Opportunity Information: Apply for 12 497
Apply for 12 497
- The National Science Foundation in the science and technology and other research and development sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Postdoctoral Research Fellowships in Biology" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 47.074 Biological Sciences.
- This funding opportunity was created on Aug 22, 2014 and posted on Aug 2, 2012.
- Applicants must submit their applications by Opportunity is waiting for new publication.. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- The funding agency has allocated a total of $10,000,000.00 to eligible and selected applicants.
- Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $207,000.00 in funding.
- The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 15 candidate(s).
- Eligible applicants include: Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification).
- Please see full document for details.
[Watch] Creating a grant proposal using the step-by-step wizard inside the applicant portal:
Opportunity Summary:
The National Science Foundation (NSF), through its Directorate for Biological Sciences (BIO), offers the Postdoctoral Research Fellowships in Biology to support early-career scientists who have recently earned a doctoral degree. The central idea of the program is to help new Ph.D. recipients build research independence by giving them personal fellowship support that they can take to the research environment best suited to their goals. In practice, this means the award is made to the individual Fellow rather than to a university or laboratory, and the Fellow administers the award while carrying out a well-defined research and training plan.
The fellowship is designed to fund research and professional development in BIO-supported areas, while also advancing human resource development in biology. The program emphasizes not only strong scientific questions but also high-quality training, with active mentoring from a sponsoring scientist at the host site. NSF frames this as a benefit to both sides: Fellows gain structured guidance and career-shaping experiences, and host research groups gain the energy and expertise of talented postdoctoral researchers.
For the FY 2013 cycle described in the announcement, NSF identified four featured tracks: Broadening Participation in Biology; Intersections of Biology and Mathematical and Physical Sciences and Engineering; National Plant Genome Initiative Postdoctoral Research Fellowships; and International Postdoctoral Research Fellowships in Biology. NSF notes that these emphasis areas can change over time as new scientific opportunities emerge and as infrastructure priorities shift, so future versions of the solicitation may add, remove, or redefine tracks to match evolving needs.
The solicitation also highlights optional components that can be built into a Fellow’s plan, including international research experiences and teaching-related opportunities, reflecting NSF’s interest in producing well-rounded scientists with a broader professional toolkit. Because the program is aimed specifically at scientists early in their postdoctoral careers, NSF encourages doctoral advisors to discuss these fellowships with graduate students well before they finish their Ph.D., allowing time to identify appropriate host institutions, develop a training plan, and align the proposed research with the BIO Directorate’s priorities and the specific track requirements.
From the funding details provided, this opportunity (Funding Opportunity Number 12-497; CFDA 47.074 Biological Sciences) is categorized as a discretionary grant in the science and technology research and development area. NSF anticipated making about 15 awards, with an estimated total funding amount of $10,000,000. Individual award amounts were listed with a floor of $138,000 and a ceiling of $207,000, and no cost sharing or matching requirement was indicated. The original proposal deadline listed was October 30, 2012, with an additional deadline date shown as October 8, 2013; the record also indicates the opportunity was later archived (archive date October 14, 2014) and was marked as waiting for a new publication, suggesting applicants should look for an updated solicitation if the program is reissued.
Eligibility is summarized in the source data as “Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification),” with a note directing applicants to the full program document for the exact criteria and requirements. The key practical takeaway is that the award targets recent doctoral recipients pursuing postdoctoral research and training aligned with BIO’s scope, under a structured mentoring arrangement, with the flexibility to choose the best host location rather than being limited by whether that site already has funding for a postdoc position. For access and technical issues, the listing points to NSF Grants.gov support via grantsgovsupport@nsf.gov and references the detailed solicitation as NSF Publication 12-497.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the NSF Postdoctoral Research Fellowships in Biology program?
The National Science Foundation (NSF), through its Directorate for Biological Sciences (BIO), offers the Postdoctoral Research Fellowships in Biology to support early-career scientists who have recently earned a doctoral degree. The program is designed to help new Ph.D. recipients build research independence through personal fellowship support tied to a well-defined research and training plan.
Who receives the award: the Fellow or the host institution?
The award is made to the individual Fellow rather than to a university, department, or laboratory. The Fellow administers the award while carrying out the proposed research and training plan at the chosen host site.
What is the central purpose of the fellowship?
The central idea is to help recent doctoral recipients develop research independence by allowing them to take fellowship support to the research environment best suited to their goals, rather than being limited to positions funded by a particular lab or institution.
What kinds of activities does the fellowship support?
The fellowship is designed to fund research and professional development in BIO-supported areas. It also emphasizes high-quality training and human resource development in biology, including structured mentoring by a sponsoring scientist at the host site.
What role does mentoring play in this program?
High-quality training is a core emphasis of the program. Fellows are expected to have active mentoring from a sponsoring scientist at the host site as part of the overall research and training plan.
How does the program benefit host research groups?
NSF describes the arrangement as mutually beneficial: Fellows receive structured guidance and career-shaping experiences, and host research groups gain the energy and expertise of talented postdoctoral researchers.
What were the featured tracks in the FY 2013 cycle?
For the FY 2013 cycle described, NSF identified four featured tracks:
- Broadening Participation in Biology
- Intersections of Biology and Mathematical and Physical Sciences and Engineering
- National Plant Genome Initiative Postdoctoral Research Fellowships
- International Postdoctoral Research Fellowships in Biology
Do the featured tracks stay the same each year?
Not necessarily. NSF notes that emphasis areas can change over time as new scientific opportunities emerge and as infrastructure priorities shift. Future solicitations may add, remove, or redefine tracks to match evolving needs.
Are international research experiences allowed or encouraged?
The solicitation highlights optional components that can be built into a Fellow's plan, including international research experiences. These elements reflect NSF's interest in developing well-rounded scientists.
Does the program support teaching-related experiences?
Yes. Teaching-related opportunities are listed as optional components that may be incorporated into the Fellow's plan as part of broader professional development.
When should potential applicants start preparing?
Because the program targets scientists early in their postdoctoral careers, NSF encourages doctoral advisors to discuss these fellowships with graduate students well before they finish their Ph.D. This helps allow time to identify an appropriate host institution, develop a training plan, and align the project with BIO priorities and any track requirements.
What is the Funding Opportunity Number and CFDA number for this opportunity?
The listing identifies Funding Opportunity Number 12-497 and CFDA 47.074 (Biological Sciences).
How is this grant categorized?
This opportunity is categorized as a discretionary grant in the science and technology research and development area.
How many awards did NSF anticipate making, and what was the total expected funding?
NSF anticipated making about 15 awards, with an estimated total funding amount of $10,000,000.
What were the minimum and maximum individual award amounts listed?
Individual award amounts were listed with a floor of $138,000 and a ceiling of $207,000.
Is cost sharing or matching required?
No cost sharing or matching requirement was indicated in the funding details provided.
What were the proposal deadline dates shown in the record?
The original proposal deadline listed was October 30, 2012. An additional deadline date was shown as October 8, 2013.
Is this opportunity still open?
The record indicates the opportunity was archived (archive date October 14, 2014) and marked as waiting for a new publication. Applicants should look for an updated solicitation if the program is reissued.
Where can applicants find the exact eligibility criteria?
Eligibility is summarized in the source data as "Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification)," and applicants are directed to the full program document for exact criteria and requirements.
Who is the intended audience for eligibility, based on the description?
The practical takeaway in the description is that the award targets recent doctoral recipients pursuing postdoctoral research and training aligned with BIO's scope, under a structured mentoring arrangement.
What is NSF Publication 12-497?
NSF Publication 12-497 is the referenced detailed solicitation for this opportunity.
Where should applicants go for technical help related to Grants.gov?
For access and technical issues, the listing points to NSF Grants.gov support via grantsgovsupport@nsf.gov.
What is a key practical advantage of this fellowship structure?
A key practical advantage highlighted is flexibility: Fellows can choose the host location best suited to their goals rather than being limited by whether a site already has funding for a postdoctoral position.
Browse more opportunities from the same category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development
Next opportunity: Limited Competition Genomic Risk and Resilience in 22q11 Deletion Syndrome A Window into the Genetic Architecture of Mental Disorders (Collaborative R01)
Previous opportunity: National Center on Leadership for Employment and Advancement of People with Disabilities (LEAD)
USGrants.org Applicant Portal:
Are you interested in learning about about how to apply for this government funding opportunity? You can create a free applicant account and receive instant access to our applicant portal that many business owners like you have benefited from.
Apply for 12 497
[Watch] how do funding administrators access proposals?
Applicants also applied for:
Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (12 497) also looked into and applied for these:
| Funding Opportunity |
|---|
| Mathematical Sciences Postdoctoral Research Fellowships Apply for 12 496 Funding Number: 12 496 Agency: National Science Foundation Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Design of Engineering Material Systems Apply for PD 12 8086 Funding Number: PD 12 8086 Agency: National Science Foundation Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Computational and Data driven Materials Research Apply for PD 12 8029 Funding Number: PD 12 8029 Agency: National Science Foundation Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| CyberCorps Scholarship for Service Apply for 12 585 Funding Number: 12 585 Agency: National Science Foundation Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Commission the Ash Meadows Fish Conservation Facility Apply for F12AS00363 Funding Number: F12AS00363 Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $35,000 |
| Research, Development and Training in Isotope Production Apply for DE FOA 0000743 Funding Number: DE FOA 0000743 Agency: Office of Science Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $1,500,000 |
| Research Opportunity Ultra Light Weight Armor Systems Apply for 12 SN 0016 Funding Number: 12 SN 0016 Agency: Office of Naval Research Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Small Business Technology Transfer Program Phase I Solicitation FY 2013 Apply for 12 592 Funding Number: 12 592 Agency: National Science Foundation Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $225,000 |
| Collaborative Research in Verification of SRH2D Sediment Transport Model using Field Data Apply for R12AC80424 Funding Number: R12AC80424 Agency: Bureau of Reclamation Denver Office Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $30,000 |
| Practioners Network Apply for F12AS00270 Funding Number: F12AS00270 Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $50,000 |
| Social Innovation Lab Kampuchea (SILK) Apply for USAID CAMBODIA RFA 442 12 000005 Funding Number: USAID CAMBODIA RFA 442 12 000005 Agency: Cambodia USAID Phnom Penh Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $7,500,000 |
| Program in Ultrafast Laser Science and Engineering (PULSE) Apply for DARPA BAA 12 63 Funding Number: DARPA BAA 12 63 Agency: DARPA Defense Sciences Office Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Materials World Network Cooperative Activity in Materials Research between US Investigators and their Counterparts Abroad Apply for 12 593 Funding Number: 12 593 Agency: National Science Foundation Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $700,000 |
| Contaminants Special Investigation Apply for F12AS00368 Funding Number: F12AS00368 Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $40,160 |
| Climate Program Office for FY 2013 Apply for NOAA OAR CPO 2013 2003445 Funding Number: NOAA OAR CPO 2013 2003445 Agency: Department of Commerce Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $200,000 |
| Coastal SEES Apply for 12 594 Funding Number: 12 594 Agency: National Science Foundation Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Critical Zone Observatory National Office Apply for 12 595 Funding Number: 12 595 Agency: National Science Foundation Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| ROSES 2012 Maturation of Instruments for Solar System Exploration Apply for NNH12ZDA001N MATISSE Funding Number: NNH12ZDA001N MATISSE Agency: NASA Headquarters Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| ROSES 2012 Nancy Grace Roman Technology Fellowships in Astrophysics Apply for NNH12ZDA001N RTF Funding Number: NNH12ZDA001N RTF Agency: NASA Headquarters Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| ROSES 2012 Outer Planets Research Apply for NNH12ZDA001N OPR Funding Number: NNH12ZDA001N OPR Agency: NASA Headquarters Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
Grant application guides and resources
It is always free to apply for government grants. However the process may be very complex depending on the funding opportunity you are applying for. Let us help you!
Apply for Grants
Premium leads for funding administrators, grant writers, and loan issuers
Thousands of people visit our website for their funding needs every day. When a user creates a grant proposal and files for submission, we pass the information on to funding administrators, grant writers, and government loan issuers.
If you manage government grant programs, provide grant writing services, or issue personal or government loans, we can help you reach your audience.
Subscribe to Leads
Request more information:
Would you like to learn more about this funding opportunity, similar opportunities to "12 497", eligibility, application service, and/or application tips? Submit an inquiry below:
Don't forget to subscribe to our grant alerts mailing list to receive weekly alerts on new and updated grant funding opportunities like this one in your email.