The application period for the National Space Biomedical Research Institute's (NSBRI) First Award Fellowship Program is now open. Two-year fellowships are available to pursue research in any U.S. laboratory conducting space-related biomedical or biotechnological research.

NSBRI's First Award Fellowship Program allows future space life scientists, engineers, and physicians to train as independent investigators with two years of support at universities, research institutes, or government laboratories nationwide.

Fellowships enable scientists who have recently received their advanced degree to manage their own space-related biomedical research projects while continuing to learn from experienced faculty mentors.

The program serves as a mechanism to strengthen the high-tech workforce of the future, with alumni of the program having successfully transitioned into positions within academia, industry, or government.

Applicants are required to submit proposals with the support of a mentor and an institution, and all proposals will be evaluated by a scientific peer-review panel. Selected applicants receive a stipend, allowance for health insurance, and other expenses.

An optional competitive third year of fellowship support is also available. This year's applicants can potentially spend part of their fellowship in Russia, via the NSBRI-Institute of Biomedical Problems (IBMP) International Postdoctoral Exchange Program.

The application deadline is June 6, 2014. Detailed program and application submission information is available here

For additional information about NSBRI's First Award Program please visit here.