellowship appointment and what is the process for requesting a renewal?
A Fellowship appointment is awarded for a 12-month period. The appointment may be renewed two times for a total of three years, contingent upon the approval of NASA, the research needs of the Center or facility, and the availability of funds. The first and second years of the appointment are typically supported by NPP programmatic funds. Support for a third year, however, is generally provided by the NPP Advisor’s project funds. The renewal process must be initiated by the Fellow with the Advisor at least two months prior to the Fellow's appointment termination date. The Fellow completes an Application for Renewal form, and the Advisor completes the Advisor Evaluation of Fellow form. The Advisor sends the completed forms to the NPP Center Representative for final approval and forwarding to ORAU.
What are the eligibility requirements for the program?
Fellowships are available to U.S. citizens and non-U.S. Citizens who have J-1 visa status as a Research Scholar, Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR) status or have an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) with pending LPR status. An H-1B Visa status is not acceptable because the NPP is not an employment program. Non-U.S. Citizens selected for an appointment must contact ORAU concerning their visa status and provide evidence that they have the appropriate status before they can begin an NPP appointment. See Section 13, Non-U.S. Citizens, in the NPP Policies and Procedures for more information.
You must complete all requirements for a Ph.D. or an equivalent doctorate degree before beginning the fellowship.
NPP Fellows are eligible for another award five years after the end of the previous appointment.
Is any special documentation required from non-U.S. citizens who are selected for an appointment?
Non-U.S. citizens with immigrant (Lawful Permanent Resident) visa status or with J-1 exchange visitor visa status are eligible to receive an NPP Fellowship. Non-U.S. citizens selected for an appointment must contact ORAU concerning their visa status and provide evidence that they have a valid visa status before they can begin an NPP appointment.
Is a security clearance required before beginning an NPP fellowship?
Some NASA Centers may require a security or visitation clearance before starting the appointment. You will be notified in advance by the NPP Center Representative if a clearance is required.
How and when is an applicant notified of an award?
An applicant who has been selected by NASA for an NPP award will be notified first by e-mail, followed by a formal offer from ORAU. The offer package consists of an Offer Letter, Terms of Appointment, and supporting materials and is sent via an express mail carrier. Typically, notifications are made about three months after the cycle ends.
What determines the start and end dates for the fellowship, and can they be changed?
Your appointment start date (the first day you report to your appointment facility) should be within a few weeks or no later than six months from the date of the ORAU Offer Letter. The Offer Letter will include the approximate start date that you provide for your appointment. If there are special circumstances, such as visa requirements, that require you to change the start date, you must notify the NPP Advisor, the NPP Center Representative, and ORAU to obtain approval.
The termination or end date is the last day you will be at your appointment facility. It may be amended for early departure or for appointment renewals.
Does ORAU assist with relocation to the appointment site for the NPP Fellowship?
Yes. Before you make any arrangements to relocate, if applicable, you should contact ORAU NPP staff. Relocation travel arrangements must be approved by ORAU and adhere to Federal Travel Regulations and ORAU Travel Guidelines. ORAU staff can provide information, assistance, and approvals for your relocation travel arrangements.
To whom do I report on the first day of my assignment?
When you arrive at the appointment facility to begin your appointment, you must report to the NPP Center Representative. He or she will assist you with security and badging procedures, orientations, safety briefings, logistical arrangements, and other aspects of your appointment.
What is the role of the NASA Advisor?
The NASA Advisor serves as a mentor and professional colleague, but does not act as a supervisor. Your Advisor will guide you in all aspects of your research or management activities and help you to acquire office space and equipment as well as providing information on security, safety, expected attendance schedules, and other requirements of your assigned facility.
Can NPP Fellows submit grant proposals and serve as Principal Investigators during an NPP appointment?
NPP Fellows are not allowed to supplement their stipends through simultaneous employment, grants, or other sources of income that compete with the Fellowship activities. During their appointments, NPP Fellows shall perform the research work stated in the proposal submitted with the NPP application.
NASA discourages NPP Fellows to generate and submit proposals in the first year of the appointment, because they are expected to focus on the research proposed in the NPP applications and publish the results in peer-reviewed journals. The NPP Fellows’ Advisors and host NASA Centers or institutions provide the required office, laboratory space, instruments, computers and access, data, supplies, books, publication charges, poster printing, etc., for the Fellow to promptly initiate their research upon their arrival. Therefore, the Fellow shall not need to secure funds to facilitate the research proposed on the application.
NASA understands that proposal writing is part of a science career, and, therefore, Fellows may desire to generate proposals during the second year of the appointment. Since the Fellow does not have an institution affiliation (an institution is needed for proposal submission and funds administration), the NPP advisor should serve as the official Principal Investigator and the associated NASA Center or affiliated institution should administer the funds. The Fellow may be named Science PI. Funds cannot be used to supplement the Fellow’s NPP stipend.
What is the process for an NPP Fellow to be named Science PI on a proposal submitted to the Research Opportunities in Space and Earth Sciences (ROSES)?
If submitting to a NASA solicitation through Research Opportunities in Space and Earth Sciences (ROSES), the NPP Fellow can be named as the Science Principal Investigator (Science PI) or Co-Investigator (Co-I) in the “Add a Team Member” and be provided all the privileges. This should ensure credit for the proposal. In other venues the Fellow may be named as Co-I.
During proposal submission in NSPIRES (http://nspires.nasaprs.com), the PI can go to the "Add Team Member" page, choose “Co-I/Science PI” on the “Role” droplist, and assign the team member with the needed privileges (Proposal Summary, Business Data, Budget, Program Specific Data, Team Members, and Proposal Attachments).
The NPP Fellow should be referred to in the proposal as a NASA Postdoctoral Fellow with a guest researcher appointment at the appropriate host NASA Center or institution. Oak Ridge Associated Universities should not be referred to in the proposal, except (if needed) as the organization that administers the Postdoctoral Program for NASA.
Can NPP Fellows receive compensation from other sources during a fellowship appointment?
No. NPP Fellows must devote their efforts entirely to the NASA-sponsored research program for which the award was made. An NPP Fellow may not receive funding from another appointment, fellowship, scholarship, or similar grant during the term of the appointment. NPP Fellows may contribute to proposals as long as the proposed research directly supports the NPP Fellowship appointment, but may not receive compensation for the contributions.
What are the requirements for publications?
You are encouraged to publish your research findings in the peer-reviewed open literature. You are required to adhere to the host institution’s requirements for prior review and approval of all material, whether written or prepared for oral presentation. All publications should include appropriate acknowledgment of the NASA Postdoctoral Program appointment, the host institution, and ORAU. See Section 14, Reports and Publications Acknowledgement, in the NPP Policies and Procedures for more information.
Are publication charges covered by my award?
Publication charges are NOT a part of your NPP award budget. Such costs should be provided by your NPP Advisor’s project funds or host institution. You should discuss your host institution’s publication policy with your NASA Advisor and your NPP Center Representative.
Is there any required reporting by NPP Fellows?
Yes. Each NPP Fellow must submit a Final Report immediately prior to the termination of the appointment. The Final Report should summarize the research accomplishments during the Fellowship appointment. The Final Report is submitted by completing a brief Web-based form that includes sections for listing all publications, papers presented, conference participation, and other aspects of the appointment. The release of the final stipend payment is contingent upon receipt of the Final Report by ORAU.
What if I need to terminate my appointment before the official end date?
You must immediately inform your Advisor, the NPP Center Representative, and ORAU. This written notification should be submitted at least 60 days before the early termination date.
If you terminate your initial appointment with fewer than twelve months of participation, you must repay in full any reimbursed relocation expenses and/or stipend advance you may have received. You must also submit a Final Report and settle any outstanding travel expense statements.
Does the program provide funds for purchasing equipment, software, books, etc., needed for the proposed research?
Anticipated research needs and special requirements necessary to conduct the proposed research should be identified in the NPP application (see the Research Proposal section of the application). The NPP advisor or NASA Center must provide all hardware, software, books, publication charges, printing/laminating of posters and or handouts for presentations at conferences or meetings, professional society membership fees, and other equipment needed for the proposed research. Programmatic funds (e.g., travel budget) cannot be used to pay for these and other items needed for the proposed research.
Stipend and Benefits
How is my stipend determined?
The stipend amount for Postdoctoral Fellows is based on the location of appointment and degree specialty. The stipend amount for Senior Fellows is based on the location of the appointment, degree specialty, number of years after receipt of the doctoral degree, and the total score obtained on the NPP application.
When and how will Fellows be paid?
Stipends are paid on the last day of each month. ORAU encourages electronic deposit to an account of the Fellow’s choice, which ensures regular and timely deposit transaction and documentation.
I received my stipend deposit statement and I don't understand the amounts. It looks like all of the insurance premium was deducted out of my stipend.
The NASA portion of the monthly insurance premium is part of the award. It is shown as part of the stipend on the "Statement of Earnings" each month. For example, if your monthly stipend is $4,200 and you have elected to purchase insurancecoverage through ORAU, your pay stub would reflect the following information:
Amount of check or deposit = $4,200 + NASA's portion of insurance - full cost of insurance. (In addition, a foreign national may have taxes withheld from the stipend in accordance with current treaties between the U.S. and the Fellow's country of citizenship.)
Monthly insurance premiums are paid one month in advance; therefore, if the appointment begins before the 15th of the month, the first month of stipend will have two months of premium deducted. If the appointment begins after the 15th of the month, the premium for the following month will be deducted.
What if I work only part of a month?
If your appointment begins after the first day of the month or terminates before the final day of the month, your stipend for that month will be prorated based on the number of days of participation in that month.
Are stipend advances available?
You may request an advance of up to 50 percent of your first month’s stipend. You must request the advance in writing at least 30 days prior to the starting date specified in your signed Offer Letter. A check for the advance stipend payment will be given to you by the NPP Center Representative on the day your appointment officially begins and you are in residence at the facility. The amount of the advance is recovered by reducing your stipend pay by a fixed amount each month for the number of months you specify (up to ten months). If you terminate your appointment before the advance has been repaid, you must repay the advance in full before your final check will be released.
Is health insurance REQUIRED during my appointment?
Yes. If you already have health insurance, all pertinent information must be included on the signed Terms of Appointment. Before the appointment can begin, you must also provide a copy of your insurance card. If you do not already have health insurance, you may purchase coverage through the BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee group plan offered by ORAU.
What are the options for health benefits under the NASA Postdoctoral Program?
ORAU offers Fellows the opportunity to participate in the BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee group plan. ORAU does not offer dental and vision insurance coverage for NASA Fellows.
Is COBRA coverage an option when my appointment terminates?
The Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) provides temporary continuation of health insurance coverage at group rates. It is available for up to 18 months at full cost to the Fellow.
What if I have an accident while engaged in activities related to my appointment?
Fellows are covered by accident and death/dismemberment insurance (worker's compensation-type insurance), which covers you while engaged in official research/research management activities related to your appointment. This insurance covers allowable expenses that are not covered by a personal health insurance policy. Fellows must immediately report any injury received while engaged in appointment-related research/research management activities to your Advisor, the NPP Center Representative, and the ORAU NPP Director.
Are Fellows considered employees of ORAU or NASA?
No. An NPP Fellow is NOT an employee of NASA, ORAU, the host facility, or any other office or agency. The Fellow is affiliated with ORAU for the administration of the appointment through the ORAU Offer Letter and Terms of Appointment and has a guest appointment at the NASA-designated facility.
Does a Fellow get vacation or sick leave during the appointment?
Fellows are NOT employees; therefore, there are no employment-related benefits such as paid vacations, sick leave, or unemployment compensation. With the approval of the NPP Advisor and the NPP Center Representative, however, a Fellow may be excused from participation for brief periods due to illness, personal emergencies, maternity, or other unforeseen circumstances.
A Fellow may be excused for personal leave for a brief period of time without cessation of his or her stipend, provided the leave and the continuation of the stipend are pre-approved by the Advisor and NPP Center Representative at least two weeks in advance. The NPP Center Representative must notify ORAU of the approved time away from the Center and the continuation of the stipend prior to the start date of the personal leave.
What about publications, copyrights, and patents?
Guidelines and procedures for publications, copyrights, and patents should be discussed with your NASA Advisor and NPP Center Representative at the start of your appointment. See Section 2, Publications, Copyrights, Patents, in the NPP Policies and Procedures for more information.
Taxes
Does ORAU withhold income taxes for Fellows who are U.S. citizens?
Since NPP Fellows are not employees, and since they receive awards (not wages), ORAU does NOT withhold state or federal income taxes from award payments for U.S. citizens. Participants, therefore, should consider filing Form 1040-ES on a quarterly basis and pay estimated federal income taxes in order to avoid late payment penalties. Travel expense reimbursements (including relocation costs) are not reported to the IRS. Fellows should consult state regulations regarding state income tax.
NPP Fellows receive award payments from ORAU, which are reported to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) by ORAU as “Miscellaneous Income—prizes and awards” as defined in IRS Code Section 74. All payments by ORAU should be reported on the Fellow's federal income tax return, Form 1040, as "Other Income" and be identified as a "Fellowship Award."
Does ORAU withhold income taxes for Fellows who are foreign nationals?
ORAU will review existing treaties between the Fellow's country of citizenship and the U.S. to determine income tax withholdings. ORAU may withhold a portion of the monthly stipend for income tax purposes based on the current treaties. At the time a Fellow starts a new appointment, ORAU will notify the Fellow in writing of any deductions to be made, and will suggest IRS references that will help the Fellow determine his/her federal tax liability. The Fellow should consult state regulations regarding state income tax.
NPP Fellows receive award payments from ORAU, which are reported to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) by ORAU as “Miscellaneous Income—prizes and awards” as defined in IRS Code Section 74. All payments by ORAU should be reported on the Fellow's federal income tax return, Form 1040, as "Other Income" and be identified as a "Fellowship Award."
Are NPP Fellows exempt from paying self-employment taxes?
Yes. Since NPP Fellows are not employees and since they receive awards (not wages), they are exempt from paying Social Security and Medicare taxes.
Travel
When is reimbursement allowed for relocation?
If a Fellow resides more than 50 miles from the assigned NASA facility, limited reimbursement of expenses for relocating from the Fellow’s current residence address to the area of the assigned NASA facility will be provided. Reimbursement of any allowable expenses must adhere to the Federal Travel Regulations and ORAU/NPP Travel Guidelines. Fellows should contact ORAU before any relocation plans are made. See Section 8, Financial Support Provided, in the NPP Policies and Procedures for more information.
Will relocation expenses be reimbursed for non-U.S. citizen Fellows who relocate from residences outside the United States?
If a non-U.S. Citizen Fellow resides outside the United States, limited reimbursement of expenses for relocating from the Fellow’s current residence address to the area of the assigned NASA facility will be provided and guided by the Federal Travel Regulations and ORAU/NPP Travel Guidelines. See Section 8, Financial Support Provided, in the NPP Policies and Procedures for more information.
When I terminate my NPP appointment, will I be reimbursed for outbound relocation?
U.S. Citizen Postdoctoral Fellows will NOT be reimbursed for outbound moving expenses upon termination of their appointment. Senior Fellows on sabbatical MAY qualify for limited reimbursement, to be determined on a case-by-case basis.
Non-U.S. Citizen Fellows who relocate from outside the United States may be provided a limited allowance for outbound relocation to return to their home countries when the appointments terminate.
Non-U.S. Citizen Fellows who relocate from outside the United States and will remain in the U.S. after the termination of the NPP appointment, and non-U.S. Citizen Fellows who are already residing in the United States when the appointment offer is made, will NOT be reimbursed for outbound relocation expenses.
Is professional and programmatic travel paid for during the fellowship appointment?
Yes. Your NPP Fellowship appointment provides $8,000 per appointment year for travel to professional meetings and conferences; to gather research-related data at field sites or observatories; and for required training (including registration fees) related to the research. Any books, workbooks, software, equipment, or other materials required for training, which are not included in the registration fee, must be provided by the Advisor or host facility. Also, travel funds cannot be used to purchase equipment, software, books; pay membership fees in professional societies, publication charges, printing/laminating of posters and/or handouts for presentations at conferences and meetings; or purchase other materials and supplies.
Are the unused travel funds from a previous year carried over when the appointment is renewed?
Yes.
Does ORAU have a travel agent to assist with travel arrangements, or will we make our own travel plans?
ORAU has an in-house travel staff to assist with NPP travel. The Fellow will prepare a Travel Authorization Request (TAR) form and submit it to ORAU with required NASA approvals. ORAU will then make the travel arrangements for the Fellow, if requested. Once travel is completed, the Fellow will use the same travel Web site to complete the Travel Expense Statement (TES) form.
Can a Fellow make his/her own travel arrangements, pay for it or any part of it up front, and still be reimbursed by ORAU?
Yes. If the travel was authorized by NASA and approved by ORAU, travel reimbursement will be in accordance with the ORAU Travel Policy. We strongly advise that the Fellow consult with ORAU prior to the scheduled travel to ensure that the Travel Authorization Request form is processed appropriately and expenses will be reimbursable. If you are a non-U.S. Citizen Fellow and plan to travel outside the United States, you must have the proper documents you will need to re-enter the United States. See Section 10, Travel During Appointment, in the NPP Policies and Procedures for more information.
What about personal travel during the appointment?
All personal travel must be pre-approved by your NPP Advisor and NPP Center Representative at your facility. If your stipend is to be continued during the personal leave, the NPP Center Representative must provide ORAU with approval of your personal travel and the continuation of your stipend at least two weeks in advance of your departure date. All personal travel must be coordinated through ORAU and approved prior to travel. If you are a non-U.S. Citizen Fellow and plan to travel outside the United States, you must have the proper documents you will need to re-enter the United States. See Section 10, Travel During Appointment, of the NPP Policies and Procedures for more information.
How far in advance should the Fellow submit an approved Travel Authorization Request (TAR) to ORAU?
For domestic travel within the U.S., submit the request 2 weeks in advance. For foreign travel, submit the request 3 weeks prior to the departure date.