Jansky Fellows (5003)

The National Radio Astronomy Observatory is seeking applicants for the 2025 Jansky Fellowship Program, aimed at early career scientists for independent research in radio astronomy. The position allows for self-directed research and collaboration with NRAO staff, with options for remote work or split appointments at U.S. universities. The fellowship offers a two-year appointment, renewable for a third year, with competitive salary and research funding.
About the position

The National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) invites applications for the 2025 Jansky Fellowship Program, which supports outstanding early career scientists to conduct independent research that aligns with the NRAO's mission. For over 60 years, the NRAO has been at the forefront of research into the Universe at radio wavelengths, providing world-leading telescopes, instrumentation, and expertise. The organization is committed to training the next generation of scientists and engineers, promoting equitable and inclusive participation in science and engineering, and fostering a scientifically literate society. NRAO operates several premier research facilities, including 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). The organization is also in the process of developing the next generation VLA (ngVLA), which aims to push the boundaries of radio astronomy. 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. Candidates with interests in radio astronomy techniques, instrumentation, computation, and theory are encouraged to apply. The fellowship allows for self-directed independent research, and fellows are encouraged to collaborate with NRAO scientific staff, scientists at U.S. universities, and colleagues in the international astronomical or instrumentation community. The program provides numerous opportunities for early career scientists to gain deep knowledge and understanding of state-of-the-art radio astronomy science and instrumentation, engage in activities related to the development and delivery of radio astronomy techniques and capabilities, and contribute to the NRAO's research environment. The fellows are expected to establish themselves as innovative, independent research scientists and engineers, ultimately becoming leaders in the field. Appointments may be made at the three internal NRAO/GBO sites (Socorro NM, Charlottesville VA, and Green Bank WV). Applicants should describe how their research or technical interests align with the NRAO's mission, telescopes, or science. In compelling cases, a split appointment 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 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. The fellowship appointment will be awarded initially for a two-year period, renewable for a third year, with a salary comparable to other prestigious U.S. postdoctoral fellowships. Additionally, fellows are allocated USD 17,000 per year for travel and other research expenses, and further USD 3,000 per year will be provided to non-NRAO hosts of the fellows to defray local institutional expenses.

Responsibilities
• Conduct independent research related to the NRAO's mission.
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• Develop research collaborations with NRAO scientific staff and other scientists.
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• Engage in activities related to the development and delivery of radio astronomy techniques and capabilities.
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• Establish oneself as an innovative, independent research scientist and engineer.
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• Contribute to the NRAO's research environment.

Requirements
• PhD in astronomy, (astro)physics, computer science, or a related field, awarded after September 2019.
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• Excellence and strength of the research proposal.
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• Demonstrated leadership potential and/or community service.
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• Synergy between the proposed project and the chosen host location.
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• Mutual benefit of the fellowship project to NRAO and the applicant.

Nice-to-haves
• Experience in radio astronomy techniques and instrumentation.
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• Familiarity with computational methods in astronomy.

Benefits
• Excellent paid time off (13 holidays, annual accrual of up to 24 vacation days and 15 sick days).
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• Additional time off for doctor/dentist visits.
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• 8 weeks of paid parental leave.
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• Medical, dental, and vision plans effective on the first day of employment.
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• Retirement benefit contributing 10% of base pay with no required employee contribution.
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• Optional supplemental, tax-deferred plan for employee retirement contributions.
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• Tuition reimbursement and a professional development pool for non-degree related classes, seminars, and conferences.
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• Relocation assistance and US visa sponsorship (if applicable).