Jansky Fellowship

UPDATED October 28, 2008

The National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) announces the 2009 postdoctoral Jansky Fellowship program that provides outstanding opportunities for research in astronomy. Jansky Fellows formulate and carry out investigations either independently or in collaboration with others within the wide framework of interests of the Observatory. Prior radio experience is not required and multi-wavelength projects leading to a synergy with NRAO instruments are encouraged. The NRAO also encourages applications from candidates with interest in radio astronomy instrumentation, computation, and theory.

Up to three appointments will be made for positions at any of the NRAO sites (Socorro, NM; Green Bank, WV; and Charlottesville, VA). In the coming years, as ALMA commissioning activities get underway, we expect that there will also be positions available in Chile. Jansky Fellows are encouraged to spend time at universities working with collaborators during the course of their Fellowship.

In addition to appointments at NRAO sites, up to three non-resident Jansky Fellowship appointments will be offered for positions that may be located at a U.S. university. Frequent and/or long term visits to NRAO sites are encouraged. Split Fellowships with time spent at NRAO and at a U.S. university are allowed.

The starting salary will be $58,000 per year with an appointment duration of two years and possible renewal for a third year. A research budget of up to $10,000 per year is provided for travel and computing requirements. Fellows are eligible for page charge support, vacation accrual, health insurance coverage, and a moving allowance. In addition, up to $3,000 per year is provided to non-NRAO institutions hosting Jansky Fellows to defray local institutional costs.

Note that the match between the host university and the candidate's research program is an important factor in the selection process. Also, appointments of more than one Jansky Fellow at a single external institution at a given time are discouraged. A list of blocked institutions for 2009 can be found below.

The purpose of the program is to provide an opportunity for young scientists to establish themselves as independent researchers so that they may more effectively compete for permanent positions. The placement of Fellows at institutions other than the NRAO will help foster closer scientific ties between the NRAO and the U.S. astronomical community. The NRAO Postdoctoral Symposium is held annually to ensure close contact among all Observatory Fellows and the NRAO.

Candidates must receive their PhD prior to beginning a Jansky Fellowship appointment.

The deadline for BOTH applications and letters of recommendation is November 17, 2008. The NRAO is an equal opportunity employer (M/F/H/V). Award offers will be made by February 15, 2009, with the Fellowships expected to begin in September 2009.

Application Procedure

1. Jansky Fellowships are awarded based upon a review of the applicant's research proposal (including an assessment of the match to the host institution) as well as the curriculum vitae, list of publications, summary of previous and current research, and three letters of reference by a committee that comprises distinguished astronomers external to the NRAO, and two internal, including the Assistant Director of the NRAO Science and Academic Affairs and the manager of the Jansky Fellowship program.
   
   
The application deadline is November 17, 2008. All applicant materials must be received by this date, sent via email to janskyad@nrao.edu. Only PDF (portable document format) files will be accepted using "Lastname_JANSKY09.pdf" as the file name.  Please note "Jansky Application" in the subject line.


2. Materials MUST be sent as ONE FILE ONLY and in the following order:
   • a NRAO Jansky Fellowship cover sheet;
   • a cover letter;
   • a curriculum vitae;
   • a publications list;
   • a summary of previous and current research;
   • a research proposal (3 pages of text max.) that includes a plan for the host institution (NRAO or US University);
   • for non-NRAO host institutions, a letter from the department chair agreeing with the research proposal MUST be included within application file.
   • two (2) back-up host institutions should be named in the cover letter, in case of subsequent conflicts (a back-up institution can be NRAO). No letter is required from back-up institutions.
   
   
3. Each applicant should arrange for three letters of reference (up to two pages in length preferred) to be submitted by three individuals ("referees") familiar with her or his scientific abilities to janskyad@nrao.edu using the file name "Lastname_JANSKY09REF_RefereeLastName.PDF." Applicants are responsible for ensuring that letters of reference have been sent by their referees by the application deadline, November 17, 2008.

Requests for additional information on the Jansky Fellowship Program should be sent to borahood@nrao.edu. Award offers will be made by February 15, 2009, with the Fellowships expected to begin September 2009.