Expressions of interest for the SKA Fellowships Programme are temporarily on hold.
The Australian Government is now operating in line with Caretaker Conventions, pending the outcome of the 2025 federal election.
Expressions of interest are on hold
The program provides opportunities for individuals, and the organisations they represent, to contribute directly to the development of the SKA.
Fellowships are typically 2 to 3 months and are based at the SKAO headquarters in the United Kingdom (UK).
The Australian SKA Office and the SKAO support the program.
Eligibility
The program is open to any Australia-based person with skills in designing and implementing a major science infrastructure project. Relevant areas of expertise include:
- astronomy
- science
- engineering
- management
- mission assurance
- communications.
Previous SKA fellows have included SKA scientists and business operations specialists.
Financial support
The SKAO meets the cost of accommodation during the fellow’s time working in the Headquarters.
The Australian SKA Office and affiliates provide return travel to the UK. Any additional travel costs will be met by the fellow or their employer.
The fellow’s employer pays the fellow’s salary during the fellowship period. This support is prerequisite to application.
Visa requirements will depend on the fellow’s personal circumstances. The Australian SKA Office will meet reasonable costs.
Applying for a fellowship
Express interest to apply
- Complete the fellowships expression of interest form
- Email the completed form and your résumé to the Australian SKA Office: ska@industry.gov.au
Fellowships expression of interest form
The Australian SKA Office and SKAO consider all expressions of interest.
Proposals that best match the project's current strategic priorities will be awarded a fellowship.
You will have the opportunity to suggest short projects or nominate areas of work you could contribute to.
Submit a formal application
If your expression of interest is accepted, you will be asked to submit a formal application. The Australian SKA Office will work with you to confirm:
- travel details
- the scope of work proposed
- any additional activities.
Fellowship terms and conditions
The fellowship includes a pre-travel briefing with the chair of the Australian SKA Coordination Committee (ASCC) and Science Advisory Committee (SAC).
Fellows:
- must sign a secondment and intellectual property agreement before commencing the fellowship
- are expected to work with Australian colleagues before and after the SKAO visit: this is to build expertise and share information
- report back on project outcomes to the ASCC SAC
- present at the annual SKA science conference in Australia.