JC Ryan Postdoctoral Fellowship
The JC Ryan Postdoctoral Fellowship supports independent astrophysics research at the CfA, offering access to major facilities, collaboration, and professional development in a leading scientific environment.
Funder: Harvard and Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics
Due Dates: October 31, 2026: Full application deadline (annual — applications open late August and are typically due in October)
Funding Amounts: $81,500 annual stipend (with cost-of-living adjustment) | $18,000/year research budget | 3-year appointment (third year contingent on progress)
Summary: Supports independent postdoctoral research in astrophysics at the Center for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian, with access to world-class resources and professional development.
Key Information: Fellowship is not available for 2025–2026; next application cycle is for 2026 start.
Description
The JC Ryan Postdoctoral Fellowship at the Center for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian (CfA) is designed to foster innovative and independent astrophysics research. Fellows receive access to CfA’s extensive facilities, research staff, and resources, including major telescopes and participation in both ground- and space-based observing programs. The fellowship encourages interdisciplinary collaboration, instrumentation development, mentoring, education, and outreach. The CfA is internationally recognized for its leadership in theoretical, observational, and laboratory astrophysics, providing a vibrant scientific community in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
