The Role

NRC’s 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 2+1-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.

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

Reliability Status

For a Reliability Status, verification of background information over a period of 5 years is required.

Language Requirements

English N/A N/A/N/A

Information on language requirements and self-assessment tests

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

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 $83,985 to $116,641 (CAD) as of July 20th 2025.

NOTE:Salary determination will be based on a review of the candidate’s 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 Canada’s 2025 Top Employers for Young People, a 2025 Top Employer in the National Capital Region and Forbes Canada’s Best Employers!

As Canada’s 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 Canada’s future and the world.

At the NRC, you’ll also discover new possibilities. Our supportive workplace fosters a culture of creativity, welcoming fresh perspectives and innovation at all levels. We value teamwork. You’ll collaborate across multiple fields and with the brightest minds to find creative solutions. Most importantly, you’ll discover what’s 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

Notes

• Relocation assistance will be determined in accordance with the NRC's 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.