Shanghai Astronomical Observatory (SHAO) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences released a notice on Jan 22, encouraging exceptional young talents from overseas to apply through the observatory for the Excellent Young Scholars Fund (Overseas) of the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC).

About NSFC Excellent Young Scholars Fund (Overseas)

The fund aims to encourage exceptionally talented overseas scholars who have demonstrated notable accomplishments in natural science, engineering technology and other fields, to return to or join China for employment.

It encourages scholars to independently choose research directions for innovative research, so as to promote the swift development of young scientific and technological talents and nurture a cohort of distinguished academic leaders capable of making significant contributions to the forefront of global scientific and technological advancements.

NFSC will provide a fund of RMB 1-3 million for a three-year period. The observatory, one of the fund’s supporting organizations, is committed to offering comprehensive support to applicants, aiding them in the preparation of all necessary documentation.

Eligibility

Applicants must be born on or after Jan 1, 1984 and have a doctoral degree, research expertise in natural science or engineering technology as well as oversea teaching or research experience, with the potential to become leading scientists or outstanding talents in the fields.

For more detailed information of eligibility criteria, please refer to the full text of SHAO’s official notice here (Chinese-English bilingual).

https://talent.sciencenet.cn/index.php?s=Info/index/id/23784 

Research Areas

SHAO encourages global young talents to apply for the following research areas:

（1）Astrophysics (including Black Hole and Compact Astrophysics, Cosmology and Galaxy Astrophysics, Stellar Physics, Planetary Physics, Radio Astrophysics., High-Energy Astrophysics, Time Domain Astronomy, Gravitational Wave Astronomy, etc).

（2）Astronomical Geodynamics (including Precision Orbit Determination and Applications of Spacecraft, Celestial Measurements and Reference Frames, Satellite Navigation and Remote Sensing, Satellite Laser Ranging and Applications, Earth Observation and Global Change, etc) .

（3）Astronomical Techniques and Methods (including Ground/Space Radio Astronomy and Very Long Baseline Interferometry (VLBI) Techniques, Big Data Analysis for Radio Interferometer Arrays, Space Electronics, Ultraviolet and Infrared Astronomical Techniques, Optical Interferometry Techniques, Extrasolar Planet Detection and Research, Time-Frequency and Atomic Clock Techniques, etc).

Benefits

For successful applicants, the following benefits are provided:

（1）Position: Appointed to a senior professional and technical position within the authorized strength of the observatory, with preferential support in areas such as graduate student enrollment.

（2）Compensation: Eligible for a competitive contractual annual salary.

（3）Residential conditions: Provided with transitional apartments and a high-standard housing subsidy.

（4）Working conditions: Offered ample office and research space.

（5）Research start-up funds: In addition to the funding support from the National Natural Science Foundation of China (ranging from 1 to 3 million yuan) and the support from the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the Shanghai Astronomical Observatory provides a research startup fund of no less than 1 million yuan.

For those who apply through the Shanghai Astronomical Observatory, enter the review meeting phase but do not ultimately receive support, the observatory prioritizes recruitment of them as high-level talents. These individuals will be included in relevant Chinese Academy of Sciences talent development programs, receiving competitive salary packages and research support.

About Shanghai Astronomical Observatory

The observatory was established in 1962 and currently operates from two campuses, one situated in Xujiahui and the other in Sheshan Science Park. The main headquarters is located in Xujiahui, while the astronomical observation station is located in the Sheshan area of Songjiang district. Additionally, new observatories have been established in Shigatse in Tibet autonomous region and on Changbai Mountain of Jilin province.

The observatory specializes in astrodynamics, astrophysics and planetary science. Simultaneously, it engages in the development of modern astronomical observation techniques and time-frequency technologies.

In the realm of fundamental research, it has several internationally competitive research teams. In applied research, the observatory plays a crucial role in major national projects such as navigation and positioning and deep space exploration. For more details, please visit the official website of the observatory: http://english.shao.cas.cn/.

Contacts

Interested applicants are requested to submit their detailed resumes, major academic achievements and supporting documents to rjc@shao.ac.cn before March 15, 2024. Please use "NSFC Excellent Young Scholars" (海外优青) as the subject of the email.

For inquiries regarding eligibility and policy-related matters, please contact the SHAO Human Resources Office.

Ms. Wu, 021-34775035

Ms. Shang, 021-34775031

Source: nsfc.gov.cn