Open
Source verified July 23, 2026
The Canadian SKA Scientist Program: call for applications
Early-career astronomy research and community leadership
Offered by
Funding available
Varies by project
Deadline
November 6, 2026
Location
Canada
Overview
The Canadian SKA Scientist Program supports early-career researchers with recent doctorates worldwide, with priority for Canadian citizens and permanent residents, through research posts based at Canadian host institutions to advance SKA science. It funds independent research, travel, relocation, publication costs, and community outreach related to the observatory.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Attract or retain talent
- Conduct research and development activities
- Develop workforce skills
Eligible Funding
- Varies by project
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- All legal structures
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- All groups
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Research aligned with the SKA scientific vision or broad technological framework
- Pure science, technology, and innovation projects linked to the SKA
- Community engagement, public outreach, and support for the Canadian astronomical community
- Development of tools, data-analysis pipelines, observing approaches, and other SKA-related capabilities
Documents Needed
- Cover letter explaining motivation and how the applicant’s research and community contribution will help Canada meet its SKA commitments
- List of up to 3 host institutions in order of preference, with 1 to 2 paragraphs justifying the first choice
- Curriculum vitae
- Exhaustive publications list, highlighting up to 3 particularly relevant publications
- Research overview, recommendation letter from the first-choice host institution, and the names and contact information of 3 references
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Exceptional candidates worldwide
- Candidates who have recently obtained a doctorate in astronomy, physics, or a related scientific field
Who is not eligible
- Applicants cannot combine the position with a postdoctoral fellowship or an honorary fellowship, and the position can be held only once in a lifetime
Eligible expenses
- Salary or allowances
- One-time relocation costs
- Project-related travel costs
- Research costs, including publication costs, other direct research costs, and IT costs such as computers and peripherals
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Institutional indirect costs
Selection criteria
- Proposed research program and its ability to push the frontiers of astrophysics through SKA access
- Preparation, including studies, technical skills, past work, scientific impact, publication record, and career length
- Ability to support the Canadian astronomy community
- Leadership potential, with diversity, equity, inclusion, and Indigenous participation considered an asset
- If several selected candidates choose the same host institution, priority goes to the highest-ranked candidates; the committee also considers the diversity of host institutions and the host institution's rank on the applicant's list
How to apply
- Prepare a single PDF containing all required elements and follow the filename Nom_Prénom-SKA-Candidature scientifique.docx
- Email the application to Bureau-SKA-Office@nrc-cnrc.gc.ca
- Use the subject line Programme canadien de scientifiques rattachés au SKA: nom, prénom
- Submit before 23:59 (HP), November 6, 2026
- Incomplete or late applications will not be considered
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are reviewed by the SKA Scientist Program selection committee, generally made up of astrophysicists, SKA experts, and members of the Canadian SKA regional centre
- The committee ranks candidates and forwards recommendations to the program lead, who makes the final selection
- Proposals for 2026 will be revealed in January 2026
- Selected candidates have until 15 February 2026 to accept or decline; refused offers are then extended to the next candidates on the list
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the The Canadian SKA Scientist Program: call for applications Program
What is the The Canadian SKA Scientist Program: call for applications?
The Canadian SKA Scientist Program supports early-career researchers with recent doctorates worldwide, with priority for Canadian citizens and permanent residents, through research posts based at Canadian host institutions to advance SKA science. It funds independent research, travel, relocation, publication costs, and community outreach related to the observatory.
Who is eligible for the The Canadian SKA Scientist Program: call for applications program?
To be eligible for the The Canadian SKA Scientist Program: call for applications program, you must:
Recent doctorate in astronomy, physics, or a related scientific field
Doctorate obtained within the 5 years before the start date
Approval from a Canadian host institution and a faculty mentor are required
What expenses are eligible under The Canadian SKA Scientist Program: call for applications?
Research aligned with the SKA scientific vision or broad technological framework
Pure science, technology, and innovation projects linked to the SKA
Community engagement, public outreach, and support for the Canadian astronomical community
Development of tools, data-analysis pipelines, observing approaches, and other SKA-related capabilities
Who can I contact for more information about the The Canadian SKA Scientist Program: call for applications?
You can contact National Research Council Canada (NRC) by email at Bureau-SKA-Office@nrc-cnrc.gc.ca.
Where is the The Canadian SKA Scientist Program: call for applications available?
The The Canadian SKA Scientist Program: call for applications program is available across Canada.
Is the The Canadian SKA Scientist Program: call for applications a grant, loan, or tax credit?
The Canadian SKA Scientist Program: call for applications is a Grant and Funding
Who are the financial supporters of the The Canadian SKA Scientist Program: call for applications?
The Canadian SKA Scientist Program: call for applications is funded by National Research Council Canada (NRC)