Heising-Simons Foundation’s Astronova™ Fellowship
Supporting promising postdoctoral researchers revolutionizing astronomical instrumentation.
Help shape the future of astronomical instrumentation at one of the world’s leading observatories.
W. M. Keck Observatory is proud to serve as a host institution for the Heising-Simons Foundation’s Astronova™ Fellowship, a prestigious postdoctoral fellowship supporting scientists who are developing the next generation of astronomical instrumentation.
The fellowship empowers early-career researchers to pursue innovative instrumentation concepts that will advance astronomy and astrophysics, cosmology, and planetary science. Fellows receive flexible funding to conduct independent research while working alongside leading scientists and engineers in a collaborative environment dedicated to pushing the boundaries of discovery.
At Keck Observatory, Astronova Fellows have the opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking instrumentation that enables transformational science on the Observatory’s twin 10-meter telescopes atop Maunakea.
Why Keck Observatory?
Keck Observatory has a long history of pioneering astronomical instrumentation that has transformed our understanding of the universe. From adaptive optics systems to cutting-edge spectrographs and future instrumentation initiatives, innovation is central to our mission.
As a host institution, Keck Observatory offers fellows the opportunity to:
- Collaborate with internationally recognized astronomers, engineers, and software developers.
- Contribute to the design, development, and commissioning of next-generation astronomical instruments.
- Work in an environment where instrumentation directly enables world-leading science.
- Engage with a vibrant scientific community across the Observatory and partner institutions.
- Build the experience and professional network needed for future faculty and research leadership positions.
Applications for the 2026 Heising-Simons Foundation Astronova™ Fellowship are open July 14 through October 2, 2026.
Applicants interested in conducting their fellowship at W. M. Keck Observatory should submit their application through the Heising-Simons Foundation and select Keck Observatory as their preferred host institution.
| Milestone | Date |
|---|---|
| Applications Open | July 14, 2026 |
| Applications Close | October 2, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. Pacific |
| Fellowship Notifications | January 2027 |
| Fellowship Begins | 2027 |
Applications are administered by the Heising-Simons Foundation.
Prospective applicants interested in selecting W. M. Keck Observatory as their host institution should review the fellowship eligibility requirements and application instructions through the Foundation before submitting an application.
Applicants are encouraged to identify and connect with a potential Keck Observatory mentor early in the application process.
About the Astronova™ Fellowship
Launched in 2026 by the Heising-Simons Foundation, the Astronova™ Fellowship supports promising postdoctoral researchers who are revolutionizing astronomical instrumentation. The program is designed to prepare fellows for careers as leaders in instrumentation research and development while fostering the next generation of astronomical instrumentalists.
The fellowship includes:
- Four years of flexible funding, with the possibility of a fifth-year extension.
- Salary, benefits, and discretionary research support through the fellow’s host institution.
- Access to an Innovation Fund beginning in the second year to pursue novel instrumentation concepts.
- Catalytic funding opportunities for fellows who transition to faculty or research positions during the fellowship.
- Professional development and networking, including an annual instrumentation research summit with advisors and leaders in the field.
The Heising-Simons Foundation is a family foundation dedicated to unlocking knowledge, opportunity, and possibilities in pursuit of better lives and a better world. We invest in leaders, organizations, and ideas that improve early childhood education, climate and clean energy, science, domestic human rights, journalism, and youth housing in San Francisco.
Keck Observatory is honored to be selected as a host institution for the Astronova™ Fellowship and extends its gratitude to the Heising-Simons Foundation for its investment in the future of astronomical instrumentation and the scientists who will lead it.