Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory Predoctoral Fellowship Program
This fellowship lets PhD students conduct advanced astronomy or astrophysics thesis research at the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory with SAO scientist mentorship and access to top research facilities.
Funder: Smithsonian Institution
Due Dates: November 1, 2026 | May 1, 2027 | May 1, 2026 | November 1, 2025
Funding Amounts: Stipend matches Harvard Astronomy Department graduate student support (updated annually); renewable up to 2 years; possible additional funds for relocation/travel.
Summary: Enables PhD students to conduct thesis research in astronomy or astrophysics at the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory under SAO scientist mentorship.
Key Information: Applicants must secure funding from their home institution or SAO advisor.
Description
The Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO) Predoctoral Fellowship Program offers graduate students from universities worldwide the opportunity to conduct doctoral thesis research in astronomy, astrophysics, or closely related fields under the mentorship of SAO scientists at the Center for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian. The program provides access to cutting-edge facilities, observatories, laboratories, and data from major space missions, fostering collaboration in a vibrant research environment. Fellows remain enrolled at their home institution, with their thesis advisor overseeing progress alongside an SAO sponsor.
Research areas span atomic and molecular physics, geophysics, planetary science, star formation, galaxies, cosmology, and more. Appointments are for six months or longer, renewable up to two years in total. The program is open to students pursuing theory, observation, instrumentation, or laboratory research.
