2027 Jansky Fellowships

Associated Universities • GREEN BANK, WV

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

The NSF National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) invites applications for the 2027 Jansky Fellowship Program. The Jansky Fellowships support outstanding early career scientists to conduct independent research which exploits NSF NRAO facilities and contributes to the NSF NRAO’s mission. NRAO operates four world-class research facilities: the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA), the Karl G. Jansky Very Large Array (VLA), the Very Long Baseline Array (VLBA), and the Green Bank Observatory (GBO), and is developing, and soon constructing, the next generation VLA (ngVLA) pushing the boundaries of the state of the art. As a Jansky Fellow, you will have a unique opportunity to contribute to, and learn from, the development and delivery of the largest and most capable radio telescopes in the world. Jansky Fellowship Program supports projects in radio astronomy and multi-wavelength science, radio astronomy techniques, instrumentation, computation, and theory. Candidates with expertise or interest in NSF NRAO /GBO technological initiatives, such as very long baseline interferometry or Green Bank telescope upgrades, are encouraged to apply. Appointments may be made at the three internal NSF NRAO/GBO sites (Socorro/Albuquerque NM, Charlottesville VA, and Green Bank WV). In compelling cases, a ‘split appointment’ Jansky Fellowship between a U.S. based university and an NRAO site, or a ‘non-resident’ Jansky Fellowship hosted at a university within the United States, may be offered. Non-resident Jansky Fellows are expected to develop a research program that fosters close ties with the NRAO and describe how residence at their proposed host university will accomplish this. Frequent and/or long-term visits to NRAO sites during the non-resident Fellowship are strongly encouraged. NRAO supports partial teleworking arrangements for scientific postdoctoral fellows. The Jansky Fellowship appointment is awarded between a two-and three-year period.

Requirements

• PhD in astronomy, (astro)physics, computer science or a related field.
• Not more than 5 years of postdoctoral experience at the start of the fellowship (well-justified exceptions will be considered).
• Preference given to applicants within the first few years past their PhD award.
• Eligibility to work in the United States.
• Cover letter specifying proposed NSF NRAO/GBO location or non-resident host institution, and second-choice location.
• Statement addressing selection criteria (maximum of two pages, 12 pt. font size, at least 0.75in margins).
• Curriculum vitae with publication list (no page limit).
• Summary of previous and current research (maximum of two pages, including figures and references, 12 pt font size, at least 0.75in margins).
• Research proposal (maximum of three pages, including figures and references, 12 pt. font, at least 0.75in margins).
• For non-resident or split appointments: a letter from the external host department chair approving the research proposal and agreeing to host the fellowship.
• Three letters of reference from individuals familiar with scientific abilities.

Nice To Haves

• Expertise or interest in NSF NRAO /GBO technological initiatives, such as very long baseline interferometry or Green Bank telescope upgrades.
• Innovative dimensions to the Observatory and to the field of radio astronomy.
• Experience in community service (e.g., reviewing articles, serving on organizing committees) or leadership activities (e.g., leading projects, supervising students).
• Proposed research includes a leadership aspect.
• Proposed research project incorporates novel techniques in data processing, visualization, big data handling, algorithms, computing, instrumentation etc.

Responsibilities

• Conduct independent research which exploits NSF NRAO facilities and contributes to the NSF NRAO’s mission.
• Contribute to, and learn from, the development and delivery of the largest and most capable radio telescopes in the world.
• Develop a research program that fosters close ties with the NRAO (for non-resident fellows).
• Potentially advance NRAO facilities, data delivery or science through their work or tools developed during the fellowship period.

Benefits

• Excellent paid time off (13 holidays, annual accrual of up to 24 vacation days)
• Medical, dental and vision plans effective on the first day of employment.
• Retirement benefit: AUI contributes an amount equal to 10 percent of a qualified participant’s base pay with no required employee contribution.
• Travel and other research expenses allowance ($17,000 per year).
• Local institutional expenses allowance for non-NRAO hosts ($3,000 per year).

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree