Research Associate (Covington Fellowship)
Research Associate (Covington Fellowship)
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Job Description
Priority may be given to the following designated employment equity groups: women Indigenous peoples* (First Nations Inuit and Métis) persons with disabilities and racialized persons*.
* The Employment Equity Act which is under review uses the terminology Aboriginal peoples and visible minorities.
Candidates are asked to self-declare when applying to this hiring process.
City:Penticton
OrganizationalUnit:Herzberg Astronomy and Astrophysics
Classification:RO
Tenure:Term
Duration: 3 years
Language Requirements:English
Work Arrangements:
- Due to the nature of the work and operational requirements this position will require full-time physical presence at the at the NRC work location identified.
The Role
NRCs Herzberg Astronomy & Astrophysics Research Centre is excited to advertise a postdoctoral fellowship position open to early-career researchers with a planned start date of September 2026. We look forward to having a new postdoctoral fellow who shares our core values of Integrity Excellence Respect and Creativity join us at NRC Herzberg.
The Covington Fellowship is an independent 21-year fellowship which is meant to empower recent Ph.D.s (those within 5 years of receiving their doctorate at the time of appointment) to explore their science interests within an inclusive environment for active research learning and service. NRC Herzberg will provide the experience support and professional development to help the Fellow advance to the next career stage.
Fields of research
Candidates with research interests in 1 or more of the following areas would be well matched to research efforts at the Observatory:
- Wide-field radio continuum surveys
- Galactic radio astronomy
- interstellar and magneto-ionic media of the Milky Way Galaxy
- radio-polarimetric observations
- observational cosmology
- observations of nearby galaxies
- transient and highly variable sources including pulsars and fast radio bursts and
- extra-solar planets.
Herzberg is eager to diversify the fields of research represented at our Research Centre. For this fellowship we strongly encourage applications from researchers in the fields of observational cosmology time-domain and multi-messenger astronomy.
NRC Herzberg has a rare combination of staff involved in astronomy research instrumentation design and development engineering data science and observatory support. This fellowship is intended to leverage this environment to help mentor researchers who will become the leaders necessary to enable ambitious cutting edge astronomy research in the coming decades. We are committed to ensuring that all staff members promptly receive the accommodation they need to do their job and we understand the importance of work/life balance.
Screening Criteria
Applicants must demonstrate within the content of their application that they meet the following screening criteria in order to be given further consideration as candidates:
Education
A Ph.D. in astronomy astrophysics or a related field is required.
N.B. Applicants must have received their Ph.D. within 5 years of appointment to the Fellowship. Exceptions will be considered to recognize maternity/parental or other leaves.
Doctoral candidates who will complete all requirements for their Ph.D. within 6 months of assuming the Fellowship may also be considered.
For information on certificates and diplomas issued abroad please see Degree equivalency
Experience
- Five years or less experience in astronomical or astrophysical research (or a related field) beyond the Ph.D. at the time of appointment.
- Experience obtaining reducing analysing and/or aiding in the interpretation of astronomical data from ground and/or space-based observatories or from astronomical data archives.
- Experience in the publication of high calibre astronomical research papers in the refereed scientific literature.
Condition of Employment
Reliability Status
For a Reliability Status verification of background information over a period of 5 years is required.
Language Requirements
Assessment Criteria
Candidates will be assessed on the basis of the following criteria:
Technical Competencies
- Expert knowledge of astronomical research in one or more areas of forefront research.
- Ability to conceive organize conduct and publish independent astrophysical research of international calibre.
- Advanced knowledge of astronomical techniques (such as observing data reduction and analysis and software development modelling and simulations) involving instrumentation for or astronomical datasets from ground or space-based telescopes.
- Ability to engage with the wider astronomical community via collaborations working groups and/or research teams.
- Knowledge of research areas fundamental or complementary to the next generation of radio facilities and/or engagement in the research areas of observational cosmology time-domain and multi-messenger astronomy.
Behavioural Competencies
- Research - Communication (Level 2)
- Research - Creative thinking (Level 3)
- Research - Networking (Level 2)
- Research - Results orientation (Level 1)
- Research - Teamwork (Level 2)
Competency Profile(s)
For this position the NRC will evaluate candidates using the following competency profile(s): Research
View all competency profiles
Compensation
This hiring action will be staffed through the Research Associate (RA) Program at the AsRO level which is an early-career level position with a salary range of $83985 to $116641 (CAD) as of July 20th 2025.
NOTE:Salary determination will be based on a review of the candidates expertise outcomes and impacts of their previous work experience relative to the requirements of the level.
NRC employees enjoy a wide-range of competitive benefits including a robust pension plan comprehensive health and dental coverage disability and life insurance office closure at the end of December and additional supports to enhance your well-being throughout your career and beyond.
Discover the possible
Anything is possible at the National Research Council (NRC)recently named one of Canadas 2025 Top Employers for Young People a 2025 Top Employer in the National Capital Region and Forbes Canadas Best Employers!
As Canadas leading research and technology organization our world-renowned research pushes the boundaries of science and engineering to make the impossible possible. Every day we explore new ideas through innovative research and help companies discover possibilities that impact Canadas future and the world.
At the NRC youll also discover new possibilities. Our supportive workplace fosters a culture of creativity welcoming fresh perspectives and innovation at all levels. We value teamwork. Youll collaborate across multiple fields and with the brightest minds to find creative solutions. Most importantly youll discover whats possible within you as you grow make valuable contributions and progress in your professional journey. From ground-breaking discoveries to a life-changing career discover your possible at the NRC.
Application Requirements
In order to be considered for a Covington Fellowship via the Research Associate program please include the following in your application. Failure to do so will result in your application being excluded from searches.
Please note that you will need to attach the required documents as per the list below when submitting your application. Some items may be assessed at a later time in the process.
- Cover Letter
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) including if applicable Evidence of:
- project leadership grants or awards;
- scientific collaborations;
- advanced computing platforms systems or techniques;
- mentoring or supervision.
- Research statement no longer than 3 pages (references excluded). Please highlight in your statement what you consider to be your most impactful contribution to your field (paper result software instrument etc.).
- Publication list
- Names and contact information for three people who have agreed to provide a reference on your behalf. Reference letters need not be submitted with the application but may be requested during the review process.
When submitting your application you can include the required documents in any attachment field such as Second language evaluation results or Other attachments.
Notes
- Relocation assistance will be determined in accordance with the NRCs directives.
- Please help us diversify by self-declaring in employment equity groups at the time of application submission.
- Preference will be given to Canadian Citizens and Permanent Residents of Canada. If no successful candidates are found in this group we will be happy to consider international applicants. Therefore please include citizenship information in your application.
- The incumbent must adhere to safe workplace practices at all times.
- We thank all those who apply however only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.
Please direct your questions with therequisition number (22597) to:
Telephone:
Closing Date: Tuesday November 11 2025 - 23:59 Eastern Time
For more information on career tools and other resources check outCareer tools and resources
*If you are currently a term or continuing employee at NRC please apply through the SuccessFactors Careers module from your NRC computer.
Required Experience:
IC
Employment Type
Temp
