NSF CAREER Proposal Tips: Why It Isn’t Just Another Grant

At first glance, the NSF CAREER proposal might look like just a typical proposal on steroids: more prestige, higher expectations, broader scope. But writing for the CAREER program is more than that — it’s about articulating your big-picture research trajectory, year after year. If one paper is a single experiment, and a dissertation is three, writing a CAREER proposal should outline four to eight future studies — with a clear sense of where that work will take you, your students, and your field.

Many pre-tenure faculty apply to the summer deadline for this program every year. The prevailing sentiment is that “if you win a CAREER, you get tenure.” This makes the CAREER proposal a much more high-stakes effort than other proposals. The main challenge that I have seen for folks writing their CAREER proposal, is that they skimp out on answering these essential questions: Who are you becoming as a researcher and educator? How will you serve as a leader in your field?

Thinking about submitting? Here are five ways the CAREER proposal differs from other proposals — and why it’s worth thinking about early:

1. It’s about the big picture.

As I said, a strong CAREER proposal doesn’t just promise a few solid studies. It hints at a subfield you might help shape. It builds momentum toward a research arc that’s bigger than any one paper or student. Reviewers are looking for vision — not just feasibility. Show them the story you’ll be telling five years from now and how this grant helps you begin crafting it.

Example: Instead of proposing another eye-tracking study in VR, explain how your work will lay the foundation for a broader theory of embodied cognition in immersive environments.

2. It integrates education and research in a meaningful way.

As an NSF panel reviewer, I have read so many proposals that say they’ll mentor undergrads or develop a new course. That’s not enough. CAREER reviewers are looking for educational activities that align with and enrich your research — and that demonstrate your unique position to carry them out.

A clever concept here can really ‘wow’ your review panel. Avoid defaulting to common options — focus on what’s authentic to your context. Ask: What are you already good at? What do your students or community need? What partnerships or institutional resources could you build on?

Example: If you work at an HSI with a strong transfer population, you might propose bridge programming that brings community college students into your research lab and supports their path to STEM careers.

3. It’s a chance to show how you will build a community.

CAREER proposals can’t have co-PIs, but that doesn’t mean you’re on your own. You can (and should!) include letters of support from collaborators, evaluators, community partners, or institutional leaders — anyone whose role helps you carry out your plans, or future collaborators whose support reinforces your vision.

Don’t forget: the department chair letter is required, and it needs to explicitly spell out the institutional commitment to your education plans. If you say you will host an annual “Open House” event for your bridge program on campus, make sure your chair’s letter states clearly what resources are being provided, rather than vague statements. This letter can make a real difference — don’t leave it until the last minute.

4. You don’t have to write it alone.

Writing a CAREER proposal, as a sole PI with no direct co-PIs, can feel isolating. But don’t fall into that trap of thinking. The most strategic applicants talk with past awardees, workshop their ideas with peers, and take advantage of resources from NSF and their research community.

For example, annually the NSF CISE Directorate hosts a CAREER proposal webinar and often a multi-day workshop as well. Many universities run CAREER “red teams” and mock review panels to help their faculty improve their applications. Even a casual proposal-swap with a colleague can give you fresh perspective. And of course, you can also explore external coaching or workshops to support your writing process.

5. It’s not as impossible as you think.

Something that surprises a lot of first-time applicants? The CAREER program is one of the more fundable NSF programs. It has regularly funded about 20% of proposals — and the applicant pool is smaller than for most core solicitations. If you’re eligible, it’s worth going for.

By the way, this recent post from CRA offers more background on NSF’s encouragement and perspective on applying for grants given the current funding climate.

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You can submit a strong NSF CAREER proposal!

So, as you get started thinking about your CAREER plans for summer’s submission, keep these tips in mind — your proposal will be more cohesive, more cogent, more compelling, and more competitive if you take this advice to heart!

If you find yourself in need of an editor or coach to get your proposal, paper, or other manuscript across the finish line, contact me to chat about my services.🙂

Messy planning photo by cottonbro studio under CC.