SBE Postdoctoral Research Fellowships

The SBE Postdoctoral Research Fellowships (SPRF) program, offered by the National Science Foundation (NSF), is designed to support early-career researchers within the social, behavioral, and economic (SBE) sciences. The NSF, an independent federal agency, promotes the progress of science by funding research and education across all scientific disciplines. Within NSF, the Directorate for Social, Behavioral and Economic Sciences (SBE) administers this fellowship to help newly minted Ph.D. holders gain independence and professional development. The SPRF program is specifically aimed at fostering research that enhances fundamental knowledge in SBE sciences while also encouraging participation from underrepresented groups in the scientific enterprise. This fellowship program offers two tracks: Fundamental Research (SPRF-FR) and Broadening Participation (SPRF-BP). The SPRF-FR track supports research that deepens scientific understanding in human behavior, cognition, language, social systems, and culture. The SPRF-BP track is designed to increase the representation of underrepresented groups in the SBE sciences. Proposals under this track should include activities that help broaden or inform diversity efforts within SBE fields. Applicants choose the most suitable track, and the chosen research must align with NSF’s mission to promote the progress of science and societal benefits. The SPRF fellowship provides $160,000 over two years, comprising a $65,000 annual stipend and a $15,000 annual research and training allowance. These funds are awarded directly to the individual fellow, not to their host institution, and support a range of expenses including research materials, travel, computing resources, and fringe benefits. Fellows may also receive non-federal supplements, provided these do not impose additional responsibilities. The program anticipates awarding 15 to 20 fellowships annually, with a total funding pool of approximately $3 million, contingent on proposal quality and available resources. Eligibility for the SPRF program is exclusive to individuals—not institutions. Applicants must be U.S. citizens, nationals, or legally admitted permanent residents. They must have earned a doctoral degree in the SBE sciences within three years of the proposal deadline or expect to earn one within 12 months after submission. Importantly, candidates must not already hold a tenure-track position. Proposals are submitted directly by the fellow and require the identification of a sponsoring scientist and host institution at submission time. While it is encouraged for applicants to select institutions other than their doctoral-granting or current postdoc institution, staying at the same institution is permitted with strong justification. Applications must be submitted through either Research.gov or Grants.gov—FastLane is no longer supported. The process includes submitting a full proposal, which must contain a detailed project summary, a 15-page project description, budget justification, data management plan, a Ph.D. abstract, letters of collaboration (if applicable), and a host institution letter signed by the sponsoring scientist. The sponsor must also be included as a co-PI. While a postdoctoral mentoring plan is not required, the host institution must demonstrate it will provide adequate resources and mentoring support to the fellow. Applications are accepted annually, with deadlines on the first Wednesday in November. Reviews are conducted based on intellectual merit and broader impacts, with specific attention paid to the suitability of the host institution and mentoring plan, especially for the SPRF-BP track. Notifications and award administration are managed directly through NSF. Reporting is required annually and at the conclusion of the fellowship. The fellow must begin tenure between June and September of the award year and may use up to two months for paid family or parental leave within the award period.

Select a host institution and sponsor who complement your expertise and provide strong mentoring; proposals should include clearly labeled sections addressing research scope and diversity (if applicable).