Astrophysicist, (Postdoctoral Research Fellow) (IS-1330-11)
Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory
Cambridge, MA
JOB DETAILS
SALARY
$84,579–$109,959 Per Year
LOCATION
Cambridge, MA
POSTED
30+ days ago
Description
OPENING DATE: January 7, 2026
CLOSING DATE: March 6, 2026
TYPE OF POSITION: Trust Fund (Non-Federal), Temporary, not to exceed 1 year
LOCATION: Cambridge, MA
AREA OF CONSIDERATION: This position is open to all eligible candidates.
CLOSING DATE: March 6, 2026
TYPE OF POSITION: Trust Fund (Non-Federal), Temporary, not to exceed 1 year
LOCATION: Cambridge, MA
AREA OF CONSIDERATION: This position is open to all eligible candidates.
What are Trust Fund Positions?
Trust Fund positions are unique to the Smithsonian. They are paid for from a variety of sources, including the Smithsonian endowment, revenue from our business activities, donations, grants and contracts. Trust employees are not part of the civil service, nor does trust fund employment lead to Federal status. The salary ranges for trust positions are generally the same as for federal positions and in many cases trust and federal employees work side by side. Trust employees have their own benefit program, which may include Health, Dental & Vision Insurance, Life Insurance, Transit/Commuter Benefits, Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance, Annual and Sick Leave, Family Friendly Leave, 403b Retirement Plan, Discounts for Smithsonian Memberships, Museum Stores and Restaurants, Credit Union, Smithsonian Early Enrichment Center (Childcare), Flexible Spending Account (Health & Dependent Care).
Conditions of Employment
- Pass Pre-employment Background Check and Subsequent Background Investigation, as required.
- Complete a Probationary Period if applicable.
- Maintain a Bank Account for Direct Deposit/Electronic Transfer.
- The position is open to all candidates eligible to work in the United States. Proof of eligibility to work in U.S. is not required to apply.
- Applicants must meet all qualification and eligibility requirements within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement.
OVERVIEW
INTRODUCTION
The Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO) is at the forefront, internationally, of the scientific exploration of the universe. SAO combines its resources with those of the Harvard College Observatory to form the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics (CfA). The CfA is the best-known astrophysics center in the world. Its programs range from ground-based astronomy and astrophysics research to space-based research, the engineering and development of major scientific instrumentation for space launch and use in large ground-based facilities, and research designed to improve science education. The research objectives of SAO are carried out primarily with the support of Government and Smithsonian Institution funds, with additional philanthropic support. Government funds are in the form of Federal appropriations or the form of contracts and grants from other agencies. In contrast, Institution funds are available to SAO through grants from the Institution's Restricted Funds, Special Purpose Funds, Bureau Activities, Business Activities, and non-Federal contracts and grants.
SUMMARY
This is the position of Astrophysicist (Post-Doctoral Research Fellow) in the Solar, Stellar, and Planetary Physics Division. The purpose of the position is to conduct a program of scientific research and scholarship in the area of exoplanet microlensing, including theoretical studies of microlensing degeneracies and analysis of microlensing event light curves and other data. We are particularly interested in candidates with a background in microlensing light curve analysis. We are also looking to hire Post-Doctoral Fellows with interests in exoplanet population studies and in modeling how distributions of physical parameters relate to their observational counterparts.
The Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO) is at the forefront, internationally, of the scientific exploration of the universe. SAO combines its resources with those of the Harvard College Observatory to form the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics (CfA). The CfA is the best-known astrophysics center in the world. Its programs range from ground-based astronomy and astrophysics research to space-based research, the engineering and development of major scientific instrumentation for space launch and use in large ground-based facilities, and research designed to improve science education. The research objectives of SAO are carried out primarily with the support of Government and Smithsonian Institution funds, with additional philanthropic support. Government funds are in the form of Federal appropriations or the form of contracts and grants from other agencies. In contrast, Institution funds are available to SAO through grants from the Institution's Restricted Funds, Special Purpose Funds, Bureau Activities, Business Activities, and non-Federal contracts and grants.
SUMMARY
This is the position of Astrophysicist (Post-Doctoral Research Fellow) in the Solar, Stellar, and Planetary Physics Division. The purpose of the position is to conduct a program of scientific research and scholarship in the area of exoplanet microlensing, including theoretical studies of microlensing degeneracies and analysis of microlensing event light curves and other data. We are particularly interested in candidates with a background in microlensing light curve analysis. We are also looking to hire Post-Doctoral Fellows with interests in exoplanet population studies and in modeling how distributions of physical parameters relate to their observational counterparts.
MAJOR DUTIES
- Conduct a program of research and scholarship that is broadly related to microlensing exoplanet science under the supervision and direction of the Principal Investigator (PI).
- Engage in the dissemination of the results of the research. For example, prepare papers for publication in scientific journals, and prepare and present findings at scientific meetings, as required.
- Support, as required, the development of proposals for research funding.
- Engage in the wider research and scholarly activities of the CfA.
- Mentor and assist undergraduate and graduate students in your area of research.
- Other duties as required.
QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
Basic Requirements:
A. Degree: in one or a combination of astronomy, physics, mathematics, space science, or electronics. The coursework must have included differential and integral calculus and 12 semester hours in astronomy and/or physics.
OR
B. Combination of education and experience -- at least 30 semester hours of courses equivalent to a major in any combination of astronomy, space science, physics, mathematics, and electronics, with required course work as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.
OR
B. Combination of education and experience -- at least 30 semester hours of courses equivalent to a major in any combination of astronomy, space science, physics, mathematics, and electronics, with required course work as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.
In addition to the basic requirements, candidates for the grade 11 must also possess one of the following:
A. Master's or equivalent graduate degree; or
B. Minimum of one-year specialized experience equivalent to at least grade 9 in the normal line of progression for this occupation. Specialized experience is experience that has equipped the applicant with the particular competencies/knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position such as research experience in the fields of both microlensing exoplanets and/or exoplanet population studies
or
A. Master's or equivalent graduate degree; or
B. Minimum of one-year specialized experience equivalent to at least grade 9 in the normal line of progression for this occupation. Specialized experience is experience that has equipped the applicant with the particular competencies/knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position such as research experience in the fields of both microlensing exoplanets and/or exoplanet population studies
or
C. Combination of successfully completed graduate level education and experience equivalent to the above.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities required:
- Knowledge of the technical methods, principles and practices of the field of microlensing exoplanets and/or exoplanet population studies.
- Ability to use statistical inference, computer technology and computational modeling, and data analysis in the solution of scientific problems.
- Ability to perform scientific research as may be evidenced by receipt of a Ph.D.
- Ability to publish research results as may be evidenced by prior publications.
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively as part of a research group or scientific team.
- Ability to learn new scientific methods, tools, or techniques as needed.
Education completed outside the United States must be deemed equivalent to higher education programs of U.S. Institutions by an organization that specializes in the interpretation of foreign educational credentials. This documentation is the responsibility of the applicant and should be included as part of your application package.
Any false statement in your application may result in rejection of your application and may also result in termination after employment begins.
The Smithsonian Institution values and seeks a diverse workforce. Join us in "Inspiring Generations through Knowledge and Discovery."
Resumes should include a description of your paid and non-paid work experience that is related to this job; starting and ending dates of job (month and year); and average number of hours worked per week.
What To Expect Next: Once the vacancy announcement closes, a review of your resume will be compared against the qualification and experience requirements related to this job. After review of applicant resumes is complete, qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring manager.
Relocation expenses are not paid.
Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
The Smithsonian Institution provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation should contact hr@cfa.harvard.edu. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. To learn more, please review the Smithsonian’s Accommodation Procedures.
Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
The Smithsonian Institution provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation should contact hr@cfa.harvard.edu. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. To learn more, please review the Smithsonian’s Accommodation Procedures.
The Smithsonian Institution is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We believe that a workforce comprising a variety of educational, cultural, and experiential backgrounds support and enhance our daily work life and contribute to the richness of our exhibitions and programs. See Smithsonian EEO program information: https://www.si.edu/oeesd.
The Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity in our workplace. Please visit the SAO website at http://www.cfa.harvard.edu/
About the Company
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