CfA Postdoctoral Fellowship
The CfA Postdoctoral Fellowship supports early-career astrophysicists to conduct independent, innovative research using premier facilities at the Harvard & Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics.
Funder: Harvard and Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics
Due Dates: Applications open August 2026 | Applications due October 2026 (projected)
Funding Amounts: $81,500/year stipend (with annual cost-of-living adjustment) | $18,000/year research budget | Three-year appointment (third year contingent on progress) | Health/dental benefits and relocation allowance included
Summary: Supports early-career astrophysicists with independent research opportunities and access to world-class facilities at the CfA.
Key Information: Open to candidates within 2 years of full-time post-PhD research experience at fellowship start (excluding certain career gaps).
Description
The CfA Postdoctoral Fellowship at the Center for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian (CfA) is designed to foster innovative research by providing early-career scientists with independence, access to premier facilities, and a collaborative environment. Fellows benefit from the CfA's extensive resources, including major observatories, engineering teams, and interdisciplinary research initiatives across theoretical, observational, and experimental astrophysics. The program encourages professional growth through mentoring, workshops, and broad engagement in the CfA's vibrant academic community in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
