The NASA Hubble Fellowship Program 2027 offers up to 24 postdoctoral fellowships for researchers in astronomy, physics and related fields, with funding for up to three years.
The NASA Hubble Fellowship Program (NHFP) 2027 is inviting applications from postdoctoral scientists interested in conducting independent research that contributes to NASA Astrophysics.
The programme supports theoretical, observational and instrumental research and offers Fellows the opportunity to conduct their work at a U.S. host institution of their choice, subject to the programme’s host-institution rules.
Fellowship Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Programme | NASA Hubble Fellowship Program (NHFP) |
| Fellowship year | 2027 |
| Level | Postdoctoral |
| Research areas | Astronomy, physics and related disciplines |
| Research type | Theoretical, observational and/or instrumental |
| Host location | United States |
| Host institution | Fellow’s choice, subject to NHFP host rules |
| Expected fellowships | Up to 24 |
| Duration | Up to 3 years |
| Initial appointment | 1 year |
| Renewals | Up to 2 annual renewals, subject to satisfactory performance and NASA funding |
| Degree eligibility | Doctoral requirements completed on or after 1 January 2023 |
| Application opens | 8 September 2026 |
| Application deadline | 28 October 2026 at 7 p.m. Eastern |
| Reference letters deadline | 4 November 2026 |
| Expected offers | Early February 2027 |
| Expected start | On or about 1 September 2027 |
What Is the NASA Hubble Fellowship Program?
The NASA Hubble Fellowship Program supports postdoctoral scientists carrying out independent research that contributes to NASA’s Astrophysics programme.
Successful applicants become an Einstein, Hubble or Sagan Fellow, depending on the area of research.
The fellowship is administered for NASA by the Space Telescope Science Institute (STScI) in collaboration with the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, NASA Exoplanet Science Institute at Caltech and the Chandra X-ray Center at the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory.
Research Areas
The programme supports research that contributes to NASA Astrophysics.
Research may be:
- Theoretical
- Observational
- Instrumental
Applicants should develop independent research projects consistent with the programme’s scientific objectives.
Who Can Apply?
The NHFP is open to English-speaking citizens of all nations.
Applicants must have, or expect to have, completed all requirements for their doctoral degree on or after 1 January 2023.
The eligible academic fields are:
- Astronomy
- Physics
- Related disciplines
Fellowship Duration
The NHFP Fellowship can last for up to three years.
The initial appointment is for one year, followed by up to two annual renewals.
Renewals depend on:
- Satisfactory performance
- Availability of NASA funding
Host Institutions
Fellows can conduct their research at a U.S. host institution of their choice, provided that the institution meets the NHFP employment-policy requirements.
The programme limits the number of new Fellows at individual host institutions. Applicants should therefore review the official list of verified host institutions before selecting a host.
Number of Fellowships
NASA and STScI anticipate offering up to 24 NHFP Fellowships for this year’s competition.
Because the number of positions is limited, applicants should pay close attention to the research proposal and all application requirements.
Application Timeline
The application submission period opened on:
8 September 2026
The application deadline is:
Wednesday, 28 October 2026 at 7 p.m. Eastern Time
The equivalent deadline listed by NASA is 4 p.m. Pacific Time.
Reference Letters
Reference letters have a separate deadline:
Wednesday, 4 November 2026
Applicants should ensure that their letter writers upload the letters as PDF files through the designated letter submission form.
The programme states that letter writers will not receive an automated email containing an upload link, so applicants should clearly communicate the submission requirements to their referees.
Offers and Fellowship Start Date
NASA expects fellowship offers to be made in early February 2027.
New appointments should begin on or about:
1 September 2027
Application Process
Applicants should follow the detailed instructions in the official Announcement of Opportunity and review the NHFP Frequently Asked Questions before submitting an application.
The official application submission page is available through the programme’s application system.
Read the official NASA Hubble Fellowship Program Announcement
View verified NHFP host institutions
Application Deadline
The main application deadline is:
28 October 2026 at 7 p.m. Eastern Time
Reference letters must be uploaded by:
4 November 2026
Applicants should not confuse the application deadline with the later reference-letter deadline.
Funding and Salary
The supplied NASA announcement confirms that this is a postdoctoral fellowship programme but does not provide a specific salary or stipend amount in the information provided.
Applicants should consult the official Announcement of Opportunity for the current financial and employment terms.
Opportunities Feed Assessment
The NASA Hubble Fellowship Program is a significant opportunity for early-career researchers in astronomy, physics and related fields seeking to pursue independent astrophysics research in the United States.
The combination of a potential three-year fellowship period, independent research and the ability to select an eligible U.S. host institution makes it particularly relevant to qualified postdoctoral scientists.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the NASA Hubble Fellowship Program?
It is a NASA-funded postdoctoral fellowship programme supporting independent research that contributes to NASA Astrophysics.
How many Fellowships are available?
Up to 24 NHFP Fellowships are anticipated to be offered for the 2027 fellowship cycle.
How long does the fellowship last?
The fellowship can last for up to three years, beginning with a one-year appointment and potentially followed by two annual renewals.
Who is eligible to apply?
Applicants of any nationality may apply if they are English-speaking citizens and have completed, or will complete, all doctoral requirements on or after 1 January 2023 in astronomy, physics or a related discipline.
Where can Fellows conduct their research?
Fellows can select a U.S. host institution, subject to NHFP host-institution requirements.
What types of research are supported?
The programme supports theoretical, observational and instrumental research contributing to NASA Astrophysics.
When is the application deadline?
Applications are due by 28 October 2026 at 7 p.m. Eastern Time.
When are reference letters due?
Reference letters are due by 4 November 2026.
When will fellowship offers be made?
Offers are expected in early February 2027.
When should new Fellows begin?
New appointments should begin on or about 1 September 2027.
Is a specific salary stated?
No. The supplied NASA announcement does not provide a specific salary or stipend amount.
Disclaimer: Opportunities Feed is sharing this fellowship for informational and educational purposes. We are not affiliated with NASA, STScI or the participating institutions and do not select fellowship recipients.
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