Clay Postdoctoral Fellowship | SAO
Clay Postdoctoral Fellowship | SAO supports postdoctoral researchers pursuing independent astrophysics research with access to facilities, expertise, and collaboration to foster innovative science.
Browse similar grants
Funder: Harvard and Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics
Due Dates: October 15, 2026 (Application) | November 5, 2026 (References contacted by) | November 17, 2026 (Requested letters) | December 15, 2026 (Selection by) | September 1, 2027 (Fellowship starts)
Funding Amounts: $87,500 stipend with annual cost-of-living adjustment, plus $18,000 research budget each year; four-year appointment
Summary: Supports independent postdoctoral astrophysics research with full access to the Center for Astrophysics’ facilities, staff, and resources.
Key Information: Applicants must have no more than 42 months of equivalent full-time post-PhD research experience at the fellowship start.
Description
The Clay Postdoctoral Fellowship at the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO) fosters innovative astrophysics research through complete research independence and access to the Harvard and Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics (CfA). The CfA is a joint institution of SAO and Harvard College Observatory. The fellowship supports researchers demonstrating promise in theory, observation, instrumentation, engineering, and laboratory or experimental astrophysics.
Fellows can draw on ground- and space-based observing programs, specialized laboratories, technical and engineering teams, and expertise in artificial intelligence and data science. They are encouraged to collaborate across both observatories. The program also offers mentoring, opportunities to co-advise graduate and undergraduate students, participation in education and outreach, and support for workshops and scientific visitors. The 2027 position is in person in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
