Giacconi Prize Fellowship at STScI- 2026 at Space Telescope Science Institute (STScI)

The Space Telescope Science Institute (STScI) invites applications for the Giacconi Prize Fellowship to start in Fall 2026. We encourage applications from passionate and self-motivated postdoctoral researchers with expertise in any research area of astronomy or planetary science, whether observational, theoretical, or instrumental.

Giacconi Fellowship

The Giacconi Fellowship, named in honor of the first director of STScI and Nobel Prize winner Riccardo Giacconi, provides up to three years of support for postdoctoral researchers in any field of astronomy, astrophysics, or planetary science. The research may be observational, theoretical, or instrumental. We particularly encourage applicants whose research programs align with the institute’s current missions, or the growth areas identified in the recent Decadal Survey.

The Giacconi Fellowship includes an annual salary of approximately $84,750, generous benefits, including some support for relocation, and $20,000 per year to cover research expenses. The duration of the fellowship is up to three years. Giacconi Fellows are resident at the Space Telescope Science Institute in Baltimore.

Applicants are expected to hold a PhD in astronomy, physics or a related field at the time of the commencement of the fellowship, but there are no further restrictions on the date of PhD degree. The selection will be based on the accomplishments and proposed research of the applicants, accounting for career stage and likely availability of resources. Applicants will automatically be considered for all open Fellowships.

Further information about all of our fellowship opportunities can be found at: https://www.stsci.edu/stsci-research/fellowships. Questions about this opportunity should be sent to [email protected].

Applicants should submit the following materials in a single pdf file:

1) a cover letter (maximum 2 pages),

2) a curriculum vitae and list of publications,

3) a research statement describing past, current and proposed research (maximum 4 pages).

References will not count towards the page limits. Strong applications will address why the applicant wishes to work at STScI, highlight synergies with STScI’s goals, missions, research, and staff, and explain how holding a Prize Fellowship at STScI will support their scientific development and career goals. Applicants should also submit the names of three individuals who can provide letters of reference on their behalf.

Please ONLY use this link to apply: https://stsci.slideroom.com/#/permalink/program/85680/5jOOrDpJ6a

The STScI on-line application portal will be activated on Wednesday, August 27, 2025. Applications received by Wednesday, October 22, 2025 11:59pm EDT will receive full consideration.

Letters of reference will be requested only for long-listed candidates. We anticipate requesting letters on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, with a deadline of Monday, December 15^th (COB), but these dates are subject to change depending on our internal processes. Applicants should contact their letter writers separately to let them know when letters requests are anticipated. We will not accept early letters for candidates prior to knowing their long-list status. If you have any questions, please contact [email protected].

Candidates will be notified of the results of the selection process by late January 2026. Fellowships will begin in the second half of 2026.

STScI occupies two sites surrounding the campus of the Johns Hopkins University (JHU) in Baltimore, MD. It maintains close connections with the JHU Physics and Astronomy Department and is a partner in the Pan-STARRS, LSST, and SDSS V consortia. STScI has mentoring programs and access to annual training programs. The research environment engages, stimulates and supports an international research staff with over 120 members. Research projects (http://www.stsci.edu/stsci-research) span a wide range of topics and include collaborations with postdoctoral researchers, research support analysts and JHU graduate students, as well as researchers from other institutions. Researchers lead the organization of annual workshops and symposia, and participate in the activities of the very successful office of public outreach. Functionally, research staff members support the wider community through calibration and characterization of current and upcoming instrumentation, development of tools for analyses of archival holdings, and overall mission planning. Research-staff members also help to formulate the strategic goals of the Institute.

As an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer, STScI does not discriminate because of race, sex, color, age, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, lawful political affiliations, veteran status, or mental or physical handicap. Veterans, disabled or wounded warriors needing assistance with the employment process can contact us at [email protected].

Salaries and benefits are commensurate with those of AURA member universities. Included Benefits:

• Medical, dental, prescription, and vision;
• Vacation: Up to 5 weeks of paid vacation a year;
• Sick Leave: Up to 12 sick days a year;
• Paid Holidays: 7 regular holidays and 3 personal holidays;
• Employer-sponsored Retirement Plan: direct company contribution;
• Employee Voluntary Retirement Savings Plan;
• Flexible Work Schedules;
• Telecommuting Options Available;
• Free Parking; Flexible Spending Accounts;
• Employee Assistance Program;
• Company-paid Life, Short-term Disability, and Long-term Disability.