Postdoctoral Research Fellowships in Biology
Can you apply?
This grant is for recent PhD recipients pursuing their first postdoctoral fellowship in AI and biological sciences research. Applicants must be U.S. citizens, nationals, or permanent residents and hold a doctoral degree in a relevant field at the time of fellowship start. The fellow must identify a sponsoring scientist and affiliate with a U.S. or international host institution (universities, nonprofits, government labs, or approved for-profits). Research must integrate AI with biological sciences and focus on biotechnology innovation.
The fellowship supports cross-disciplinary training where applicants develop deep expertise in both AI and biology. Fellows may leverage national biological data infrastructure like Biofoundries, NEON, and Manufacturing USA Institutes. Host institutions can be domestic or international research organizations approved by NSF.
Awards are made directly to the individual fellow, not the institution. Proposals must be submitted by the candidate themselves. The program targets early-career scientists positioned to become leaders at the AI-biology intersection.
Program description
The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Biological Research has the potential to pave the way for breakthroughs in biotechnology and bio-system design that will create innovations, new industries, and jobs. To capitalize on this promise, the Directorate for Biological Sciences (BIO) will make awards for Postdoctoral Research Fellowships in Biology (PRFB) to recent doctoral degree recipients, for proposals with a research and training focus at the Intersection of Artificial Intelligence and Biological Sciences to Strengthen and Safeguard Biotechnology Innovations. Applying AI to highly complex biological systems will reveal unknown mechanisms in the natural world that hold promise for technological developments.
Candidates with AI and/or biology experience will develop deep expertise in both by proposing additional training in both areas. These combinations of current expertise and new cross-training will produce scientists who work seamlessly at the intersection of AI and biology. The fellows are expected to become field leaders who use AI capabilities to extrapolate from biological data to technological advances.
Proposers are encouraged to consider how to leverage the nation’s diversity of existing biological data, and biological infrastructure, such as Biofoundries, Programmable Cloud Labs, Manufacturing USA Institutes, and NEON, to accelerate discovery, innovation and the biotechnology that improves human lives, promotes the U.S. economy, and benefits the nation.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- Biographical sketch (NSF format)
- Research proposal/narrative
- Training and mentoring plan
- Host institution letter of support
- Sponsoring scientist(s) letter(s)
- Budget and budget justification
- Proposal cover sheet (NSF form)
Program contact
- 👤 U.S. National Science Foundation
- 📧 grantsgovsupport@nsf.gov
- 📞 703-292-4203
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 47.074 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
-
$401,043,378
-
$268,297,107
-
$66,886,066
-
$59,000,000
-
$46,262,435
-
$39,723,283
-
$39,358,622
-
$24,500,000
-
$23,000,000
-
$22,800,000
Top States by Funding
- OH 2 awards $413.5M
- CO 3 awards $295.1M
- NY 4 awards $111.3M
- CA 9 awards $96.9M
- AZ 3 awards $91.8M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 47.074). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2024 | $813,390,000 | |
| 2025 | $789,240,000 | |
| 2026 est. | $221,290,000 |
FAQ
Who is eligible for this postdoctoral fellowship?
U.S. citizens, nationals, or permanent residents with a doctoral degree in a relevant field. You must be seeking your first postdoctoral position or be early in your postdoctoral career.
Do I need a host institution to apply?
Yes, you must identify a sponsoring scientist and affiliate with a U.S. or international host institution by the time you submit. The institution cannot submit on your behalf.
What research topics are funded?
Proposals must integrate artificial intelligence with biological sciences research. Focus on developing deep expertise in both areas to drive biotechnology innovation.
What is the typical award amount?
Awards start at $220,000, though the maximum is not specified. Funding depends on the scope and duration of your proposed research and training plan.
Is cost-sharing required?
No, this fellowship requires no cost-sharing or match from your host institution or yourself.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Emphasize your plan to gain new expertise in AI or biology (whichever is your secondary area). Show how cross-training strengthens your research vision.
- Connect your research to practical biotechnology outcomes and innovation. Explain how AI tools will unlock biological insights.
- Identify a strong sponsoring scientist with relevant expertise in both AI and biology. Their mentorship capacity matters significantly to reviewers.
- Discuss how you will leverage existing national biological infrastructure (NEON, Biofoundries, cloud labs) to accelerate your research.
- Address how your work supports U.S. biotechnology competitiveness and economic benefit. Show alignment with NSF's broader innovation goals.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Failing to demonstrate genuine cross-disciplinary expertise gap; applicants must show credible plans to gain substantial training in their weaker domain. Submitting research that is purely computational or purely biological rather than truly integrative at the AI-biology intersection. Proposing a host institution without confirming sponsoring scientist availability and commitment to support your specific research plan.
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