ANNOUNCEMENT OF OPPORTUNITY

WHAT IS LSSTC?

The LSSTC Catalyst Fellowship funded by the John Templeton Foundation supports postdoctoral researchers in astrophysics and the social sciences. The Fellowship is focused on realizing the full potential of the Rubin Observatory’s Legacy Survey of Space and Time (LSST), both through new discoveries and creating exceptional opportunities for astrophysics and social science researchers, including those from traditionally under-represented groups and institutions.

Astrophysics:

The astrophysics Fellowships support postdoctoral scientists to make discoveries during the run-up to LSST and during the early years of LSST.  The Fellowship is designed to train a diverse group of scientific leaders who are deeply and broadly familiar with LSST’s capabilities.

Astrophysics Announcement

Social Science:

The social science fellowships support early-career social scientists who will use a variety of methods to study the social aspects of this large scale and innovative scientific endeavor such as: how collaboration networks form; how interdisciplinary research can be fostered; how original contributions are developed; how gender and race influence scientific practice and mentoring; and how scientific practices are evolving with new, big, and open datasets. 

Social Science Announcement

LINCC:

The LSSTC Catalyst Fellowship is a foundational part of the LSST Interdisciplinary Network for Collaboration and Computing (LINCC). All LSSTC Catalyst Fellows, regardless of their host institution, will benefit from aspects of LINCC.  For example, Fellows will be provided with opportunities to connect with the software development team for the LINCC frameworks initiative and participate in software development or serve as beta testers for software related to their science.  They will also receive computing resources in the cloud or on HPC (e.g., through a JupyterHub deployment with a maintained software environment and access to precursor survey datasets) to enable their LSST-related work.  As other LINCC activities are rolled out, such as a planned monthly seminar series, Catalyst Fellows will have opportunities to engage as organizers and/or participants.

During their Fellowships, astrophysics and social science Fellows will share knowledge and perspectives on the sociotechnical arrangements that produce astrophysics research and the broader social implications of astronomical science.  Diversity, equity, and inclusion will be prioritized in all aspects of the LSSTC Catalyst Fellowship Program. Fellows will develop critical connections with each other and with the Science Collaborations across the LSST community.

  • The Catalyst Fellowship will support at least two cohorts of Fellows. We are now accepting applications for the second cohort of astrophysics Fellows, to be selected in early 2023 and to begin their fellowships in autumn of 2023. 
  • Fellowships will be held at US or international LSSTC member institutions, as well as other institutions that we refer to as expansion sites
  • Five astrophysics Fellows will be selected per cohort, for 3-4 year terms. Two social science Fellows will be selected in early 2023, beginning their fellowship in autumn of 2023.

 

DATES AND DEADLINES:

October 6, 2022 • Ideas Lab Workshop for prospective applicants and host institutions

November 15, 2022 • Application deadline for Fellowships in astrophysics

January 15, 2023 • Application deadline for Fellowships in the social sciences

Late January or early February 2022 • offers made for Fellowships in astrophysics

Around April 2023 • offers made for Fellowships in the social sciences

 

Recording of Ideas Lab Information Session.