Research Officer, Astronomer

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
Organizational Unit: Herzberg Astronomy and Astrophysics
Classification: RO
Tenure: Continuing
Language Requirements: Three English positions and one bilingual (French/English) position (CBC/CBC).

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
The Herzberg Astronomy and Astrophysics Research Centre (HAA) invites applications for four continuing appointments in radio astronomy. These positions offer a unique opportunity to conduct cutting-edge research using the SKA telescopes and its precursors while helping shape Canada’s leadership in SKA science and data infrastructure.

HAA seeks to grow its expertise in areas that align with SKA science goals, including dark energy and dark matter, extreme objects, time-domain, or multi-messenger astronomy. We particularly welcome applicants whose research intersects with key SKA precursors such as the Canadian-led initiatives CHIME and CHORD, and who are excited to help shape the future of DRAO as Canada’s national radio observatory.

The SKA Observatory is the world’s most ambitious radio astronomy facility, currently under construction in South Africa and Australia, and headquartered in the United Kingdom. Canada became a full member of the SKA Observatory in 2024. The observatory will generate unprecedented volumes of data, to be processed at a central facility, and distributed to a global network of SKA Regional Centres (SRCs) for storage, access, and scientific exploration. Canada will host one of these centres, providing national and international users with access to SKA data, tools, and services.

We are seeking radio astronomers with deep domain experience to help guide this effort by leading Canada’s scientific engagement with the SKA community. This includes supporting users, coordinating Canadian participation in international Key Science Projects, contributing to SRC development, and facilitating new collaborations across the country and abroad.

Successful candidates will be active researchers who are excited to pursue their own scientific goals while also helping build and lead the national radio astronomy community into the SKA era.
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.

For information on certificates and diplomas issued abroad, please see Degree equivalency
Experience

1. Experience leading and publishing original research in peer-reviewed astronomy journals.
2. Experience in processing and analyzing data from radio interferometers or related radio astronomy facilities.
3. Experience collaborating with researchers in multi-investigator or multi-disciplinary scientific projects.

Condition of Employment

• Reliability Status
  For a Reliability Status, verification of background information over a period of 5 years is required.
• Ability to attend international project meetings virtually or in person, often outside of regular business hours. 

Language Requirements3 positions: English
1 position: Bilingual CBC/CBC

Information on language requirements and self-assessment tests

Assessment CriteriaCandidates will be assessed on the basis of the following criteria:

Technical Competencies

1. Expert knowledge of astronomical research, including a demonstrated ability to conceive, organize, conduct and publish independent astrophysical research of international calibre.
2. Advanced knowledge of astronomical techniques (such as observing, data reduction and analysis, instrumentation and software development, modelling and simulations) involving instrumentation for or astronomical datasets from radio telescopes.
3. Demonstrated radio astronomy research experience in HAA’s target research areas and/or areas directly relevant to the capabilities and science of next-generation radio facilities.
4. Candidates must meet at least one of the following asset criteria:
   
   a)    Evidence of project leadership, project management, grants or awards; 
   b)    Experience in leading collaborations;
   c)    Experience with advanced computing platforms, systems or techniques;
   d)    Experience in spectrum management
   e)    Experience in mentoring or supervision;
   f)    Experience with research management, i.e., managing risks, teams, schedules.

Behavioural Competencies

• Research - Communication (Level 2) 
• Research - Creative thinking (Level 3) 
• Research - Networking (Level 2) 
• Research - Results orientation (Level 3) 
• Research - Self-knowing and self-development (Level 2) 
• Research - Teamwork (Level 3) 
• NRC-Wide - Client focus (Level 2) 

Competency Profile(s)For this position, the NRC will evaluate candidates using the following competency profiles: Research; Technology Support

 

View all competency profiles

CompensationThe intent of this hiring action is to staff this position at the AsRO or ACRO level, which is an early to mid-career level position with a salary range of $83,985 to $139,608. 

 

NOTE: Please note that the full RO/RCO salary scale has five levels. 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.  As such, the initial salary could be within another level of the RO/RCO salary scale (i.e. above or below the intended level for this position).

 

In addition, the incumbent who qualifies for the bilingual position will receive the Bilingualism Bonus of $800 per year.

 

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.

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Discover the possibleAnything 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.

Why Work With UsHAA is a vibrant research centre where astronomers, engineers, and data scientists collaborate to drive discovery. Our staff lead cutting-edge science and instrumentation development from radio to ultraviolet wavelengths, supported by a culture of technical innovation and national service.

As part of Canada's SKA science leadership, you will be at the forefront of a once-in-a-generation opportunity to define how our national community accesses, uses, and shapes the science and infrastructure of the SKA.  Your role will connect Canadian researchers with international science programs, and help grow our collective impact within the global SKA ecosystem.

This is a unique chance to lead at the intersection of radio and data-intensive astronomy blends leadership, independent research, collaboration, and community support, with broad engagement across Canadian and international astronomy.

In addition, we offer: 

• Flexibility: We support work-life balance and the need for flexible, family-friendly work arrangments.
• A Collaborative Culture: At HAA, your ideas are listened to, respected and valued.
• Impactful work: Your contributions will shape Canadian scientific infrastructure and enable discoveries with global reach.
• Comprehensive Benefits: NRC employees enjoy a wide  range of competitive benefits including comprehensive health and dental plans, pension and insurance plans, and generous vacation and leave policies.

The Dominion Radio Astrophysical Observatory (DRAO), part of HAA, is a globally recognized hub for radio astronomy and instrumentation development. Located just outside Penticton, BC, on a protected radio-quiet site, DRAO hosts major radio telescopes (e.g., CHIME, CHORD) and has a long history of scientific and technical excellence. The setting a world-class research facility surrounded by the natural beauty and quality of life of the Okanagan Valley. With over 2,000 hours of sunshine annually, Penticton is known for its lakes, vineyards, trails, and outdoor recreation making it an exceptional place to live and work.

Penticton is located on the ancestral and unceded territory of the Syilx/Okanagan people. Its name, from the Interior Salish word snpintktn, is commonly translated as "a place to stay forever," or more accurately, “a place where people live year-round.” It’s the kind of place where people come to visit for the holidays – and never want to leave.

More about Penticton...

How to ApplyPlease include:

1. A cover letter (up to two pages) expressing your motivation to apply and how you meet the research and technical assessment criteria.
2. A curriculum vitae.
3. A list of publications. Highlight up to 3 of the publications with a brief paragraph describing their impact.
4. A research statement describing your current work and planned activities with the SKA and its precursors. Maximum 5 pages plus references.

Notes

• Relocation assistance will be determined in accordance with the NRC's directives.
• ​A pre-qualified list may be established for similar positions for a one year period.
• Preference will be given to Canadian Citizens and Permanent Residents of Canada. Please include citizenship information in your application.
• References may be requested.
• 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 the requisition number (24001) to:

E-mail: [email protected]

Telephone: 343-548-2032

Closing Date: 10 November 2025 - 23:59 Eastern Time 

 

 

For more information on career tools and other resources, check out Career tools and resources

 

*If you are currently a term or continuing employee at NRC, please apply through the SuccessFactors Careersmodule from your NRC computer.