Jansky Fellowships

2027 Jansky Fellowship Program

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.

Since its inception over 60 years ago NRAO has been enabling forefront research into the Universe at radio wavelengths. In partnership with the scientific community, we provide world-leading telescopes, instrumentation, and expertise, train the next generation of scientists and engineers, and promote astronomy to foster a more scientifically literate society. 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.

We welcome applicants who bring innovative dimensions to the Observatory and to the field 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. 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). Applicants should describe how their research or technical interests couple with NRAO's mission, telescopes or science. 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.

All application materials (except reference letters) must be received by 11:59 pm EDT on Wednesday, October 28, 2026. Only full applications will be considered. Significant non-adherence to the document rules (maximum number of pages, font size, margin size, etc) may jeopardize the application. Reference letters are due by 11:59 pm EDT on Wednesday, November 11, 2026.

Candidates must be eligible to work in the United States. NRAO does not sponsor H-1B visas for this position. For qualified candidates who require visa sponsorship, NRAO may provide sponsorship through the J-1 Exchange Visitor Program, subject to applicable program requirements and eligibility.

The Jansky Fellowship Program is open to early career applicants of any nationality who at the start of the fellowship will have not more than 5 years of postdoctoral experience, but well justified exceptions to this rule will be given full consideration. The applications will be evaluated relative to the opportunity and career stage, with preference given to the applicants within the first few years past their PhD award.

Jansky Fellowships are awarded based upon a review by a committee that comprises distinguished scientists and astronomers from NRAO and external research institutes, the NRAO Assistant Director for Science Support and Research, and the Lead of the Jansky Fellowship program.

Selection criteria:

• PhD in astronomy, (astro) physics, computer science or a related field.
• Excellence and strength of the research proposal
• Excellence of the applicant
• Leadership potential of the candidate, and/or community service
• Synergy between the proposed project and the chosen host…