Plaskett Fellowship – frequently asked questions

1. What is the NRC looking for in a Plaskett Fellowship candidate?

We are seeking early-career researchers who are driven by research excellence and demonstrate strong potential and readiness for an independent research opportunity. Specific selection criteria can be found on the job poster.

The NRC operates its astronomy programs at the Dominion Astrophysical Observatory (DAO) and the Dominion Radio Astrophysical Observatory (DRAO) to provide, and to support, astronomy infrastructure used by Canadian university researchers and their students. To meet those ends, we are heavily involved in international programs.

A key attribute of a Plasket Fellow is being able to interact significantly with the scientific staff. Astronomy staff research focuses on observational astrophysics with specific interests in galaxies, large-scale structure, stellar populations, stars, star formation, the interstellar medium and the minor bodies of the solar system. Theoreticians who want to interact closely with the observations and observers in the above research areas are most welcome to apply.

2. I'm not Canadian. Can I still apply?

Yes. Preference is given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada.

3. Will I be able to get a visa or work permit? What about my spouse or partner or children?

In Canada, Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) and Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada each play a role in processing visas. The NRC's human resources Branch has a great deal of experience in these matters, and will assist you in the process of obtaining the appropriate employment authorization.

4. How will I know the status of my application?

We will do our best to provide information to applicants via e-mail, at appropriate points in the process, to keep them informed as to their status.

If you haven't heard from us and would like to know about your application status, please e-mail HRQuestionsRH_CG1@nrc-cnrc.gc.ca and we will provide the information we can at that time.

5. Which formats can I use when sending documents to you?

We can read most standard file formats: MS Word, rich-text format (.rtf), ASCII text (.txt), portable document format (.pdf), and postscript (.ps).

6. What happens if my application is late?

We cannot guarantee that late applications will receive full consideration. Please ensure that your application materials and letters of reference reach us by the deadline.

7. Will there be opportunities to supervise students?

Yes. Interactions with local students, faculty and postdocs are welcomed and encouraged, and often result in fruitful collaborations that continue for many years.

Each year the NRC Herzberg Astronomy and Astrophysics Research Centre hires a number of top undergraduate students from Canadian universities as part of the NRC's student employment program. Plaskett Fellows may propose to supervise or co-supervise a student to work with them on a research project. Opportunities for staff to request a student normally arise 3 times per year, with the number of students hired at any given time depending upon on available funds. Many Fellows (and their students) have gained valuable experience through this program.

8. I obtained my Ph.D. more than 5 years ago. Can I still apply?

Applicants must have received their Ph.D. no more than 5 years before assuming the Fellowship.

9. Are there other job opportunities for postdocs at the NRC Herzberg Astronomy and Astrophysics Research Centre?

Many people have gained postdoctoral experience at the NRC Herzberg Astronomy and Astrophysics Research Centre in the past decades through a variety of programs. The NRC welcomes and benefits enormously from the presence of active individuals interested in participating in the scientific and technical research in Victoria, including those who wish to apply to other organizations for independent funding to work with the research centre staff. Over the years, many have come with initial support from international organizations or programs in their home country.

Staff seeking astronomers with skills to work with them on a particular project, e.g., one of the instrumentation development programs, often review Plaskett Fellowship applications. Enquiries are welcome from those who are preparing to seek external funding or who are interested in working on one of the specific projects underway at the NRC Herzberg Astronomy and Astrophysics Research Centre's Dominion Astrophysical Observatory, located in Victoria, B.C.

10. Why is this fellowship named after "Plaskett"?
Dr. John Stanley Plaskett

The Plaskett Fellowship honours Dr. John Stanley Plaskett (1865 – 1941), the founding director of the Dominion Astrophysical Observatory (1913 – 1934). Acclaimed for his studies of spectroscopic binary stars, innovative instrument design and telescope construction, and his major contributions to understanding of the Milky Way as a galaxy, Dr. Plaskett is recognized as the founder of astrophysics in Canada.

 
11. How can I find out more?

If you have not found the answer to your question on this web site, please contact us at HRQuestionsRH_CG1@nrc-cnrc.gc.ca. We will reply as quickly as possible.