CfA Postdoctoral Fellowship
The CfA Postdoctoral Fellowship supports early-career astrophysics researchers pursuing independent work in theory, observation, instrumentation, engineering, or experimental science using CfA resources.
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Funder: Harvard and Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics
Due Dates: October 15, 2026 (Application) | November 17, 2026 (Reference letters, if requested)
Funding Amounts: $84,600 stipend with annual cost-of-living adjustment; $18,000 annual research budget; three-year appointment
Summary: Supports independent, early-career astrophysics research through access to CfA facilities, staff, and collaborations.
Key Information: Applicants must have no more than 24 months of full-time-equivalent post-PhD research experience by September 1, 2027.
Description
The CfA Postdoctoral Fellowship is run by the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO) at the Center for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian, a joint institution of SAO and Harvard College Observatory. It fosters innovative, independent astrophysics research by giving fellows access to CfA facilities, research staff, and resources.
The fellowship welcomes researchers showing promise in theory, observation, instrumentation, engineering, or laboratory and experimental astrophysics. Fellows can draw on ground- and space-based observing programs, specialized laboratories, and instrument-development teams. They are encouraged to collaborate across CfA while pursuing their own research ideas.
