NSF career program
The Faculty Early Career Development (CAREER) Program is NSF’s most prestigious award for junior faculty. CAREER awards provide five years of support for early-career faculty who demonstrate potential to serve as academic role models and to integrate education and research.
Eligibility
To be eligible for the CAREER Program, PIs must:
- Hold a doctoral degree in a field supported by NSF
- Be engaged in research in an area of science, engineering, or education supported by NSF
- Hold at least a 50% tenure-track (ore equivalent) position as an assistant professor (or equivalent)
- Be untenured
- Have not previously received a CAREER award
Quick Facts
- Eligibility: Tenure-track assistant professors (or equivalent) who have not previously received a CAREER award.
- Duration & Funding: Minimum 5-year award, typically $400,000–$600,000 (varies by directorate).
- Integration of Research & Education: Proposals must combine an innovative research plan with a robust educational component.
- Deadlines: CAREER proposals are due annually on the fourth Wednesday in July.
- Times to apply: Investigators may only apply three times total.
CAREER Support at the University of Utah
- Workshops: Annual CAREER workshops that cover NSF CAREER Basics, best practices, and educational plans.
- Utah Education Policy Center: Available for consultations to support NSF CAREER educational plans.
- VP-NSF Cohort: Many CAREER applicants participate in the VP-NSF Cohort Program for peer and mentor support.
- Consultations: NSF Consultations can provide CAREER-specific guidance.
NSF CAREER Resources