CfA Postdoctoral Fellowship Grant

CfA Postdoctoral Fellowship Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Smithsonian Institution (SI)
Amount: More than US $298,500
Last Updated: September 05, 2025

Summary

The CfA Postdoctoral Fellowship at the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory offers a three-year program for emerging astrophysics researchers, with a potential fourth-year renewal. The fellowship provides a stipend of $81,500, an annual research budget of $18,000, and comprehensive health benefits. Eligible candidates should have less than two years of post-PhD research experience, with an emphasis on outstanding research skills in various astrophysical fields. This opportunity is open to English-speaking applicants from all nations.

Overview

The Center for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian (CfA) is a joint institution connecting the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO) and the Harvard College Observatory (HCO). The CfA is a diverse astrophysical institution at which more than 800 staff and students are engaged in a broad program of research and education in astronomy, astrophysics, and earth and space sciences. The CfA is at the forefront, internationally, of the scientific exploration of the universe. Our research covers theoretical astrophysics, observational ground and space-based astronomy, engineering and technology development, and education. The research objectives of the CfA are carried out primarily with the support of government, Smithsonian Institution, and Harvard funds, with additional philanthropic support. At the CfA, the next generation of scientific leaders are being trained and mentored through a broad range of postdoctoral positions and fellowships as well as graduate and undergraduate student programs. The mission of the CfA Postdoctoral Fellowship program at the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory is to support innovative astrophysics research by offering to the next generation of developing independent researchers full access to the unique facilities, research staff and resources of the Center for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian. Term Appointments last for 3 years, with renewal for a fourth year likely, contingent upon satisfactory progress. Stipend Stipend of $81,500 with an annual cost-of-living adjustmentResearch budget of $18,000 for each yearFunding for health and dental benefits for the Fellow (and dependents if applicable), which are provided at no cost to the FellowOne-time relocation allowanceFunding opportunities for workshops and topical discussions, and to host scientific visitors through a newly created workshop and visitor program

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. Eligible candidates must be within 2 years or less of equivalent full-time post-PhD research experience at time of the fellowship start date of September 1, 2025. Time taken for family leave, carer duties, illness, or other career gaps does not count towards the 2 years of post-PhD full-time equivalent research (FTER) and should be noted in the CV.Successful candidates will be outstanding researchers with demonstrated promise in theory, observation, instrumentation, engineering, and/or laboratory or experimental astrophysics.Open to all qualified applicants who are English-speaking citizens from any nation.