Astronova Fellowship

The Heising-Simons Astronomical Innovation Fellowship (“Astronova”), sponsored by the Heising-Simons Foundation, solicits applications for its next cohort of fellows.  

Astronova Fellowships support exceptional postdoctoral scientists who are developing instrumentation to shape the future of astronomy, astrophysics, cosmology, and planetary science. The Astronova Fellowship seeks to launch fellows into tenure-track faculty positions where they can continue their pioneering instrumentation research as well as mentor and train the next generation of astronomical instrumentalists.   

The Foundation anticipates providing funding to host institutions for up to two Astronova Fellowships in 2027. The Astronova Fellowship provides funding for salary, benefits, and a discretionary fund over a 4-year term with an optional one-year extension. Astronova Fellows are expected to carry out a strong, coherent research program at a selected host institution. For this cycle, Astronova Fellowship research must be pursued at one of the six following host institutions:  

• Carnegie Science (Earth & Planets Laboratory and/or Carnegie Observatories) 
• Keck Observatory (Hawai’i)  
• University of Arizona  
• University of California, Berkeley  
• University of California, San Diego  
• University of California, Santa Cruz  

At the beginning of their second year, Astronova Fellows have the opportunity to apply for an additional Innovation Grant (up to $150,000) to pursue an early stage, novel, or otherwise hard-to-fund instrumentation concept or component of their own design. In addition, fellows who obtain a faculty or research job position during their fellowship are eligible to apply for a new grant to augment their startup package.  

Finally, the Foundation’s Science program will sponsor an annual research summit for Astronova Fellows, faculty advisors, and other leaders in astronomical instrumentation, in addition to providing opportunities to the fellows for networking and professional development. 

Please see the Astronova website for more information on the fellowship including eligibility requirements, guidelines for applicants, frequently asked questions, and a preview of the application form.