Jansky Fellowship

2010 Program Announcement

The National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) announces the 2010 Jansky Fellowship Program which provides outstanding postdoctoral 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.

Appointments may be made for positions at any of these NRAO sites:Socorro, NM; Green Bank, WV; and Charlottesville, VA. As ALMA commissioning activities get underway, we anticipate that there will also be appointments 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, non-resident Jansky Fellowships may be offered for appointments that are hosted at a U.S. university. Frequent and/or long term visits to NRAO sites are encouraged. Split Fellowships with time spent at NRAO and a U.S. university are permitted.

The starting salary will be $60,000 per year with an appointment duration of two years, and possible renewal for a third. 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 2010 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 Monday, November 2, 2009. Award offers will be made by February 15, 2010, with the Fellowships expected to begin September 2010.

The NRAO is an equal opportunity employer (M/F/H/V).

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 internal senior staff members, as well as the Assistant Director of the NRAO Science and Academic Affairs and the manager of the Jansky Fellowship program.


2. ALL materials must be received by the application deadline - Monday, November 2, 2009. The Jansky Fellowship job posting is found on the NRAO Careers Site , under the Scientist Position button. If you do not have a login for the NRAO Careers system you will be prompted to create one prior to submitting your scientific application for the Program. You must attach a PDF file to your online application with the following materials combined in the order listed below . Hard copies of application materials are not accepted.


3. Combine into one PDF file and attach to your NRAO application:
   • cover letter;
   • curriculum vitae;
   • publications list;
   • a summary of previous and current research (a maximum of 3 pages of text, 12 pt font);
   • a research proposal (a maximum of 3 pages of text, 12 pt font) that includes a plan for the host institution (NRAO or US University);
   • if a non-NRAO host is selected, you MUST include a letter from the department chair that approves your research proposal
   • the institutions that are blocked as hosts for 2010 are
   • Caltech
   • University of Arizona
   • two (2) back-up host institutions should be named in your cover letter in case of subsequent conflicts
   • a back-up institution can be NRAO
   • no department letter is required from a named back-up host institution
   
   
4. Each applicant should arrange for three letters of reference (up to two pages preferred) to be submitted to the NRAO by three individuals ("referees") familiar with her or his scientific abilities. Applicants are responsible for ensuring that these letters of reference have been sent by their referees by the deadline of November 2. Each letter should be sent as a PDF file directly to JanskyAd@NRAO.edu named as ApplicantLastNameInitials_2010JanskyRef_RefereesLastName.PDF
.

Requests for additional information on the Jansky Fellowship Program may be sent to Billie Orahood at borahood@nrao.edu.