Each postdoctoral program available at JPL has its own requirements. Generally, these following requirements apply:

• You must have a Ph.D. or an equivalent doctorate degree before beginning the fellowship.
• Ph.D. or equivalent doctorate degree must have been obtained within the last five years.
• Both US citizens and non-citizens are welcome to apply. However, there are visa requirements which must be met for non-citizens.*
• Access to JPL (as a federal facility) is contingent upon successful outcome of the National Crime Information Center background inquiry.
• For foreign nationals, NASA requires approval before you start your appointment. If selected for a position, your advisor will work with you to apply for such approval.
• For NPP application eligibility, please go to: http://nasa.orau.org/postdoc/description/eligibility.htm. It is JPL’s selection policy not to select NPP applicants who are current postdocs at JPL.

Below is additional information and requirements that are specific to the program for which you are selected:

NPP Postdoc Requirements

• You cannot start your NPP appointment until all prior appointment requirements are met, including completing and returning required forms to ORAU. ORAU will not issue an advance stipend check, start stipend payments, or approve relocation travel until all requirements are met.

NPP Senior Fellow Requirements

• NPP senior fellows must be established researchers who have had their PhD for more than 5 years.
• Examples of candidates for senior fellowships include researchers on sabbatical or who are currently in transition between institutions.

Caltech and JPL Requirements

• You do not have to be a Caltech student to apply for a Caltech postdoctoral position

*If you are a foreign national, check for additional information for international applicants.