Directorate for Biological Sciences
Postdoctoral Research Fellowships in Biology (PRFB)
PRFB Solicitation Update
Updated October 22, 2019
Webinars
Two webinars for applicants were presented. The information presented, as well as questions from participants and the Program Directors' responses, can be viewed at https://www.nsf.gov/bio/dbi/PRFBmaterial.jsp.
Solicitation Revision Notes
- It is anticipated this is the last year that the ‘Interdisciplinary Research Using Biological Collections’ Competitive Area will be offered. However, in future years, it is expected that research using biological collections could be proposed in other Competitive Areas.
- There is a new Competitive Area—‘Integrative Research Investigating the Rules of Life Governing Interactions Between Genomes, Environment and Phenotypes’.
- The eligibility criterion related to tenure in a position requiring a doctoral degree for Competitive Areas ‘Broadening Participation of Groups Underrepresented in Biology’ and ‘Interdisciplinary Research Using Biological Collections’ has increased to 9 full time months. This criterion applies to the new Competitive Area as well.
COA Documentation
Please note: For applicants submitting proposals to the PRFB competition, a Collaborators and Other Affiliations (COA) document is not required.
| Name | Phone | Room | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amanda A. Simcox (Areas 1, 2 & 4) | asimcox@nsf.gov | (703) 292-2532 | |
| Diane J. Okamuro (Area 3) | dokamuro@nsf.gov | (703) 292-8420 |
PROGRAM GUIDELINES
Solicitation 19-597SYNOPSIS
The Directorate for Biological Sciences (BIO) awards Postdoctoral Research Fellowships in Biology (PRFB) to recent recipients of the doctoral degree for research and training in selected areas supported by BIO and with special goals for human resource development in biology. The fellowships encourage independence at an early stage of the research career to permit Fellows to pursue their research and training goals in the most appropriate research locations regardless of the availability of funding for the Fellows at that site. For applications under this solicitation, these areas are (1) Broadening Participation of Groups Underrepresented in Biology, (2) Interdisciplinary Research Using Biological Collections, (3) National Plant Genome Initiative (NPGI) Postdoctoral Research Fellowships and (4) Integrative Research Investigating the Rules of Life Governing Interactions Between Genomes, Environment and Phenotypes.
The fellowships are also designed to provide active mentoring of the Fellows by the sponsoring scientists who will benefit from having these talented young scientists in their research groups. The research and training plan of each fellowship must address important scientific questions within the scope of BIO and the specific guidelines in this fellowship program solicitation. Because the fellowships are offered to postdoctoral scientists only early in their careers, NSF encourages doctoral students to discuss the availability of these postdoctoral fellowships with their doctoral mentors and potential postdoctoral sponsors early in their doctoral programs to take advantage of this funding opportunity. Fellowships are awards to individuals, not institutions, and are administered by the Fellows.
EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY
This program provides educational opportunities for Postdoctoral Fellows. Individuals interested in applying for funding should see the program guidelines above.
RELATED URLS
- How to Apply for Fellowship Applicants
- Sponsoring Scientist Statement Instructions
- For PRFB Fellows: Administrative Guide for the PRFB Program (NSF 15-501)
What Has Been Funded (Recent Awards Made Through This Program, with Abstracts)