2027 Jansky Fellowships

Associated Universities Inc. • Charlottesville, VA

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 has been enabling forefront research into the Universe at radio wavelengths for over 60 years, providing world-leading telescopes, instrumentation, and expertise. NRAO operates four 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 the next generation VLA (ngVLA). The fellowship 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 are encouraged to apply. Appointments can be made at NRAO/GBO sites in Socorro/Albuquerque NM, Charlottesville VA, and Green Bank WV. Split or non-resident fellowships hosted at a U.S. university may also be offered. NRAO supports partial teleworking arrangements for scientific postdoctoral fellows.

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 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 2 pages, 12 pt. font, 0.75in margins).
• Curriculum vitae with publication list.
• Summary of previous and current research (maximum 2 pages, including figures and references, 12 pt. font, 0.75in margins).
• Research proposal (maximum 3 pages, including figures and references, 12 pt. font, 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 the field of radio astronomy.
• Proposed research project incorporates novel techniques in data processing, visualization, big data handling, algorithms, computing, instrumentation etc.

Responsibilities

• Conduct independent research that 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).

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: Associated Universities, Inc (AUI) contributes 10 percent of a qualified participant’s base pay with no required employee contribution.
• Travel and other research expenses allowance ($17,000 per year).
• Support for non-NRAO hosts of fellows ($3,000 per year).

What This Job Offers

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