Clay Postdoctoral Fellowship
The Clay Postdoctoral Fellowship supports independent, innovative astrophysics research at Harvard & Smithsonian's Center for Astrophysics, offering full access to facilities and professional development.
Funder: Harvard and Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics
Due Dates (Anticipated): October 2026 (Full application deadline, projected)
Funding Amounts: $82,500 annual stipend (with COLA), $18,000/year research budget, four-year appointment (4th year contingent on progress), health/dental benefits, relocation allowance
Summary: Supports independent postdoctoral astrophysics research at the Center for Astrophysics with full access to facilities, collaborative opportunities, and professional development.
Description
The Clay Postdoctoral Fellowship at the Center for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian (CfA) is designed to foster innovative and independent astrophysics research. Fellows benefit from full access to the CfA's extensive resources, including major observatories, specialized laboratories, and a vibrant interdisciplinary research community. The program supports professional development through workshops, conferences, mentoring, and outreach, encouraging the development of new instrumentation and research initiatives across theoretical, observational, and laboratory astrophysics.
Fellows have the autonomy to propose for external funding, lead research projects, and participate in a wide range of collaborative and educational activities. The fellowship is highly competitive and aims to train the next generation of leaders in astrophysics.
