The Brinson Foundation announces the call for applications for postdoctoral fellowships under the Brinson Prize Fellowship Program beginning in the fall of 2027. The Space Telescope Science Institute is collaborating with The Brinson Foundation in support of this program.
Brinson Prize Fellowships are awarded to early-career astrophysicists and cosmologists who are committed to chasing bold ideas with creative, nimble, and innovative research. The awards support ambitious research in observational cosmology, with a focus on projects that complement and capitalize on the latest space science. Proposals describing instrumentation development should be connected with observing the sky, and all proposals should include a science communication plan and ideas for future engagement with broad audiences.
The fellowship is open to applicants who have earned (or will have earned) their doctoral degree on or after January 1, 2023 in astronomy, physics, or related disciplines. The duration of the Fellowship is up to three years.
We anticipate offering up to three Brinson Prize Fellowships this year. The Fellowships are tenable at the following participating U.S. institutions:
The Announcement of Opportunity, which includes detailed program policies and application instructions, is available at the website: https://www.stsci.edu/stsci-research/fellowships/brinson-prize-fellowship-program/announcement-of-opportunity
The application submission page will be open from September 9, 2026 until the application deadline on November 5, 2026.
Applicants should follow the instructions given in the Announcement. Please send any further inquiries to brinsonfellow@stsci.edu.
Applications are due Thursday, November 5, 2026 (7 PM EST, 4 PM PST, 24:00 UTC)
EXTENDED: Letters of reference are due Thursday, November 12, 2026 (Note: the applications are due before the letters.)
Offers will be made in late January 2027 and new appointments should begin on or about September 1, 2027. Brinson Prize Fellowships are open to citizens from all countries.
Application Deadline: Thursday, November 5, 2026
Selection Deadline: Monday, February 15, 2027
Current Status of Position: Accepting Applicants
Individuals needing assistance with the employment process can contact us at careers@stsci.edu.
The Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA) is a consortium of 47 US institutions and 3 international affiliates that operates world-class astronomical observatories for the National Science Foundation and NASA. AURA’s role is to establish, nurture, and promote public observatories and facilities that advance innovative astronomical research. In addition, AURA is deeply committed to public and educational outreach. AURA carries out its role through its astronomical facilities.
AURA is responsible for the successful management and operation of its three centers: NSF’s National Optical-Infrared Astronomy Research Laboratory (NOIRLab); the National Solar Observatory (NSO); and the Space Telescope Science Institute (STScI).
