SHAO Invites Global Talents to Apply for NSFC Excellent Young Scholars Fund (Overseas)
About SHAO
Shanghai Astronomical Observatory (SHAO), an institute of Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), was officially established in 1962 following the amalgamation of the former Xujiahui Observatory and Sheshan Observatory, which were founded by French Jesuits in 1872 and 1900, respectively. The general headquarter is now in Xujiahui of Shanghai and several observational bases are set up in Sheshan, Songjiang District of the city.
Astro-geodynamics, Galaxies & Cosmology and Planetary Science are the major basic research fields in SHAO. Meanwhile, SHAO also develops modern technologies for astronomical observations and time & frequency applications. It has some world-class teams in fundamental researches and plays an important role in national key projects such as navigation & positioning and deep space exploration in the fields of applied research. For details, please visit the website of SHAO at www.shao.ac.cn
Xuhui Campus of SHAO
Sheshan Campus of SHAO
About NSFC Excellent Young Scholars Fund (Overseas)
National Natural Science Foundation of China(NSFC) Excellent Young Scholars Fund (Overseas) aims to encourage overseas outstanding young scholars (including non-Chinese foreigners) who have made good achievements in natural science, engineering technology and other fields to return to China (come to China) for work, independently select research directions to carry out innovative research, promote the rapid growth of young scientific and technological talents, cultivate a number of outstanding academic backbones who are expected to enter the world's scientific and technological frontier, and contribute to the construction of a powerful country in science and technology. For details, please visit the website of NSFC at http://www.nsfc.gov.cn/
SHAO invites global talents to apply for it, and will fully assist in preparing the application.
Application Requirements
1. Comply with PRC law and academic integrity, consciously practice the spirit of scientists in the new era.
2. Born on or after Jan 1, 1983.
3. Have a doctorate degree.
4. In principle, applicants shall have formal teaching or research position in an overseas university, college or scientific research institution and shall have such overseas work experience for more than consecutive 36 months before March 15, 2023 (for those applicants, who obtained doctorate degree overseas and with outstanding achievements, the required years of working may be reduced).
5. Applicants should have made influential contributions and research achievements recognized by experts in the same field, and with the potential to become leading scientists or outstanding talents in the fields.
6. Applicants have not worked full time in China, or have returned (or come) to work in China after Jan 1, 2022. If applicants are informed to get fund, they should resign from their oversea positions and work full time in China for at least 3 years.
Research directions
SHAO invites global talents to apply for NSFC Excellent Young Scholars Fund (Overseas), main research directions as follows.
1. Astrophysics (Black hole and compact astrophysics, Cosmology and galactic astrophysics, Stellar physics, Planetary physics, Radio astrophysics., High energy astrophysics, Time-domain astronomy, Gravitational wave astronomy, etc.).
2. Astronomical geodynamics (Precise orbit determination and application of space vehicles, Astrometry and reference frame, Satellite navigation and remote sense, Satellite laser ranging and application, Earth observation and global change, etc.) .
3. Astronomical technology and methods (Ground-based/Space radio astronomy technology and VLBI technology, Radio interference array big data analysis, Space electronics，Optical infrared astronomy technology, Optical interference technology, Exoplanet detection and research, Time frequency and atomic clock technology, etc.).
Supports
Those who rely on SHAO to apply for Excellent Young Scholars Fund (Overseas) and obtained can get the following supports.
1. Position Employed as a senior professional and technical position, and given preferential support in postgraduate enrollment and other aspects.
2. Salary Provide attractive remuneration.
3. Living conditions: provide revolving apartments and high standard housing subsidies.
4. Working conditions: provide sufficient office and scientific research rooms.
5. Scientific research start-up funds: based on the support of the NSFC (RMB 1 million to 3 million) and SHAO provides a scientific research start-up fund of no less than RMB 1 million.
Those who rely on SHAO to apply it and enter the stage of conference evaluation but not finally supported, SHAO will priority to recruit as high-level talents, providing attractive remuneration and scientific research support.
Contact us
Interested applicants are encouraged to send CV, main academic achievements and supporting materials to rjc@shao.ac.cn before February 15th, 2023.
Please note “NSFC Excellent Young Scholars” in email.
We are glad to provide services for your application.
Ms. Wu +86-21-34775035
Ms. Shang +86-21-34775031
Faculty Positions at Shanghai Astronomical Observatory, CAS
Brief Introduction
The Shanghai Astronomical Observatory (SHAO), an institute of Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), was officially established in 1962 following the amalgamation of the former Xujiahui Observatory and Sheshan Observatory, which were founded by French Jesuits in 1872 and 1900, respectively. Currently, SHAO has the Xujiahui Campus, the Sheshan Campus, and astronomical observation stations located in Sheshan (Songjiang, Shanghai), Kunming (Yunnan), Shigatse (Tibet), and Changbai Mountain (Jilin), with its headquarters located in Xujiahui Campus.
Astro-geodynamics, astrophysics and planetary science are the major basic research fields in SHAO. SHAO also focuses on modern astronomical observation technologies and time-frequency techniques. SHAO strives to provide scientific and technical support for astronomical research and national strategic needs. It has several world-class basic research teams and plays an important role in applied research fields such as navigation & positioning and deep space exploration.
The main observational facilities include Very Long Baseline Interferometry (VLBI) stations (the 25-meter radio telescope in Sheshan, the 65-meter Tianma telescope in Shanghai, and 40-meter radio telescopes in Kunming, Shigatse, and Changbai Mountain) with an International VLBI Network Data Processing Center, a 1.56-meter optical telescope, a 60-centimeter satellite laser ranging telescope, and a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) network. SHAO is one of the seven observatories that possess VLBI, SLR and GNSS techniques. It also manages the Chinese VLBI Network and the Chinese SLR Network.
SHAO is deeply involved in the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) project, especially is pushing to construct the China SKA Regional Centre, and leading the pre-study of the key SKA science on the detection of Epoch of Reionization in China. The observatory hosts one of the four Chinese Space Station Telescope (CSST) science centers and is leading the scientific development of the two onboard instruments, MCI and IFS. SHAO is also leading the study of the Earth 2.0 space mission, which aims to detect habitable Earth-like planets around solar type stars. In addition, SHAO is developing the projects on Ultraviolet, Infrared, Interferometry, ngEHT and Space Low Frequency Radio Observatory. Members of the institute are also actively involved in other various international and domestic projects such as EHT, HUBS, LHAASO, LAMOST, LAGER/CIDER, HXMT, eXTP, JCMT, KAGRA, Taiji and, LISA.
For details, please visit the website of SHAO at https://english.shao.cas.cn
Applicant Requirements
Applicants must hold a Ph.D. degree and have demonstrated excellence in research. Active researchers of all nationalities are welcome to apply.
Leading Talents: Preferably under 50 years of age. Candidates should be outstanding scientific leaders with internationally recognized achievements in frontier research or key technological innovations, and have experience in leading major scientific and technological programs.
Young Talents: Under 40 years of age. Candidates should hold a doctorate degree and a formal teaching or research position at a university or research institute, with at least three years of continuous work experience. Those who have earned a doctoral degree overseas and have demonstrated exceptional achievement may be granted flexibility regarding the work experience requirement.
Research Directions
1.Astrophysics (Black hole and compact object astrophysics; cosmology and galactic astrophysics; stellar physics; planetary physics; radio astrophysics; high-energy astrophysics; Time-domain astronomy; gravitational -wave astronomy, and related fields.).
2. Astro-geodynamics (Precise orbit determination and applications of space vehicles, astrometry and reference frame, satellite navigation and remote sensing, satellite laser ranging and application, earth observation and global change studies.) .
3.Astronomical Technology and Methods (Ground-based/Space radio astronomy technologies and VLBI technology, Radio interference array big data analysis, space electronics, ultraviolet, optical, and infrared astronomical technology, optical interferometry, exoplanet detection and characterization, time frequency and atomic clock technologies, and the application of artificial intelligence in astronomy, etc.).
Contact us
SHAO offers a dynamic and collaborative research environment with competitive salaries and start-up packages commensurate with qualifications and experience. Applicants should submit a curriculum vitae, publication list, and statement of research interests, and arrange three reference letters to be directly sent to shaotalent@shao.ac.cn before November 30, 2025. Please specify in the email subject line: “Faculty Positions-Research Directions（Astrophysics/Astro-geodynamics/Astronomical Technology and Methods）-Name”
Postdoctoral positions at Shanghai Astronomical Observatory, CAS
Brief Introduction
The Shanghai Astronomical Observatory (SHAO), an institute of Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), was officially established in 1962 following the amalgamation of the former Xujiahui Observatory and Sheshan Observatory, which were founded by French Jesuits in 1872 and 1900, respectively. Currently, SHAO has the Xujiahui Campus, the Sheshan Campus, and astronomical observation stations located in Sheshan (Songjiang, Shanghai), Kunming (Yunnan), Shigatse (Tibet), and Changbai Mountain (Jilin), with its headquarters located in Xujiahui Campus.
Astro-geodynamics, astrophysics and planetary science are the major basic research fields in SHAO. SHAO also focuses on modern astronomical observation technologies and time-frequency techniques. SHAO strives to provide scientific and technical support for astronomical research and national strategic needs. It has several world-class basic research teams and plays an important role in applied research fields such as navigation & positioning and deep space exploration.
The main observational facilities include Very Long Baseline Interferometry (VLBI) stations (the 25-meter radio telescope in Sheshan, the 65-meter Tianma telescope in Shanghai, and 40-meter radio telescopes in Kunming, Shigatse, and Changbai Mountain) with an International VLBI Network Data Processing Center, a 1.56-meter optical telescope, a 60-centimeter satellite laser ranging telescope, and a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) network. SHAO is one of the seven observatories that possess VLBI, SLR and GNSS techniques. It also manages the Chinese VLBI Network and the Chinese SLR Network.
SHAO is deeply involved in the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) project, especially is pushing to construct the China SKA Regional Centre, and leading the pre-study of the key SKA science on the detection of Epoch of Reionization in China. The observatory hosts one of the four Chinese Space Station Telescope (CSST) science centers and is leading the scientific development of the two onboard instruments, MCI and IFS. SHAO is also leading the study of the Earth 2.0 space mission, which aims to detect habitable Earth-like planets around solar type stars. In addition, SHAO is developing the projects on Ultraviolet, Infrared, Interferometry, ngEHT and Space Low Frequency Radio Observatory. Members of the institute are also actively involved in other various international and domestic projects such as EHT, HUBS, LHAASO, LAMOST, LAGER/CIDER, HXMT, eXTP, JCMT, KAGRA, Taiji and, LISA.
For details, please visit the website of SHAO at https://english.shao.cas.cn
Applicant Requirements
Applicants should be under the age of 35, and must have obtained their PhD degree within the last 3 years. Active researchers of all nationalities are encouraged to apply.
Research Directions
1.Astrophysics (Black hole and compact object astrophysics; cosmology and galactic astrophysics; stellar physics; planetary physics; radio astrophysics; high-energy astrophysics; Time-domain astronomy; gravitational -wave astronomy, and related fields.).
2. Astro-geodynamics (Precise orbit determination and applications of space vehicles, astrometry and reference frame, satellite navigation and remote sensing, satellite laser ranging and application, earth observation and global change studies.) .
3.Astronomical Technology and Methods (Ground-based/Space radio astronomy technologies and VLBI technology, Radio interference array big data analysis, space electronics, ultraviolet, optical, and infrared astronomical technology, optical interferometry, exoplanet detection and characterization, time frequency and atomic clock technologies, and the application of artificial intelligence in astronomy, etc.).
Contact us
Applicants should submit a curriculum vitae, brief research summary and plan, and arrange for three reference letters to be sent directly to rjc@shao.ac.cn before November 30, 2025. Please specify in the email subject line: “Postdoctoral positions-Research Directions（Astrophysics/Astro-geodynamics/Astronomical Technology and Methods）-Name” .
