Clay Postdoctoral Fellowship
The Clay Postdoctoral Fellowship at the Harvard and Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics supports independent, innovative astrophysics research using CfA’s extensive scientific resources.
Funder: Harvard and Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics
Due Dates: October 15, 2026 (Full application) | November 17, 2026 (Reference letters, by invitation)
Funding Amounts: $87,500/year stipend (with annual COLA), $18,000/year research budget, four-year term, health/dental included, relocation allowance
Summary: Supports independent, innovative postdoctoral research in astrophysics with full access to CfA resources and a collaborative scientific community.
Key Information: References requested only for a subset of applicants; eligibility based on 42 months post-PhD research experience (career gaps excluded).
Description
The fellowship enables promising early-career researchers to conduct independent, innovative research in any area of astrophysics at the Harvard and Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics (CfA) in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Clay Fellows benefit from access to premier observational facilities, instrumentation, and a vibrant intellectual environment, including the chance to collaborate with world-class CfA researchers and participate in professional development opportunities. The program is designed to foster future scientific leaders by providing research independence and engagement with the full spectrum of CfA's expertise and resources.
