2027 Jansky Fellowships

About the role

NRAO invites applications for the 2027 Jansky Fellowship Program. The Jansky Fellowships support outstanding early career scientists to conduct independent research that leverages NSF NRAO facilities and advances the Observatory’s mission.

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 the next-generation VLA (ngVLA).

Appointments may be made at NRAO/GBO sites in Socorro/Albuquerque, NM; Charlottesville, VA; or Green Bank, WV. In compelling cases, a split appointment between a U.S. university and an NRAO site or a non-resident fellowship hosted at a U.S. university may be offered. Non-resident fellows are expected to maintain close ties with NRAO through frequent visits.

Responsibilities

• Conduct independent research aligned with NRAO’s mission and facilities
• Develop and deliver research projects that may advance NRAO facilities, data delivery, or science
• Engage with NRAO scientists and facilities to achieve research goals
• For non-resident or split appointments, foster collaboration between the host institution and NRAO

Requirements

• PhD in astronomy, (astro)physics, computer science, or a related field
• No more than 5 years of postdoctoral experience at the start of the fellowship (exceptions considered)
• Eligibility to work in the United States; NRAO does not sponsor H-1B visas but may sponsor J-1 Exchange Visitor Program visas where applicable

Qualifications

• Excellence and strength of the research proposal
• Excellence of the applicant
• Leadership potential or community service
• Synergy between the proposed project and the chosen host location
• Mutual benefit of the fellowship project to NRAO and the applicant

Selection criteria

• Significance of the research proposal and its alignment with NRAO’s mission and facilities
• Applicant’s demonstrated excellence and potential for leadership
• Clear synergy between the proposed project and the selected host site
• Mutual benefit to both the applicant and NRAO, including potential contributions to facilities, data delivery, or science

Application process

• All application materials (except reference letters) must be received by 11:59 pm EDT on Wednesday, October 28, 2026
• Reference letters are due by 11:59 pm EDT on Wednesday, November 11, 2026
• Selection occurs between November and December 2026; interviews are conducted virtually in January 2027
• Award offers are made by the end of January 2027
• Nominal start date is September 2027, with flexibility to begin earlier or by January 2028

Application documents

• Cover letter specifying proposed host location or non-resident host institution and a second-choice NRAO/GBO site
• Statement addressing selection criteria (max 2 pages, 12 pt font, 0.75in margins)
• Curriculum vitae with publication list (no page limit)
• Summary of previous and current research (max 2 pages, including figures and references)
• Research proposal (max 3 pages, including figures and references)
• 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 reference letters due by November 11, 2026